Spirituality Books

In this book, Renewal In The Wilderness, John Lionberger makes the case for the spiritual connection and renewal that that is frequently found in wilderness and outdoor settings. John Lionberger draws on his own experience of spiritual renewal in the wilderness, his experiences guiding others on wilderness trips, and the wisdom of many religious traditions. Though Lionberger is obviously deeply centered in the Christian tradition, his writing, and the trips he leads are nothing if not inclusive, and embrace a multiplicity of faiths and non-faiths. For anyone who has ever wondered why anyone would voluntarily subject oneself to the physical sacrifices inherent in Wilderness travel, John Lionberger details in a systematic yet eloquent manner, the reasons we might all want to consider such sacrifices.

As a lover of the outdoors myself, and a person who continually finds spiritual sustenance in outdoor and wilderness settings I did not need any convincing of the case John Lionberger is making. Having said that, I really enjoyed reading Renewal in the Wilderness. It was wonderful to hear someone being so articulate and writing so beautifully about something that is so near and dear to my heart.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone, from avid wilderness fanatics to those who have never imagined themselves leaving the comforts of home or the local Holiday Inn. If you are in the latter category, John Lionberger might just convince you to give the wilderness a chance

What a great feeling to read a book and feel like you know exactly what the author is trying to convey. John does a great job portraying the potential for renewal in the wilderness. On Adventure Rabbi trips, people often ask, "Is anyone else doing anything like you do?" Now I can tell them about John.


- Rabbi Jamie Korngold, the Adventure Rabbi, author God in the Wilderness: Rediscovering the Spirituality of the Great Outdoors with the Adventure Rabbi

The end of the year, the near start of a new one. Among your resolutions-'do something to enrich and enliven my living!' What better than to buy and read this book, and then join John on a trip. This book is a wonder-filled story of his project(by the same name) in which people of varied ages, backgrounds and vocations are carefully encouraged and supported to ' connect with god in the natural world'.

My wife and I have paddled 'into the wilderness'each September for the last decade( we're 65+) and can attest to the validity of John's conviction and method. Read the book- and sign up! Ernie Harris

I started reading this book after a trip to Alaska that has had a profound impact on my view of the world, and found that the author perfectly articulated the thoughts and feelings that I suspect overcome people - or at least some people - in the presence of the transcendent beauty of Nature. This book is totally captivating in its leading the way to let each of us examine how we feel about Something Bigger Than Us - what a great phrase for those of us on a new path as we find our way, if we are lucky, to a richer and more tranquil life. I have never been so moved by any book as I have by this one. Just read it!!!

I enjoyed this book tremendously. It is thoughfully written by a previous agnostic, who does a wonderful job of describing his experiences of God's Grace in the wilderness. The book is well researched and draws upon the experiences, teachings and traditions of not only Christian theology, but of many others as well. I believe anyone would benefit from reading this fine work, and even more so by accepting its invitation to venture into the wilderness.

I wish Walters has written this book 25 years ago, when I was struggling (fruitlessly) with prayer. My failure to make any sort of meaningful connection soured me on the whole thing for the next twenty years. Walters hits the nail on the head in this step-by-step retreat on prayer/meditation. The problem I made years ago, and the problem too many other people make, is that we try too hard when it comes to praying. Letting go is a lot more difficult than grabbing onto. Anybody who wants a richer prayer life will cherish this little book.

This little book is a reflective how-to manual on continuous prayer/meditation. It takes the reader step by step to the point where he or she is ready to practice what today we would call the centering prayer. It was the text for a workshop on prayer I recently attended, and all of the participants agreed it was a great help. It's also a great guide to books and movies that deal with prayer and meditation.

I don't much like your typical retreat or howtodoit spirituality book, but this one is different. The best way to describe it is a Zen approach to Xtian prayer, where the reader/retreatist discovers that he's the riddle that needs to be solved. Very good. (although I can't figure out what the description listed by amazon.com has to do with the book. seems like it should be for another book)

Where else can you find Monty Python, C.S. Lewis, and the Kabbalah, all wrapped up in a single book? +Praying Ceaselessly+ is a gem. Anybody who has tried to meditate but quit after a few sessions ought to read it. You'll get some fantastic tips on mind-control and prayer, and along the way you'll meet two men worth knowing--Brother Lawrence and the Russian Pilgrim. I really recommend this one. It's funny in places, sorta tearful in others, and inspiring everywhere.

