The Forgotten Gospel of Christ and Other Writings on Spirituality: One

In these vibrant writings, spiritual educator John Roger Barrie provides an accessible introduction to mystical and transcendent elements within four religious traditions. Rounding off this notable interfaith collection are five penetrating articles written from a spiritual perspective, focusing on transformative, experiential realization.This book provides an accessible introduction to mystical or transcendent elements within Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Judaism. Also included are four original articles written from a spiritual perspective, as well as an essay on Kierkegaard, whose works popularized Existentialism. These topics are approached with a spirit of eclecticism and, toward this end, an effort has been made to show similarities within these mystical traditions rather than differences. The aim is to distill the essence of traditional mystical thought and render it in contemporary terms without compromising its intent.Published for the first time are excerpts from the author's 2007 interview with the late noted American Zen Buddhist teacher Richard B. Clarke.Throughout these writings several common themes emerge: True religion entails experiential, mystical realization, without which religion remains, in essence, an intellectual hobby or a social club. Spirituality must be based on ethics. Experiential spiritual realization transforms conduct, character, and consciousness. Personal transformation precedes changes in relationships and society.A recurring theme in many of these writings is the author's criticism of the excesses of commercialism, superficial religious scholars, hypocritical spiritual teachers, and non-transformational churchgoing. This criticism, however, is constructively balanced by citing many examples that demonstrate genuine mysticism.The Forgotten Gospel of Christ and Other Writings on Spirituality takes a deep dive into the very heart of mysticism.