The Rebirthing of God: Christianity's Struggle for New Beginnings
"In this insightful and illuminating work, Newell (Listening for the Heartbeat of God) explores chapter by chapter themes of connecting (with the earth, compassion, light, journey, spiritual practice, nonviolence, unconscious, love) in order to reclaim Christianity's understanding of being 'born anew’ and of resurrection. Drawing from his experience with the Iona community in Scotland, as well as other spiritual sites, such as Taize in France, Newell offers illustrations from his ministry, family life, and dreams to ‘[allow] ourselves to dream the Christian story onward.’ He gleans wisdom from a diverse group of spiritual practitioners from Columba and Julian of Norwich to Thomas Berry and Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as from numerous faith traditions, contending that ‘bringing our heart into union with the heart of the other is the basis of true freedom.’ Asserting that ‘[c]ompassionate action is sustained by the courage to feel,’ Newell’s work carries practical implications, as he argues that clergy need as much training in spiritual practices such as contemplative prayer, as in beliefs. This accessible and thought-provoking book has much to offer pilgrims on all stages of the spiritual journey.""Occasionally I read a book that leads me to think, 'I wish I had written that.' This is one of those books."—Marcus Borg, author,The Heart of ChristianityandMeeting Jesus Again for the First Time,among other books“Draw[s] from fresh, deep springs of faith ... placing before us the challenge of our day: Will we allow God to be born anew in us, in the earth, in the cosmos? Will we embody the ever-new life of the Source from which we come?”—Mary C. Earle, author,Celtic Christian Spirituality: Essential Writings—Annotated and Explained“Wow.... This book will move you ... with fresh insight into the rebirth of everything. What a writer, what a book!”—Rob Bell, author,Love WinsandWhat We Talk about When We Talk about God“From page one to the conclusion, John Philip Newell engages our imagination and as we read we are born anew. His writing is a blessing!”—Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, former executive director, U.S. World Council of Churches; author,Living into Hope: A Call to Spiritual Action for Such a Time as This“Reconnecting is the word! The deep connection is already there and given, but this little book of wisdom will help you to find the essential message again—and in fresh, intelligent ways.”—Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico“Courageous.... A refreshing cup of cool, clear water for our spirits that enlivens us for the journey beyond the stumbling blocks of unquestioned doctrine toward a reconnection with the earth and the human capacity for awareness, compassion and spiritual practices that restore awe and hope for our enacted faith.”—Thomas V. Wolfe, president, Iliff School of Theology