[.ca] Spirit Matters (ISBN 157174195X)

From Amazon.co.uk:
Spirit Matters is a highly recommended book for anyone who longs to live in a world with stronger spiritual values and less emphasis on ecological destruction, material gain and technological progress. And nowadays, there are a lot of us out there, according to acclaimed rabbi and author Michael Lerner (The Politics of Meaning). Many individuals live as a "divided self", he explains. We privately hold deep spiritual beliefs, but are too uncertain or shy when it comes to asserting those beliefs in the public arena. To bridge this duality, Lerner offers this thoroughly readable manual on how to introduce solid and healthy spiritual values into our world culture. This is not about pushing a hidden religious agenda, or trying to create a fad-like movement around the latest "New Agey" ideology. Rather, Lerner devotes this book to presenting an intelligent vision of deeply caring for one another and our planet. Chapter by chapter Lerner gives examples of what readers can do for the environment, endangered animals, hospitals, prisons, the workplace, home front and neighbourhood. As a narrator and thinker, Lerner is sweeping and eloquent in his understanding of spiritual complexities, yet he also offers specific suggestions, such as improving education by eliminating "the SATs and other odious forms of testing". Or addressing the US prison problems by eliminating jail terms for non-violent crimes. As a spiritual/political manifesto, Spirit Matters cannot be praised enough. --Gail Hudson

Thank you for helping to clarify, I thought I was alone!:
Excellent, enlightening, and inspiring. Well done, reminding us that there are no "right answers", and we can have the courage to place our integrity and ideals as values to stretch for and live by, rather than passively buy into some of the insanity created by the collective fears and egos of the society around us. (And this can result in not only greater happiness, but more effective organizations - they go hand-in-hand). This is a great book for stimulating thought, and encouraging us by letting us know that some of the things we thought were "wrong" or "missing" in society and in organizations we participate in, are very real and very valid (rather than believing they are our own "hangups"). The beautiful human spirit and goodness which we share (the important things in life), is typically precisely the stuff we don't share and talk about. Reading this book a great way to get started, or to provide further inspiration. I'de recommended to anybody who is looking for a deeper meaning in life or work.

Spirit Matters:
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.

Imagine all the people...:
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.

Great book, and I love the intention, but.....:
....However, difficult it could be to change the world we are living in, to a better one, as the book suggests, it is not just a challenge, but a must try. I have a feeling though that Michael is not trying to reach the general population but is aiming at the intellectual world. His writing, although very high level, seem to be quite challenging for people of a lesser education or younger age. If we already know that it'll take years to incorporate this new way of living, maybe we should also include a younger audience. Aren't the children of today, the leaders of tomorrow?

Find Spiritual Recovery in Contemporary Religious Revival:
"Spirit Matters" because our current situation requires the development of a personal spiritual courage which will empower the transformation of daily life, rather than the spiritual fear which enables our addiction to materialism and religious distraction. Michael Lerner's voice is a testimony to this courage. Read this book and begin to become courageous in the same way.