I wish Walters has written this book 25 years ago, when I was struggling (fruitlessly) with prayer. My failure to make any sort of meaningful connection soured me on the whole thing for the next twenty years. Walters hits the nail on the head in this step-by-step retreat on prayer/meditation. The problem I made years ago, and the problem too many other people make, is that we try too hard when it comes to praying. Letting go is a lot more difficult than grabbing onto. Anybody who wants a richer prayer life will cherish this little book.

this book is so simple and factual that even the most sceptical person can appreciate the information contained within this wonderful guide book for life.

i dare you to try it for your self and not feel the weight drop from your shoulders and your feet lift from the pavement as life becomes a joy and true living begins.

Enjoy

"Masterfully written.......a most comprehensive, clear and concise book that will assist in connecting to and healing your deepest wounds. A must for those on the healing path, giving specific instructions every step of the way. Once you open it, it will be hard to put it down".

This book goes a long way in helping to become aware of beliefs that we all hold about ourselves, our families and how life "should" be. The truth is that none of us can truly fulfill our destinies until we realize the untruths that dictate our behavior and thoughts. For anyone who has a desire to learn how to unblock the energy these false beliefs stifle, this is a great step in the process.

In moments like this when all the world is facing so much pain, fear and caos, we all search for answers, we need to know why... Well, this book not only gives you ALL THE REASONS WHY and all the answers for what we are facing on a huge scale as a humanity or as a country, here you can find how to change it all.

Because in this great book I found the only way we can do that is by healing and changing our own selves.

I have read many books in my life, but this is the first time I find a very easy and practical way to heal my wounds, to understand them and to really change my life.

I wish I had the power to put this book in the hands of each person on this planet.

Please read it!!!!

Ron Baker is a leader in the Ascension movement, and this book is proof. Luminously written with step by step instructions and exercises, this book will lead you down the path to personal empowerment. Revelations for a Healing World, Book One is a resource that you will consult over and over again on your healing path -- you could spend a lifetime working with these tools, so why waste anymore time? START NOW! In these uncertain times this book will give you the tools to create a reality for all our higher good.

This is a book written by a man from my own town, which is kinda cool. Jeff Imbach is a spiritual director here, and is just so practical and down to earth.

At the same time, however, he understands the importance of "having wings" in our faith. Let's face it. Most of us are bored silly in our "religious duties" and can't figure out how to bring in the passion without losing control. Jeff explains the theology of passion (cool enough in itself!) and then gives some very practical doable things to bring our faith to life.

This is a wonderfully inspiring, encouraging, practical book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is experiencing a "bored faith".

Darlene
http://www.mom-defrazzler.com

For a few years I've been experiencing strange desires to do all these new & creative things, intensely appreciating & almost craving color, shape, texture, deep relationships, meaning... I thought it was just a 40s thing, and what a shame that we have to live half a lifetime before we have a clue what to do with it! "The River Within" has put a name on my feelings and I'm so grateful to have stumbled upon a refreshing concept that has been so buried in the typical legalistic faith that many of us grew up in.

This is one of the best books I've ever read dealing with experiencing God in all of life and not just Sunday morning. The author does a great job of showing that God flows from within us to effect all of our life. Our desire for union and uniqueness is evidence of the Trinitarian three in one God living inside of us. The author says we should recognize and celebrate these desires as being straight from God. We just have to concentrate on the appropriate outworking of those desires. I can't say enough good about this book!

Not only is Imbach an excellent writer, but he gently clasps readers hands as he freely admits his own weaknesses and fears. Imbach challenged me to think and to grow. I loved this book.

A good friend recommended this book to me. I bought it and read it slowly over 4 months. It is an insightful and compassionate description of spiritual formation rooted in the character of the Triune God. It has profound applications to how we relate to God and to one another.

