Spirit Matters

by Michael Lerner

Book Overview

Stock options and high earnings are no replacement for a sense of meaning and purpose for one's life. Living in a society whose "bottom line" is "looking out for number one" has undermined... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 157174360X
• ISBN13: 9781571743602
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing Company
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

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.

The Bigger Picture

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.

A life transforming book

Michael Lerner's new book Spirit Matters is a book you MUST read! Reading it was a transformative and healing experiencce for me -- and after reading it I had the opportunity to hear him speak and to meet many other intellectually sophisticated people who were similarly moved by his message.Unlike the empty spirituality that has become so fashionable today, Lerner's book presents a rigorous and deep understanding of Spirit and yet does so in a clear and accessible language. His prophetic voice is one that America needs to listen to. When the world seems to be sinking more and more into materialism and dispair, Lerner's Emancipatory Spirituality enables the reader to grasp the vision of a world that can be healed and transformed while at the same time provides us with some practical ideas to introduce spirituality and meaning into our legal, educational and health system. It's sad to read reviews that attack Lerner personally but say nothing about the ideas behind Spirit Matters. But it's not surprising, since the extraordinary wisdom that emerges from Lerner's book really threatens the social order as we know it. Prophets have always been attacked and mocked. History has also taught us, that the attackers voices are never remebered while the visionaries message remains for generations. What shocked me was that Spirit Matters enabled me to overcome my own cynicism and showed me ways that I could integrate into my own personal life a spiritual path without buying into the reactionary elements which I had previously identified with the world of Spirit.

Spiritual Optimism Combined with Acute Social Criticism

Lerner tackles conservatives who think religion should defend the status quo and liberals who think secular society has all we need. His basic argument is that 'spirit matters' -- people's need for meaning, connection, love, awe, mystery, rest and joy are essential to our happiness; and, when absent, are a source of profound personal and collective malaise. If you don't share Lerner's spiritual optismism, as I don't, you nevertheless will have to confront his insistent questioning about the sources of your pessimism, fear and despair. Not content to rest with generalities about spirit in society, Lerner applies his ideas to medicine, law, education and the environment. Get the book. Read it. Argue about it. It will challenge many of your assumptions about spirituality, politics and society.