The Art and Spirit of Personal Religion: A Guide to Deepening Your Spiritual Practice

In his book The Art and Spirit of Personal Religion, Brian McLaren offers a thoughtful and inspiring guide to deepening your spiritual practice. Drawing on a wide range of religious traditions, McLaren explores the essential elements of personal religion, including prayer, meditation, study, and service. He also provides practical advice on how to create a personalized spiritual practice that fits your unique needs and personality.

Tending the Perennials: The Art and Spirit of a Personal Religion

by Eric Booth

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	574 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	322 pages

FREE

McLaren begins by arguing that personal religion is not about following a set of rules or rituals, but about developing a deep and personal relationship with the divine. He writes, "Personal religion is not about being perfect. It's about being open to the love of God and letting that love transform you." This love, McLaren argues, is not limited to any one religion or tradition, but is available to everyone who seeks it.

Once you have opened yourself to the love of God, McLaren encourages you to begin developing a personal spiritual practice. This practice can include any activities that help you to connect with the divine, such as prayer, meditation, study, and service. McLaren emphasizes that there is no one right way to practice spirituality, and that you should find what works best for you.

Prayer, McLaren writes, is a way of communicating with God. It can be a simple conversation, a heartfelt plea, or a moment of silent reflection. Meditation, on the other hand, is a way of quieting your mind and opening yourself to the presence of God. Study can help you to deepen your understanding of the divine, while service can help you to put your faith into action.

McLaren also stresses the importance of community in spiritual practice. He writes, "We are not meant to do this alone. We need each other to support us, encourage us, and hold us accountable." Find a community of people who share your values and who will support you on your spiritual journey.

The Art and Spirit of Personal Religion is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to grow their faith and deepen their relationship with the divine. McLaren's insights and practical advice can help you to create a personalized spiritual practice that fits your unique needs and personality.

About the Author

Brian McLaren is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and activist. He is the founder and pastor of Cedar Ridge Community Church in Bloomington, Minnesota. McLaren has written over two dozen books on spirituality, faith, and culture, including A New Kind of Christian, The Great Spiritual Migration, and Generous Orthodoxy.

Reviews

"Brian McLaren is one of the most thoughtful and provocative voices in Christianity today. In The Art and Spirit of Personal Religion, he offers a wise and compassionate guide to deepening our spiritual practice. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to grow their faith." - Marcus J. Borg, author of The Heart of Christianity

"McLaren's book is a timely and important contribution to the conversation about spirituality in the 21st century. He offers a fresh and inspiring vision of personal religion that is both rooted in tradition and open to the future. This book is a must-read for anyone who is serious about their spiritual journey." - Barbara Brown Taylor, author of An Altar in the World

Tending the Perennials: The Art and Spirit of a Personal Religion

by Eric Booth

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	574 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	322 pages

FREE