The Soul's Religion

More of a memoir than a lesson, this abridgment of Moore's latest book is quite a listening experience. It's a gently told story of the author's journey from a stifling religious order to academia and eventually to the freedom of being an artist/thinker and seeker of spiritual truth. Along the way, Moore makes an eloquent case for basing one's spiritual practice on experience and a Zen-like connection with the physical and sensual world, rather than on dogma and overemphasis on interpreted meaning. It works as story and lesson and can be an affirming support for listeners whose search for their soul has been constricted by religious authority. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

Starred review from March 18, 2002
Moore's long-awaited companion volume to his popular 1992 book, Care of the Soul, delves into religion as a way of enhancing the life of the soul. A former monk and therapist, Moore reimagines religion not as a set of beliefs or a strict moral code, but as a romantic adventure. He draws heavily on his background in world religions, calling upon sources as diverse as poet Emily Dickinson, Lutheran martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Zen master Shunryu Suzuki. The result is not a frothy mixture of spiritual comfort and pat answers, but a thoughtful guidebook for seekers willing to go beyond instant messaging in their religious journeys and do their own work. Moore expresses some impatience with the "new spirituality" that has cropped up on the talk-show circuit with its "glowing, bloated terminology." But he clearly offers another way—one in which ignorance can be holy, unbelief is as important as belief and "God is as much in the mess as in the beauty." In this collection of short essays, Moore is provocative, yet respectful of traditional religion. His thoughts are not always wrapped tightly or arranged in an easy flow, but he never creates the expectation that they will be, depicting himself more as a fellow explorer than an all-knowing guru. Readers involved in traditional religious structures may not agree with all of Moore's ideas, but they cannot fail to be challenged by them, as will independent spiritual travelers who have forged their own paths.

December 1, 2001
Finding how the spirit moves you; from the author of the best-selling Care of the Soul.

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.