Dance of a Fallen Monk: A Journey to Spiritual Enlightenment

by George Fowler

A nationally syndicated columnist on religious issues delivers a penetrating and poignant account of how he learned to hear the music of life—and dance to its joyous beat.

"In sharing his story, Fowler succeeds in touching us." — People

After almost twenty years of strict celibacy and silence as a Trappist monk and priest, George Fowler decided reluctantly to leave the Catholic Church at the age of forty in search of a more meaningful spiritual life.  In rejecting the strictures of monastery life, and the constraints imposed on him by the Catholic Church, Fowler came to realize that the inner serenity and spiritual peace he spent his life searching for could only be found "while uproariously ignoring the greater part of what the churches thump their Book about."

Genres: Biography, Religion, Spirituality

310 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The memoir of a former trappist monk who turned away from organized religion. Interesting for his views about how organized religion infantilizes people, but he's not a great writer and comes across as a little hokey and pretentious sometimes.

[Remath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This and his subsequent work, *Learning to Dance Inside* provide a very personal journey of discovery through chronological and spiritual stages. I found it revealing and powerful, conveyed in a voice that spoke to me.Why we meditate and how God continues creation were two of the most life affirming revelations.

[Mikaila Kimball · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this at the request of my grandfather. Interesting perspective of someone maintaining their belief in God but leaving organized religion. Sometimes poorly written and self indulgent, and at times very much a product of its time. 2.5 stars.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fowler's honest portrayal of his "dance" is incredible, uplifting and inspiring. Further, his realization of what it means to experience heaven as a condition and "god" as a state of mind would make the old mystics smile. ;-)

Gem of a quote here, and one I'm going to live by: "If I had to stumble about for a time with lingering habits of fear, it was nonetheless clear from the start that these hangovers were moving out of my life the moment I stopped taking them seriously."

[Maggie Grace]

I was interested in how a Monastery works and this book gave a good deal of insight on the Trappist life of the 1950s and 1970s. Some say it's "hokey" but I liked his folksy writing style. I also enjoyed his cookbook and for many years cooked up yummy vegetarian recipes to feed my own soul and to nourish my family!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

By far the best account I have read from a man of faith as to why organized religion may not be all that it is cracked up to be.

[Laurie Canaan]

Recommended to me as the best book my friend has ever read. And she has a good opinion of books.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, not sure I would necessarily recommend but glad that I read it nonetheless.