The Lost Spiritual World (The Scholars Version)

By Alejandra Vernon

For seekers of all faiths who choose not to take the Bible literally, this work draws the text from the nondenominational Scholars Version used by major universities. This interpretation of the Gospel... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0974575062
• ISBN13: 9780974575063
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Global Renaissance Society
• Length: 239 Pages
• Weight: 2.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 9.2" x 12.0"

Customer Reviews

The "Be Here Now" of the 21st Century

"The Lost Spiritual World: The Gospel of Mark" is a multimedia spiritual extravaganza, a book that breaks through old technological and conceptual models of what a book can be. This commentary on the Gospel of Mark draws upon various strands of Christian theology, as well as the wisdom of other world religions. Whereas "Be Here Now," published in 1971, drew us on a journey to the East and its contemplative wisdom, "The Lost Spiritual World" helps us to complete the circle, as many of us return to our cradle faiths, but liberated and enriched by what we have learned from other traditions. Experience this book! Better yet, buy one for yourself and several more for teenagers and young adults in your life who might be inspired by a fresh, non-dogmatic exploration of the heart of Christianity. Professor Stephanie Phillips Center for Law and Religious Studies University at Buffalo Law School

Great for those seeking Spiritual Growth

Ruth Rimm has taken a section of the bible, that being the Gospel of Mark and made it into a wonderful collection of thoughts, ideas and inspiration for everyone. In her latest book of "The Lost Spiritual World" series, the Gospel of Mark continues to bring people of all faiths together in harmony by reaching out to all religions and quoting from a variety of spiritual leaders, both current and past. This is a wonderful book for anyone who is looking for a more meaningful interpretation to the Gospel of Mark. Mrs. Rimm doesn't just grab a quote from the Dali Lama to fit in where she needs it. Instead she shows how what Jesus taught was also being taught by other spiritual leaders such as the Dali Lama or Muhammad, Mosses and so many others. Her insight, understanding and research is crystal clear to all who read this wonderful book. Though she has been called a "kitchen cabinet Christian," clearly she is more then that. She has been inspired by the Universe, by God, or Allah, or which ever God of Your Understanding you wish to name, to create a beautifully illustrated book. My only wish is that it were not so expensive to produce so that thousands more could read it. There are so many people in prisons, or low income families who would benefit from this simple to read, and yet highly motivational and ah inspiring book. This is one book that I would add to my list of suggested reading for my non profit organization. A great tool to help people who are searching for a better understanding of God of Their Understanding. B. Alan Bourgeois Writer, Founder Redivivus Spiritual Center 2GoMU.org

A great book

I've been "religious" for my entire life but always felt separated from true spirituality. Religion was more of a set of hoops to jump through than a meaningful use of my time. It was something my parents and grandparents always did and so I thought it was just a requirement. This book helped me to realize there is more to religion than a text or an act. It helped open my eyes to the beauty of faith and the power that comes from connecting to a higher power. If you know you are a religious person but don't really feel like you know what that means then this book will give you a huge jump forward in your progress.

21st century exploration of faith with Mark

The Lost Spiritual World begins as an illustrated gospel of Mark with commentary. The illustrations are beautiful and done in a contemporary style that engages the reader. The gospel text is from the Scholars version of Mark. It is an excellent translation that captures the urgency and power of Mark's gospel. However, what captures the heart and mind of the reader is the commentary (midrash) provided by Ruth Rimm. The commentary transforms what would be one among many editions of the gospel of Mark, though a particularly good and engaging version, into an encounter with the divine Mystery. Ruth wrestles with God in her midrash as she struggles to make sense of the Divine and encounter Christ, as he is revealed in Mark. This book is not the tame and pious repetition of religious cliches that most postmoderns do their best to avoid, with just cause. It daringly explores the role of faith in a world of genetic engineering and evolution and seeks what light Mark can throw on life today. It asks "What makes Mark's gospel Good News for today?" The book rejects a fundamentalist view of faith that can not stand up to the challenges of modern life. It also challenges the postmodern generation to take the transcendent seriously and to discover the rich spiritual truths that can still be mined from the gospel of Mark and the Christian tradition. An additional benefit of this 21st century midrash is that it is linked to a book related website which provides the reader with additional videos, reading material and resources. The reader is challenged to think and to reflect on her own faith. You will probably not agree with every conclusion reached by the author but that's fine. The goal is not to convert you to some system of belief. This is one of those rare books that gets you excited as you read because the author is wrestling with important and meaningful ideas--the same ones that you wrestle with--and draws you into the process.