Scan barcode
melanierichards's review
3.0
Half and half on this. I skipped several chapters that didn’t speak to me, and highlighted many passages in other chapters. Something tells me that’s kind of the point. :)
ovenbird_reads's review
4.0
If I had written a book on religion I wish it had been this one. Moore completely redefines religion for our times and presents a beautifully accessible book that runs the gamut from Thoreau to James Hillman to Buddhist philosophy. Moore's instruction for living a soulful, spiritually rich life are compelling, carefully considered, inclusive, and attainable. I really enjoyed this book and may buy my own copy to keep in my personal library. It's one that would be worth multiple re-visits.
anitaashland's review
5.0
This book is not a critique of formal religion, but about creating a religion of your own, even if you are a committed member of a particular religion. Here is his list of things to keep in mind in creating a religion of your own:
1. Redefine traditional terms and ideas.
2. Don't be too literal about community.
3. Feel that you have a right to learn from and practice anything from the world's spiritual and religious traditions.
4. Understand that many things, if not everything, that are usually considered secular are sacred, if you have the eyes to see it.
5. Be a mystic in your own ways.
Don't think of ethics and morality as a list of things you shouldn't do.
7. Wisdom, compassion, and method.
8. Use the arts for your spiritual education and welfare.
9. Be intelligent about everything involved in your spirituality, but also use your intuition, trust it, and develop it with concrete methods.
10. Embrace eros; don't be afraid of it.
I also like his suggestions for DIY therapy:
1. Keep a daily record of your dreams.
2. Talk to family members about early experiences and about personalities.
3. Talk to friends about your personal issues.
4. Read some good psychology books.
5. Spend time quietly in nature.
6. Walk meditatively.
7. Resolve some troublesome relationships.
8. Study your fears and longings.
9. Write out your personal myth, the deep story you are living.
10. Paint or draw the scenes and characters of your "inner" life.
1. Redefine traditional terms and ideas.
2. Don't be too literal about community.
3. Feel that you have a right to learn from and practice anything from the world's spiritual and religious traditions.
4. Understand that many things, if not everything, that are usually considered secular are sacred, if you have the eyes to see it.
5. Be a mystic in your own ways.
Don't think of ethics and morality as a list of things you shouldn't do.
7. Wisdom, compassion, and method.
8. Use the arts for your spiritual education and welfare.
9. Be intelligent about everything involved in your spirituality, but also use your intuition, trust it, and develop it with concrete methods.
10. Embrace eros; don't be afraid of it.
I also like his suggestions for DIY therapy:
1. Keep a daily record of your dreams.
2. Talk to family members about early experiences and about personalities.
3. Talk to friends about your personal issues.
4. Read some good psychology books.
5. Spend time quietly in nature.
6. Walk meditatively.
7. Resolve some troublesome relationships.
8. Study your fears and longings.
9. Write out your personal myth, the deep story you are living.
10. Paint or draw the scenes and characters of your "inner" life.
diz_tn's review
4.0
It was the title of this book that intrigued me, both for its play off of the famous Virginia Woolf essay and because I have been in process of creating my own spiritual path for many years.
Moore not only tries to explain why we should each have a religion of our own, but he also talks in depth about how one can do that. I was especially appreciative that he included ideas from all walks of life - everything from art museums to natural magic. It isn't until the final chapters that he discusses living your own life as a form of monastic retreat though, and I wish he had written more on that topic.
I feel this book is excellent for someone just beginning to explore their own path or for someone from one of the major religions who is interested in other ideas. It's not so much a book for those who are well on their way down their own path. That's not to say I didn't get any new ideas out of it myself, but I did feel that most of it was not news to someone who has been exploring religions for awhile.
One word of warning though. It's not a quick read. Moore's writing style is somewhere between layperson and academic. And he does tend to ramble on and on in some places.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through First Reads.
Moore not only tries to explain why we should each have a religion of our own, but he also talks in depth about how one can do that. I was especially appreciative that he included ideas from all walks of life - everything from art museums to natural magic. It isn't until the final chapters that he discusses living your own life as a form of monastic retreat though, and I wish he had written more on that topic.
I feel this book is excellent for someone just beginning to explore their own path or for someone from one of the major religions who is interested in other ideas. It's not so much a book for those who are well on their way down their own path. That's not to say I didn't get any new ideas out of it myself, but I did feel that most of it was not news to someone who has been exploring religions for awhile.
One word of warning though. It's not a quick read. Moore's writing style is somewhere between layperson and academic. And he does tend to ramble on and on in some places.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through First Reads.
mountain_adventures's review
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Really cool book to help you reflect upon your own spiritual path and refine your own practice without the need for an organized church.
kat7321's review
5.0
Inspirational and informative, this guide to creating a personal religion is easy to understand and implement in one's own life. Excellent ideas for facilitating spirituality and living a full life with plenty of examples to illustrate the concepts presented. Recommended for anyone who wants to enrich and expand their spiritual being.
megan_prairierose's review
5.0
This is one of the best books I have read on religion and spirituality. Learning to see the sacred in every day life. After reading this I want to do yoga, go for a hike, go to an art gallery and watch my son sleep in a whole different perspective. A highly recommended read.