There are several significant themes and messages woven throughout the book, which could not be expressed sufficiently in a short review, except to give a short description of a few of them. The theological foundation which Jeff Imbach continues to build on throughout the book is that the passion which is expressed among the persons of the Trinity is the source of our own passion. This becomes the thematic center for the rest of the book as Imbach tries to 'rescue' passion from the chopping block of traditional discipleship. Passion is not all bad, argues Imbach. In fact, passion is an essential element in our spiritual formation as we seek to be connected to and formed by a Passionate God.

Imbach describes the "Union and Uniqueness" of the Persons of the Trinity and effectively argues that this characteristic of the Godhead expresses itself deeply in our own hearts and lives. For example, as people we have a longing for "Union"; we desire to be connected to a larger whole, to belong to a body of intimately relating friends. However, we also have the sometimes competing desire for "Uniqueness"; we long to be recognized as valuable individuals. For myself, this was the most significant theme of "The River Within". I connected well with his description of God here and with his many examples from real life experiences (both his own and others').

The image of the "River Within" becomes an important one in the book as Imbach describes the flowing of godly passion in our lives as a river with its source in God. The "river banks", then become an important symbol of the necessary boundaries of passion which, if distorted or completely unhindered, can become dissipated or destructive to our spirital lives. Imbach explains that it is up to us to carefully discern the banks for passion on our own lives.

Sometimes the examples and stories became slightly repetitive, which made the book drag a little. This is especially true while Imbach is pounding on the point that our passions are God-given and God can redeem them as an integral part of our spiritual formation.

When I first began to read chapter 12, which describes the role of Creation in our spiritual lives, I was a little uneasy about such an emphasis on nature and our role as stewards, etc. After finishing the chapter I was still not completely at home with all of the ideas, but I was able to truly appreciate some of his observations about the intimacy and presence of God which are made evident in Creation, and also about our connectedness to the earth. In fact as my wife and I were celebrating our first anniversary in rural New Hampshire, I took the book along with us during an outdoor hike and we read a section of this chapter together.

Imbach brilliantly concludes the book with chapters describing what it looks like to live passionately in community, in relationships, and with God. It is in these chapters that his wisdom and experience in listening to people becomes most evident.

There were times when this book became somewhat of a chore to persevere in, but it was worth the effort. "The River Within" was definitely good for my soul and I don't doubt that many lives would be transformed and many personal burdens lightened if believers could spend time with Imbach's ideas in this book.

After reading "The Sacred Romance" and other books describing the role of passion and "the heart" in Christian Spirituality, this book fit well into this "conversation" (as my friend would call it). Thanks Rob.

In the Road to Daybreak Nouwen seems to be able to reach us right where we are. He talks of his own flaws and failings and how Christ changes him in the midst. You will not be dissappointed with this book. Very relevant to where we are today.

Book showed priests as human this was good. I would also recommend the book An Encounter with A Prophet.

This is a wonderfully inspiring book documenting Henri's journey from Ivy League professor to the priest of a community of people with severe disabilities. His story reminds us that the crux of the Christian life is not flashiness and worldly success, but that it comes from being a servant to the needy and poor of our world. As Henri shares his fears, anxieties, and triumphs of his journey, we are encouraged to face the things keeping us from fully giving our life to the poor (be it mentally, spiritually, financially, emotionally, etc.) and/or are encouraged in the work we are already doing with people society has cast aside. If the 11th chapter of Hebrews was rewritten, Henri Nouwen would be another example of someone who showed great faith in God by taking God at his word and going to a new place where he knew not what would happen to him. As a special education teacher who is involved in the community of people with disabilities, I found Henri to be a true inspiration and encouragement to continue ministering to--and certainly being ministered to by people who have disabilities. This book would be an encouragement to anyone who wants their life to reflect some of the most central teachings of Jesus.

