Spirituality, Diversion, and Decadence

Peter H. VanNess is Assistant Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Union Theological Siminary in New York City.

"This is a more interesting and insightful approach to the topic of spiritual discipline than I have previously encountered."The major problem with contemporary religion (especially Western) is its lack of effective spiritual disciplines—witness the fascination with the disciplines of the East. Add to that the fact that as religion in the traditional sense decreases in popularity, spirituality increases." — Harold Coward, University of Calgary"The book shows tremendous erudition, depth, and perception, and carries its argument through in a most impressive and systematic manner. It is very rich in detail and provides valuable information on the subject with which it deals. It also is provocative, original, and profound. It is one of those books one would like to discuss with its author." —Klaus K. Klostermaier, University of Manitoba

• Preface Introduction: On Praxis and Pleroma I. The Philosophical Problem 1. A Historical Perspective2. A Contemporary Evaluation II. Categoreal Themes and their Practical Applications 3. Semiotic Self-Reference4. Physical Symmetry5. Biological Equilibration III. Rethinking the Nature of Spiritual Disclipline 6. Nietzsche's Negation7. A Novel Response Conclusion: Beyond Diversion and Decadence Notes Select Bibliography Index