David Steindl-Rast, OSB, is a monk of Mount Saviour Monastery in Elmira, New York. He has written and lectured extensively and was one of the first Roman Catholics to be involved in Buddhist-Christian dialogue. He is the cofounder of gratefulness.org. Anselm Grün, OSB, is a monk of the Benedictine abbey of Münsterschwarzach, Germany, where he has been cellarer since 1977. He is the author of many books, lectures, and courses on themes of spiritual life.
"The effect of reading this book is extraordinary. There's a sense
of warmth and intimacy here that is often lacking in more
systematic presentations of theology. It's like being invited to
pull up a chair at the breakfast room table where two wise and
gentle monks are having a conversation, pondering the deepest
thoughts of their hearts. Their conversation draws on insights from
the enduring religions of the world as well as from psychology,
philosophy, and poetry. But it is all grounded in the real stuff of
ordinary, human life. Brother David and Father Anselm delve deeply
into places of the human heart that every reader knows well, and
you might find yourself marvelling at how well they seem to know
and embrace you. The words conversation and conversion share a
common root-one conveys friendly intimacy and the other conveys
dramatic power. This book conveys both."The Reverend Gary D. Jones,
Rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia
"Faith beyond Belief presents a compelling blend of scholarly
and practical insights, grounded in ancient traditions and texts
while also providing fresh approaches to meaning-making in a
diverse and global society. The wide-ranging dialogue explores the
basic values found at the heart of all religions—gratitude,
courage, self-knowledge, forgiveness, compassion—each one oriented
toward sustaining positive human relationships. The authors excel
at illuminating nuances when they encounter points of tension—from
exploring the hidden value of suffering, to reconciling the goals
of self-acceptance and self-mastery, to navigating religious and
nonreligious approaches to social justice and environmental crises.
The result is an impassioned and inspirational book that calls for
each of us—no matter our belief system—to connect with the heart of
what it means to be human. And furthermore, it points to practical
steps toward this noble aim."Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, PhD,
Director of the Emory-Tibet Partnership at Emory University
"Faith beyond Belief reawakens the ancient form of monastic
writing known as a `chapter': brief, condensed writing on a host of
topics. Together these two revered, spiritual masters from the
Benedictine tradition offer reflections and guidance on the
deep-tissue, spiritual topics of our day. Their reflections shimmer
with wisdom as they traverse the pathless path of prayer with poise
and proclaim it in perfect pitch. Readers will find their gratitude
expanding into canyons of receptive reverence for the wisdom and
perspective that David Steindl-Rast and Anselm Grün, each in his
own way, offer to each one of us."Martin Laird, Author of Into
the Silent Land and A Sunlit Absence
"This is an extraordinary conversation between two of the most
eloquent voices in contemporary Benedictine monasticism. Br. David,
whose poetic, prophetic rearticulation of ancient truths has
inspired believers and nonbelievers across the globe, and Fr.
Anselm, with his prodigious output of practical down-to-earth
monastic spirituality, invite us into an intimate colloquy that at
times is nothing short of breathtaking in its vision of and for
Christianity."Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam., Author of Spirit,
Soul, Body
"What an inspiring book! I feel humbled and greatly enriched by
discovering the pearls of wisdom revealed in these challenging
conversations. We meet two spiritual masters speaking from the
depths of their hearts and a wealth of experience. The deepest
insights of spiritual life are presented here with so much
discernment, beauty, and love as well as great simplicity. They
open up the treasures of faith beyond all well-worn doctrines,
rituals, and beliefs by concentrating on the heart of religion, its
life-giving energies, and its eternal message of trust and hope.
This book is a precious gift, a real treasure. Let us hope that it
will be discovered by many people and give them a deep sense of
trust, strength, and joy."Ursula King, University of Bristol,
England
"Readers are treated in Faith beyond Belief to a unique
opportunity to be a `fly on the wall' and listen in on a
thought-provoking series of discussions between two of the greatest
spiritual writers of our time. This volume presents a wide-ranging
array of timely theological, spiritual, and cultural themes that
will not leave those already familiar with David Steindl-Rast and
Anselm Grün disappointed. Those new to their creative and original
engagement with faith, tradition, and dialogue will surely find
this a welcome entrée to their respective works."Daniel P. Horan,
OFM, Catholic Theological Union, author of The Franciscan
Heart of Thomas Merton: A New Look at the Spiritual Inspiration of
His Life, Thought, and Writing
"The fluid and frank conversations and provocative questions lend
this book towards usage as supplemental reading for courses about
spirituality or mysticism, especially for ungraduated
students."Walter Sisto, Catholic Books Review
"They really present questions rather than answers. They are
seeking to look seriously at their image of God and how it has
developed along with their own maturity. This is not a book of
answers, but an invitation to wonder. We probably worry too much
and wonder too little. Yet it is God who is 'wonder-full.' Those
two monks invite us to wonder in our search for God."Simeon Thole,
American Benedictine Review
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