Using his own spiritual journey as context, Schwartz takes readers on a balanced, fair tour of the most attractive options for seekers in the latter half of the twentieth century. Rather than attempting to show one approach to spiritual formation and true wisdom as superior, Schwartz examines a wide variety of popular groups, looking at both their strengths and shortcomings. People have a deep desire to be better. People have a sense of something greater than themselves. Service to others is essential for true growth.
People are dissatisfied with easy answers.
The practice of regular disciplines is essential for spiritual growth. We are trapped by our preconceptions and struggle to embrace the new and different. Personal growth and formation requires interaction with others. There is a sense of universal truth that is within our power to know. Each new generation believes it is making greater or deeper advances than the generation before.