"When spaces are created for genuine dialogue, when people's real

stories of meaning and faith are told without fear or judgement, then the empowerment of the Gospel can arise anew, and a very different world can begin to evolve."

Diarmuid O'Murchu

"The authors of this book have set themselves a goal of providing an introduction to the general debate over the possibility of a universal spirituality. The book is divided into four main sections. The first consists of a forward by Diarmuid O'Murchu and an introduction which sets the scene.

The second and longest part consists of fourteen personal stories in six groups according to their emphases. Several of these were originally written for the same authors' Stories of Contemporary Christians: Awakening to a New Awareness (2006) and include updates showing progress in the last fifteen years. The writers of these have all moved on from the instiutionalised forms of Christianity they had encountered in their youths or early adulthood. Many quote the authors of books that have helped them in their journeys, or mention the help they have received from organisations such as the PCN (Progressive Christian Network), the Findhorn Community or CANA (Christians Awakening to a New Awareness), the sponsors of this book.

The third part argues that the advances towards a more universal understanding of the world must impact on traditional views on religions. One chapter in this section looks at the interrelationship between science, religion and spirituality, in particular the areas of evolutionary theory, quantum physics, consciousness studies, cosmology, deep time, near-death and out-of-body experiences. The following chapter looks at non-scientific influences on Christian thought of globalisation, inter-faith dialogue and action, psychological approaches, and contemporary spiritual movements. The next chapter describes how Christianity is evolving in a way which is leading to a new orthodoxy.

The fourth part looks to the future, and the challenges and opportunities provided by contemporary spiritual movements. The final chapter suggests a meditation based on a poem by one of the authors. The book concludes with a helpful list of resources covering books and websites of relevant organizations, followed by a bibliography.

The book is wide-ranging and for limitations of space sometimes skims the surface. However it succeeds as an introduction to the issues, and to encourage readers to consider them further as part of their own spiritual journey. It should prove most helpful, particularly to those who feel marginalised or constricted by traditional church thought patterns which have failed to take on board what has been discovered about the world, not only in the last two thousand years, but also in the recent decades in which we have all lived."

Stephen J. Greenhill