I learned a great deal about Fr Henri Nouwen from this book. THE ROAD TO DAYBREAK: A Spiritual Journey is his intimate diary that records the poignant year at L'Arche that began in the summer of 1985, a precious time of inner renewal and self-discovery. In his prologue, Fr Nouwen writes, "In the following pages there are words about L'Arche, about prayer, about living with handicapped people, about art, about city life, about filmmaking, about AIDS, about conflicts in the church, about Paris, London, San Francisco and Los Angeles, about Canada and a future there, and about many other small and great people and events. What binds them together in their wide variety is the spiritual struggle to say 'yes' to Jesus' invitation 'Come and follow me.'" It is this description of his spiritual journey and development over the year that is most intriguing to me. From reading these pages, I feel as though I have spoken to a friend whom I know quite well. Well enough to know his strengths in patience and tolerance, yet, also well enough to become annoyed at his foibles, Particularly, Fr Nouwen's incessant need for validation from his friends. Still, it is most striking to me the complete commitment that he has to serving his LORD. "Being in the world without being of it involves hard work." reads his entry for 10 May, "It requires a clear vision of what I want to do and how to do it. It requires a discipline of the eyes, the mind, and the heart. It requires a deep desire, as well as a strong commitment to live without interruptions in the name of Jesus." I learned of the discipline required by a desire to seek our unity in and through Jesus, the Christ. As Fr Nouwen described his work, I became aware that I am severely handicapped, myself. Although, I am blessed to be physically and mentally capable, I must confess I am spiritually handicapped. I can barely communicate in my spiritual relationship. I am challenged to maintain a consistent spiritual commitment, and I am completely dependent on the grace and mercy of the LORD, my GOD, in whose presence, I am. This insight which I received from reading this book has changed the way I view my own spiritual life and has strengthened that relationship. If you are interested in the life of Fr Henri Nouwen, or in a spiritual relationship as lived by someone, this book will be interesting to you. Although Fr Nouwen is a Catholic Priest, I think that people of all faiths and beliefs who are interested in a spiritual quest will gain from its reading. PEACE

this book was a gift to my mom when she retired from her work about 5 years ago. i don't know how it interested me but i did read it from cover to cover. as i went along, i couldn't help but identify with henri nouwen. our situation in life may not be the same but i swear i've been feeling everything that he has been feeling. his joys, his sorrows, his nostalgia, his fears. and i couldn't help but find hope each time he talks about his little triumphs over himself and over the world. i was particularly moved by the fact that though he is a priest he was so keenly aware of his need for appreciation, affection, attention and respect. my own needs that i have been wanting to ignore for fear of appearing needy and vulnerable. and besides it's senseless to get them if you will just be humiliated in the end. the worst humiliation i guess is the reproach you give yourself for not knowing to act at situations which is otherwise very ordinary to ordinary people. it is the shame of finding out you have a delusion of grandeur. it is inspiring to note that henri nouwen lived through it all and found meaning to all of them. when he did, i found meaning to each of mine's struggles too. his acceptance and redirection of his need for intimacy made me realize that even this need can be harnessed for something better. in sharing his journey i had a journey of my own. my struggles have not ended. it is lifetime. but every now and then, i would remember exerpts this book. and i become more appreciative of myself, of the people who have been a part of me and the people who are yet to be a part of my growth. i believe, a lot of people would have the same benefits that it gave me if ever they read the book.

This book is an easy read with a common down -to- earth simplicity that strikes at the very root of your heart. The authors Irish wit and love of his fellow man (in whatever background they may be from) is so very apparent that it will make you think twice before judging another human being. The stories are short, diverse and sweet. This is a must read for anyone that needs a lift and a different perspective on the every day comings and goings of life. This little book of gems left such an impression on me that I ordered 3 more copies of it and sent them for Christmas presents. Thank you Patrick Hannon for your humor and wit and keep on writing!!

Father Pat has a unique way of allowing the reader to experience the love of God in everyday, human lives. I laughed, I cried, I marveled, I prayed during my reading of this book. Father Pat also allows us insight into how to accept all of God's beings with dignity, humor and grace, no matter how challenging the situation. I liked how each story was in itself an encounter with God's mercy and love. This book is worth several reads!!

