Spirituality: Where Body and Soul Encounter the Sacred

Spirituality weaves together different traditions and cultures to articulate an innovative and daring vision of spirituality. Free of religious dogma without being anti-religious, and transformative and holistic without repeating the formulas of the New Age, this book explores the dynamics of relating to the Sacred without making anyone--or any path--"wrong." Carl McColman debuts as an exciting new voice in the literature of spirituality, comparable to such creative and progressive thinkers as John O'Donohue, Matthew Fox, Kenneth Leech, and Karen Armstrong.

McColman writes in the spirit of an Anamchara -- the "soul friend" of ancient Celtic spirituality. An Anamchara befriends a person who seeks the Sacred, providing guidance and support along the way. McColman writes as an Anamchara by presenting spirituality not in rigid terms of doctrines and dogmas, but through a graceful affirmation of culture and community.

Spirituality takes the reader from Greek Orthodox Cathedrals to Lakota Sweatlodges, from the silence of monasteries to the buzz of cyberspace. From Curious George to Tank Girl, from ancient Druid sacrifices to rock 'n' roll, an eclectic sampling of culture illuminates the ideas in this masterful introduction. Here is a model for spirituality that "works" whether one is a Christian or a Jew, a Buddhist or a Neopagan, a New Ager or "none of the above" -- truly a universal model for the mystical life, making it fresh and appealing and relevant for the dawn of the 21st century.