Research Catalog

Title

Spirituality for the skeptic : the thoughtful love of life / Robert C. Solomon.

Author

Solomon, Robert C.

Publication

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2002.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Description

xvi, 159 p.; 25 cm.

Summary

"Is it possible to be spiritual and yet not believe in the supernatural? Can a person be spiritual without belonging to a religious group or organization? In this book, philosopher Robert Solomon offers challenging answers to these questions as he explodes commonly held myths about what is means to be spiritual in today's pluralistic world. Based on Solomon's own struggles to reconcile philosophy with religion, Spirituality for the Skeptic offers a model of a vibrant, fulfilling spirituality that embraces the complexities of human existence and acknowledges the joys and tragedies of life. Solomon has forged an enlightened new path that synthesizes spirituality with emotions, intellect, science, and common sense. His new paradigm, "naturalized" spirituality, establishes as its cornerstone the "thoughtful love of life"--a passionate concern for the here-and-now, and not the by-and-by. Being spiritual doesn't mean being holed up as a recluse, spending hours in meditation and contemplation, Solomon argues. It demands involvement and emotional engagement with others in the struggle to find meaning in our lives. As such, this modern-day spirituality encompasses a passionate enthusiasm for the world, the transformation of self, cosmic trust and rationality, coming to terms with fate, and viewing life as a gift, all of which are explored in depth throughout this book. Spirituality for the Skeptic answers the need for a non-institutional, non-dogmatic spirituality that leads to personal fulfillment and satisfaction. By examining the ideas of great thinkers from Socrates and Nietzsche to Buddha to Kafka, Solomon arrives at a practical vision of spirituality that should appeal to many seekers looking to make sense of the human condition"--Publisher's description.

Subject

• Spirituality
• Religion > Philosophy

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 142-155) and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

Introduction : In the spirit of Hegel -- From philosophy to spirit and spirituality -- Spirituality as passion -- Spirituality as cosmic trust -- Spirituality as rationality -- Facing up to tragedy -- Spirituality, fate, and fatalism -- Looking forward to death? -- The self in transformation : self, soul, and spirit.

ISBN

0195134672 (alk. paper)

LCCN

^^2001047553

OCLC

48003229

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library