Anyone who likes a good story should like this book. It is a delightful and enlightening work that I have been recommending to my friends. Patrick Hannon, a young Holy Cross priest, generously shares with us tales of his family and his life. They are warm and engaging stories in themselves and Hannon is a great storyteller. And in his faith he reveals to us another dimension of reality -- that of prayer which is laced through the fabric of ordinary life, usually not recognized or recognizable as prayer until a book like this points it out. You will enjoy the book, you will want to pass it on.

I picked up this book from my local library mainly because Fr. Hannon is the Parochial Vicar at my parish. I was interested in his writing, as I absolutely love going to Mass to hear his homily every Sunday--he is an extremely gifted priest. This book is fantastic, and Fr. Pat is truly a man with a tremendous spirit...and a very talented writer. I read the library copy and quickly bought a copy...it is definately a book you will want to read again and again.

You don't normally think of spirituality as a "fun read" but this small book can put a whole new spin on the concept of relating to God and when is it, exactly, that we are praying. It is engaging, poignant, thought-provoking (in a positive, non-troubling way) and conveys an optimism about how to live and experience life. I recommend this book to everyone who believes that life has a larger purpose --- if you take its meaning to heart it can make every day of your life a fair bit richer. I received this book as a Christmas present and, in turn, have now given it out as a gift to many of my closest friends and family members --- getting unanimously positive comments in return. This one is really worth it.

Cooper's work directly confronts all this nonsense produced by so-called main stream scientists that there is just one reality 'out-there'. Wrong! There is no such thing. Mountains mean so many things to so many people. They can be huge hulking masses of brutal rock, or they can be the most delightful, gentle companions. They can be cruel or they can be our greatest teachers. How can we make sense of this diversity of possibilities? By listening to the pilgrims who make these decisions to live by those truths. What is the data for our understanding of these poetic geographies? It is the words of these thoughtful travellers. And this is what Cooper does. He's listened to pilgrims from Europe and North America. And then he brings us their words and the words of the writers and teachers who've most influenced these people. So the result is one of the richest books I've ever read. Bristling with ideas. Never short of compelling, courageous experiences. Daring to go places where other mountain books fear to tread. But in doing so, doing a great service to mountain literature, pilgrimage and all allied scholarship. Read it!

There is no shortage of mountain literature, but a great shortage of real quality in this field. Adrian Cooper's brilliant first book is of the highest quality, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to all who love mountains - climbers, walkers, skiiers or other pilgrims. At the heart of Cooper's success here is a willingness to listen to the stories mountain people have to tell. He doesn't judge, condemn or categorise. Instead, he takes these stories, uses the travellers' own words where appropriate and then locates them with the ancient history of the mountain in question - the poetry and prose which others have been inspired to write. So we, the readers, are treated to so much wisdom and clear insight. A remarkable achievement.

I was given Sacred Mountains as a birthday present, but began reading it with dread. It looked too New Age to me. But that was just my first reaction, which I soon banished as soon as I got into this excellent and original book. I like the use of interviews with so many fascinating people. And Cooper's remarkable breadth of knowledge in developing an intelligent discussion from what everyone says is truly impressive. And in so many directions too, but with singular clarity. Each of the pilgrims Cooper writes about have embarked on some remarable mountain journeys. But as readers, we're never left behind. Cooper writes so we can all 'see' what others have experienced - both within their psychology and their physical surroundings out on the peaks. The use of poetry and prose from other writers is also a wonderful added dimension to this multi-dimensional book. To the best of my knowledge, there hasn't been any other mountain book which is like this one, so for originality alone, it deserves the support of all folk who need the mountains and love them (ie find them sacred/precious places). In an age when religious ideas are so much under threat, Cooper reminds us of how important Rudolf Otto's famous observation is: sacredness is both terrible and fascinating.

I finished reading Sacred Mountains a couple of months ago, but it won't let me go! It keeps challenging me. It keeps pushing me to think more deeply about my feelings and instincts toward mountains. And I like that. Any book that refuses to let go of its reader has got to be worth talking about, which is why I wanted to offer this testimony. This is a truly great book.

