Faith beyond Belief

"The effect of reading this book is extraordinary. There's a sense of warmth and intimacy here that is often lacking in more systematic presentations of theology. It's like being invited to pull up a chair at the breakfast room table where two wise and gentle monks are having a conversation, pondering the deepest thoughts of their hearts. Their conversation draws on insights from the enduring religions of the world as well as from psychology, philosophy, and poetry. But it is all grounded in the real stuff of ordinary, human life. Brother David and Father Anselm delve deeply into places of the human heart that every reader knows well, and you might find yourself marvelling at how well they seem to know and embrace you. The words conversation and conversion share a common root-one conveys friendly intimacy and the other conveys dramatic power. This book conveys both."The Reverend Gary D. Jones, Rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia "Faith beyond Belief presents a compelling blend of scholarly and practical insights, grounded in ancient traditions and texts while also providing fresh approaches to meaning-making in a diverse and global society. The wide-ranging dialogue explores the basic values found at the heart of all religionsgratitude, courage, self-knowledge, forgiveness, compassioneach one oriented toward sustaining positive human relationships. The authors excel at illuminating nuances when they encounter points of tensionfrom exploring the hidden value of suffering, to reconciling the goals of self-acceptance and self-mastery, to navigating religious and nonreligious approaches to social justice and environmental crises. The result is an impassioned and inspirational book that calls for each of usno matter our belief systemto connect with the heart of what it means to be human. And furthermore, it points to practical steps toward this noble aim."Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, PhD, Director of the Emory-Tibet Partnership at Emory University "Faith beyond Belief reawakens the ancient form of monastic writing known as a `chapter': brief, condensed writing on a host of topics. Together these two revered, spiritual masters from the Benedictine tradition offer reflections and guidance on the deep-tissue, spiritual topics of our day. Their reflections shimmer with wisdom as they traverse the pathless path of prayer with poise and proclaim it in perfect pitch. Readers will find their gratitude expanding into canyons of receptive reverence for the wisdom and perspective that David Steindl-Rast and Anselm Grn, each in his own way, offer to each one of us."Martin Laird, Author of Into the Silent Land and A Sunlit Absence "This is an extraordinary conversation between two of the most eloquent voices in contemporary Benedictine monasticism. Br. David, whose poetic, prophetic rearticulation of ancient truths has inspired believers and nonbelievers across the globe, and Fr. Anselm, with his prodigious output of practical down-to-earth monastic spirituality, invite us into an intimate colloquy that at times is nothing short of breathtaking in its vision of and for Christianity."Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam., Author of Spirit, Soul, Body "What an inspiring book! I feel humbled and greatly enriched by discovering the pearls of wisdom revealed in these challenging conversations. We meet two spiritual masters speaking from the depths of their hearts and a wealth of experience. The deepest insights of spiritual life are presented here with so much discernment, beauty, and love as well as great simplicity. They open up the treasures of faith beyond all well-worn doctrines, rituals, and beliefs by concentrating on the heart of religion, its life-giving energies, and its eternal message of trust and hope. This book is a precious gift, a real treasure. Let us hope that it will be discovered by many people and give them a deep sense of trust,

David Steindl-Rast, OSB, is a monk of Mount Saviour Monastery in Elmira, New York. He has written and lectured extensively and was one of the first Roman Catholics to be involved in Buddhist-Christian dialogue. He is the cofounder of gratefulness.org. Anselm Grn, OSB, is a monk of the Benedictine abbey of Mnsterschwarzach, Germany, where he has been cellarer since 1977. He is the author of many books, lectures, and courses on themes of spiritual life.

Contents Foreword vii Martin E. Marty Prologue Prelude ex silentio x First Love, or: Childhood Sources of Solidarity 1 A God beyond the Marketplace, or: Who Is God, Now That God Is Dead? 5 Where Are You Alive? or: The Creative Meaning of Life 11 Ego, Fear, and Nothingness, or: The Epic Discovery of Self 20 What Self Do We Want to Radiate? or: Calling, Courage, and Fear 27 Goodbye to Infantile Images of God, or: In Search of the Divine Mystery 36 Capital Confusions, or: On the Temptation to Want to Possess the Truth 45 Dead Man Rising, or: Jesus Christ and the Buddha 51 Saint, Sinner, and Called Out, or: The Church(es) between Being and Seeming to Be 66 In Dialogue with the Mystery, or: The Our Father and Gods Trustworthiness 70 Three and One? or: A Brief Users Guide to the Trinity 74 How Can I Live, Ultimately? or: On the Mortal and the Eternal 80 Being Entirely My Self, or: Prayer as a Space of Freedom 87 Sin and Evil, or: Why We Are Mired in Guilt 107 The Doctrine of Seven Deadly Sins, or: The Beginnings of a Spiritual Psychology 118 Suffering and Reconciliation, or: The Cross and the Structures of Sin 128 Spiritual Growth, or: Learning to Accept Myself as I Really Am 137 Roots and Growth, or: Linking Old and New 141 The Incarnation, or: How Body, Soul, and Spirit Go Together 144 Time for Gratitude, or: Why Every Moment Is a Gift 148 Mysticism, Resistance, and Participation, or: What Is the Christians Focus? 159 Speaking about Experiences, or: Does Faith Unite or Separate? 163 Thanks Postlude ex gratia 166 Notes 168