Spirit Matters

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Summary: Spirit Matters
Review: Michael Lerner, described as "one of the most significant spiritual innovators of our times, calls for "Emancipatory Spirituality" in his latest book, Spirit Matters. Lerner, who holds degrees in philosophy and psychology, says emancipatory spirituality involves regaining our awe and wonder at the universe and reconnecting with Spirit.
He maintains that people are seeking spiritual meaning in their lives, but the world we live in today discourages openness about spiritual matters. People are torn by conflict between what they privately know is right, and the way they're forced to abandon that in their public lives, in order to be "successful." Thinking only in terms of the "bottom line" has led to destructive behavior, individually, socially, and environmentally.
Lerner describes a new kind of bottom line, where love and caring are the measure of success. Although spirituality can be incorporated into every aspect of a society, he goes into great detail with his vision of how medicine, education, and the law would function in a spiritually-based world.
The world we live in is determined by the choices we make. Most people feel that, given the opportunity to do so, they would make spiritually responsible choices, but they can't, because other people can't be trusted to do the same. Lerner says "the more we trust each other and the universe . . . the more we will make the world safe for Spirit. And the safer it feels, the more people will start to come out of their own closets and acknowledge their deep hunger for a spiritually grounded life."
Lerner doesn't just offer his vision of a more spiritual world--he includes some practical suggestions for what people can start doing right now to get involved and help heal their lives and transform their communities.
Regardless of their religious beliefs, Spirit Matters will help all readers achieve a deeper spiritual understanding that "can bring you both a deeper fulfillment in your life and, at the same time, a deeper connection to the central challenges facing our planet." Buy two copies--one for yourself, and one for sharing. It's essential reading for anyone wanting to transform unhappy, alienated, and destructive lives and societies into a new reality of spiritual joy and meaning.

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Summary: Spirit Matters For All of Us
Review: Spirit Matters is one of the most important books to hit the bookstores in a long time. Both profound and compelling, Spirit Matters takes a deep look at what is truly ailing our society: the absence of spirituality in politics, education, medicine, law, science and ecology. And, maybe most importantly, the book's definitions of deep spirituality--love, compassion,a sense of awe of creation,ethical responsibility and ecological sensitivity--are presented as universal, all-embracing, and practical core values, without sounding preachy or like New Age cliches. Read this book. Because, Spirit Matters!

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Summary: The Bigger Picture
Review: This is the most important book you could read this decade! It will speak to you like it has to so many others, but only if you are open to listening to its message. Lerner defines Spirit as related to the Unity of All Being, emphasizing that we (and everything around us) is an embodiment of Spirit/love/God (it means different things to different people). Fans of Daniel Quinn's _Ishmael_ series and _Beyond Civilization_ will find much to sympathize with in this wonderful book because it focuses on the bigger picture - the fundamental flaws of our current (global) culture. The message also appeals to people on all points of the political spectrum. Lerner disagrees with most "conservative" politics, even though he recognizes that conservatism appeals to people looking for a spiritual connection. However, he does not necessarily support "liberal" politics, either. He feels that progressive, Leftist politics often involve an irrational fear of integrating spirituality into the public sphere. Lastly, the book focuses on specific actions that people can take in their daily lives to ward off the cynicism that permeates our lives and to experience a spiritual rejuvenation. For instance, he emphasizes appreciating other people and our environment for being embodiments of the Unity of All Being, rather than appreciating them for their accomplishments or for what they bring to our own lives. Some people may object that Lerner has too idealistic of a view of human nature, but such an objection is unfounded. The message of the book comes from talking to actual people (from Fortune 500 execs to teachers, etc.) who have expressed a feeling of a spiritual vacuum in their lives. If you feel that current society engenders a lack of meaning in your life and the lives of those you care about, you must read this book.

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Summary: Imagine all the people...
Review: You may say, I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one...At least Lerner is with me! Thank you, Rabbi Lerner, you made me feel hopeful! Finally, someone who understands what's really wrong with the world, and addresses what we can do to fix it. I can understand why people are cynical of his idealism, but WE NEED VOICES LIKE THIS, If we are to understand what we are shooting for. A WORLD BASED ON LOVE AND COMPASSION IS POSSIBLE, if everyone just wakes up and gives it an honest to god try. People are afraid to try. This book addresses those fears, and makes you realize that you're not alone.