I can't add too much to the other reviews here. I agree with them all. But all I would say is, for me, mountains have been such a help in getting over a lot of personal problems in my past. They've given me solitude. And this book comes closest to being the truth about mountains from the way they've changed my life.

James Hall made me feel that I was an African. The view was from thse eyes.
Americans can really feel and see the people of that community.

A fine read to get a total world view and not the myopic view that we Americans have of the world and others.

Please let me know where I could find him now and get caught up on his life. His kids would be about 14 1nd 20 now. let me know bob huff
bob_huff@comcast.net thanks

From the back flap of the book we learn that James Hall has written a candid and dramatically personal account of his unique journey from a comfortable, predictable life in Los Angeles to a harsh and uncharted one in the tiny kingdom of Swaziland. His story shows how the pieces of life can fit together to balance people and nature, the mortal and the immortal, the physical and the spiritual. Sangoma weaves together the excitement of an adventure story and the wisdom of a deeply felt memoir from a man who has b1ended his roles as modern American and as diviner and healer of timeless provenance.

James Hall takes us on his personal journey as a midwestern America who slowly gets drawn into the world of African healers. The story is personal, poignant, and very detailed. It lets us look into several windowns we don't ordinarily get to look through - everyday living in rural Africa and the world of the african healer.

From 1977 to 1980 I taught at a major university in Africa and spent 2+ years working closely with sangomas. Most of my acquaintances were Zulu or Sotho, but there are not very many differences to the Swazi that Hall talks about. What does differ considerable is whether or not the spirits are from the river or from the land, but that's another issue.

Hall gives a precious insight into the role of the sangoma and the personal issues that sangoma must face. My own work was in the urban areas, and it's very different from Hall's rural adventures.

Anyone interested in africa, african healers, and stories of personal growth will find this book very interesting and informative. It is suitable for young adults as well as adults.

Another interesting book on indigenous cultures, this book tells the story of a westerner who underwent the rituals to become a Sangoma, a Zulu medicine man. What makes this excellent is that it is easy to understand the religion of the Zulu because it is filtered through a western view yet still understood. If you enjoyed this book, I also suggest that you check out Malidoma Patrice Some's "Of Water and the Spirit" as well.

This book depicts another white man's life journey in Africa. Miriam Makeba, the famous singer, suggested to James Hall (the author of "Sangoma") that there may be more than meets the eye in his fascination with Africa and African-American women. Hall followed her advice and consulted a Swazi witch doctor ("sangoma") who declared, to surprise of all, that Hall was destined to become a sangoma himself. This book depicts his travails leading to his initiation into the circle of Swazi healers.

It was a bittersweet path, filled with encounters with supernatural (Hall turned out to possess access to many different spirits, including those of a Native American, a NY advertising executive and - wait for this - a fetus). In addition to description of his training, Hall provides valuable accounts of his interactions with ordinary Swazis (some good, some bad; there seem to be as many racially intolerant people in Africa as everywhere else) and, especially, with women. Hall shows that relationships between men and women in Swaziland are pragmatic, based on exchange of material goods and services rather than sentimental.

Throughout the book we participate in Hall's inner life, his decisions and his torments as well as in his decision to adopt a parentless child and marry the woman he fell in love with. Hall now lives and practices in Swaziland and I think Swazis are lucky to have such a courageous, dedicated, life-affirming and generous sangoma.

Tim Ward writes about sex the way women talk to each other about sex...with brutal honesty, playful humor and savored sensuality. His search for the Goddess is a brave, deep dive into the mystery of sex...and love...and the masculine soul. Not many men have the courage to write about these scary subjects, and I honor Ward for his willingness to stand naked before the Goddess and everybody. Savage Breast is also a fascinating travelogue, archeological exploration and paradigm-busting romance. This is cutting edge literature that defies categorization...but offers unexpected rewards to the adventurous reader.

Tim Ward takes us on his journey through love, sex, history, archaeology, psychology and the ancient Western world in his attempt to figure out why he can't maintain a relationship. He describes very intimate revelations and experiences, he shares his dead ends and over analysis of his circumstances, he takes in information from all kinds of sources, his gut, feminist readings, Jungian psychology, archaeological sites, his interactions with his fiancee, and he describes all of his musings and inner conflicts and essentially walks us all through the process of figuring out a man's relationship with a woman, the world and himself. He fearlessly examines it all from every angle. And he gets it in the end! To read where he started from, with his dare-I-say "typical" attitudes about women, which he does not flinch from describing in disturbing detail, and then to see where he gets to after all of the pondering and heartache, it's just amazing. This is an awesome book. There were times when I was rolling my eyes and muttering "Men!" But one of the things that's so great about the book is that it is from a man's perspective. Men are men, but you know what? It's okay. Just as he reaches a conclusion about the ordinariness of women, he demonstrates to us women readers the ordinariness of men.

Aphrodite. Athena. Hecate. Pandora. Hera. Goddesses revered for centuries by women, who still invoke their names as icons of strength, beauty, and eternal love. While many women have written that developing a Goddess consciousness has transformed their lives, Ward is perhaps the first modern man to deeply consider the question: What does the Goddess have to offer men? In our age of patriarchy, male bias, and anger at the feminine, what do these deities offer them?

To find out, bestselling author Tim Ward (Arousing the Goddess: Sex and Love in the Buddhist Ruins of India, What the Buddha Never Taught) traveled to the ruined temples and shrines of the Goddess in the cradles of Western civilization. He meets her face to face in her many forms: at Delphi as Gaia - Mother Earth; in Romania as the maiden Pandora; and on a remote Anatolian hilltop as Hekate, crone-queen of the witches. The result is "The Savage Breast," the latest example of Ward blending his confessional honesty with his powerful writing skills to draw the reader into a fascinating narrative that ranks with the best tales of self-exploration and travel.

Ward is one of the pioneers in the modern genre of spiritual journalism: exploring the frontiers of philosophy and mysticism through the lens of his own experience. Seeking out even the remotest sites of Western civilization in his quest for knowledge, he examines the history, significance, and consequences of the pantheon of goddesses found in Europe and the Near East. His vivid account amid temple ruins and local museums breathes life into religious stereotypes, paring away the cultural myths of Western society to uncover what is at the heart of our relationship with the feminine divine - and, just as important, man's relationship to woman.

Keeping Ward honest in his quest is Teresa, the woman he loves and travels with through the often difficult terrain of self-discovery as he undergoes the painful reckoning of his own prejudices. Loyal even in the face of Ward's emotional storms, Teresa encourages the author to confront his demons - and stands by him when those demons unleash their wrath.

Fully engaged with the subject matter, Ward gives the reader candid prose, imaginative recreations of sacred rites, and presents a compelling story that is part history lesson, part confession, and part exploration of how the male and female can fully, honestly connect.

So, how can men hope to reconcile their unnamed fears and find genuinely satisfying relationships with women?

As Teresa wisely counsels, "Ask the goddess."

~ Mark Hawthorne, author of Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism

You will literally laugh, cry and grow in spirit in the name of the Universal Goddess with author Tim Ward. I honestly hated putting this book down ... This book kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what would happen next.

Basically, this is a story about a man (the author of the book) Tim and his spiritual journey to discover the missing Goddess of our culture. He basically asked this type of question, "Their were soceties past, where it is said woman ruled their kingdoms and they were united under a Goddess .... why did these ancient Goddesses disappear?" ... This isn't an actual quote from the book, but my interpretation of what the author was looking to discover.

His search is more than just where did these ancient Goddesses disappear to or why they aren't worshipped so freely now as they were by our ancestors, but it is an emotional, physical and spirtual revelation of why men treat women the way we do.... Why do some men view women as second class citizens? Why do men get so upset when a woman rejects his advances? ..... And if the ancient Goddess was as prevelent in our society today as they were thousands of years ago, would women still be treated the way they are today? Would woman have had to fight so hard for the same freedoms that men had?

He shows his continual development and understanding on these trips throughout Europe to the sites where Goddesses were heavily worshipped ... On these trips, his wife is with him -- and through the story, he discovers his true self and you get to experience the trials, tribulations, failures and successes of his relationship with his wife .... Slowly, he begins to understand it all -- and you will hear all about it in Tim's fasicinating book, Savage Breast!

Recommened for all men and women to read .... Men, you will learn so much about yourself and your relationships with women, this book will change your life. Women, you will be angry with Tim and then fall in love with him over and over again as he truly works to understand the Sacred Feminine.

I enjoyed reading "One Man's Search for the Goddess. In addition to being well written it was a real learning experience as well as entertaining. This book will make the reader think and, incidentally, will create a desire to visit the sites of the Goddesses in Crete, Malta and Greece. However, that this book will have a limited audience as I believe that one would have to have, at the least, a basic knowledge of classical Greece.

When Mr. Ward appeared at the Ottawa Writer's Festival in the spring of 2006 he made the comment that his Mother was in the audience and moreover, had read the book. Parts of it may have given her pause for thought.

All in all, a great read and I think I will have to read the author's other books.

The basic idea of Ms. Brown's book is; if you don't believe what the Magisterium of the Catholic Church says are our core beliefs... get out. And she's right. Nobody is forced to be Catholic so if you want to use birth control, have abortions, and pick and choose (as in cafeteria Catholics) a little of this and a lot of that and humm, none of that...trying to tailor make the Church to suit YOU well then, the Catholic Church is not for you. As Ms. Brown clearly points out (and she ain't afraid to name names I might add) the Church's core beliefs are her core beliefs: in spite of the efforts of many to invent "wiggle room" there just isn't any, no matter what the USCCB and some of it's more notorious members say and/or do to the contrary. This book is a must read for all the faithful. It's quite horrifying in places: Catholic nuns who are pro abortion, Catholic hospitals that allow abortions, Catholic Bishops and Archbishops who ought to, at the very least, hang their heads in shame and resign their offices, who instead continue to enable and even encourage behavior condemmed by the Catholic Church they have sworn to uphold and defend. Good for you Judie Brown, this book needed to be written and needs to be read by all serious Catholics.

If you haven't read Judie's book yet, you must, especially if you are Catholic. Too bad this book isn't a must read for every bishop and priest in America; maybe then they would go back to leading their sheep the way God intended. Judie clearly documents the crisis in the Church: leadership, or the absence thereof. This book is useful reading for non-Catholics as well. Maybe now they will understand why the country is in its current, moral, downward spiral. Thank you Judie! Kathy Kuhns, Wyomissing, PA

Every Catholic should read this book! It tells the truth about what has happened to our faith in NOT TEACHING the people the True Faith! Thats why so many Catholics have left, they don't know what they have. The priests need to stop being afraid of offending anyone and tell the truth. Christ told us what to do to gain heaven in following Him, not to be PC to keep everyone happy and don't upset anyone.

Very well written! This book is filled with lots of documented facts. I hope this touches a lot of hearts out there. Judie Brown (the author) couldn't be any more right. You need to read this yourself.

Only someone with a keen mind, and a sense of moral certitude, could put this difficult subject into a book that is, at all times, respectful of the Church and its teachings, while demanding that the Bishops and Priests, who have sworn an allegiance to God, Himself, and His Holy Catholic Church, "teach people for whom you are ordained, both by word and by example, the things you understand from divine Scripture."

Mrs. Brown is well versed in her defense of the Church's teachings and presents not a personal "belief" but "the truth." As she so succinctly says in Chapter One, "There is a huge difference between what you or I "believe" and what the truth is." As she further says, and does, "Truth can be stated unapologetically while a personal belief is merely an opinion."

Mrs. Brown pulls no punches in this book, nor does she argue anything but the truth of the Holy Catholic Church teachings. Allow yourself to listen to the truth through this book, and you will have gained great insight into the true teachings of the Catholic Church, and also why her title, "Saving Those Damned Catholics," was well chosen.