Theft of the Spirit: A Journey to Spiritual Healing

by Carl A. Hammerschlag

From Simon & Schuster, The Theft of the Spirit is Carl Hammerschlag's journey to spiritual healing filled with remarkable stories about spiritual connections.

Using Native American experience as an example, author Carl Hammerschlag provides advice on living wisely, well, and spiritually in an increasingly materialistic world, all in The Theft of the Spirit .

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1981

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book "The Theft of the Spirit" can be summed up from the author's Prologue: "A culture that reveres life maintains its myths and symbols; without them, we dehumanize the life we live. A culture that allows violence, materialism, and technology to determine its priorities devalues life and the spirit, and leaves no room for mystery, dreams, and growth. ... Today, our culture is possessed by possession! The Hopi know, as do all of us in our hearts, that civilization will come to an impoverished end when the spirit, or its symbols, are owned, not felt"
I found that Carl Hammerschlag wrote extremely respectful and lovingly about the Hopi, who he considers his adopted relatives. He mentions time and again how very much he has learned from them in all facets of his life - personally and professionally.

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess I am alone in my sincere and extreme distain for this book. Rated highly by most, I found it condescending and extremely disrespectful - of the reader and of the cultures the author was interpreting and presenting. I would be interested in knowing how those American Indians presented in the book feel about this author's shallow depiction of their culture. I found his theories about culture (and health) extremely superficial and lacked true understanding, (his discussion on Indian gambling is just one of many examples I could site). I would suggest that much of the lose of spirit described in this book is create by the european civilization imposing our values on the natives of our adopted land. I wish I could give this book a zero rating - I had that strong a reaction to the premise and the presentation. Best thing I can say - it was short and, for me, the 4th chapter summed it up - "On Bullshit."

[Page Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful reminder of our spirit and it's need to be honored and fed.

I chose this book for two reasons. First I was in the midst of a huge transition in my life and was grasping at anything that I thought might help, and secondly i grew up in the Navajo area this book is based on. I had learned some of the beliefs and traditions of the Indians that lived near me and had always resonated with them. This book joined both the modern and the traditional ways. It reaffirmed that only through connection with our creator, and a willingness to be open to all that is around us, can we heal ourselves. A beautiful, well written book. I highly recommend it to anyone struggling down a new path in life.

[Alana Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book straight through. I may read it again. While the subtitle reads, "a Journey to Spiritual Healing with Native Americans" I didn't feel that there was enough written about Hammerschlag's experiences with the Hopi. Hammerschlag live in Arizona and would have ample opportunity to meet Native Americans who live there as well. He was writing from his own experience and he did so with gratitude, respect, and humility. It was clear Hammerschlag was trying to learn from the Hopi and not just about them.

A lot of the book is devoted to Hammerschlag's patients and their healing with his assistance, which was informative, helpful and interesting.

[Aaron The Baron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly this is a book full of distain for logic and reason in favor of “spirit.” Full of anecdotes offered up as evidence, it does contain some good truisms and life lessons to make you pause and think, and opens your eyes to how native peoples continue to be exploited today.

[Addy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok. It's an older book, and I think in today's age, people would probably take offense with the Native American parts.
Despite it being an older read, I think there are a few nuggets of wisdom to be found in the pages.
I think an updated version would be more beneficial.

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dated, appropriative, ultimately deprioritized to the bottom of a tall pile of more interesting-sounding things to read.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband bought this book for me as a first gift. I smiled and then dutifully read it. Then, I lent it to a friend who donated it and bought me another copy. I will never part with this book now. I've read it several times. I'm not sure what it is that speaks to me in this book but it helps me and gives insight each time I read it.

[P.J. LaRue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Theft of the Spirit is rooted in the author's experiences with the Hopi Indians and how learning the Hopi's worship rituals helped him grow as a healer. This book that suggests one should "see" life differently. "See" with your heart, not your head and your faith will grow. I liked this book, because as a hiker, I feel God's healing spirit in nature.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about spiritual connection and healing. The author worked with Native Americans for many years, and brings stories about his own spiritual journey as well as those he worked with. It's definitely a book I will read again.

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book presents one doctor's efforts to find a space for traditional practices as part of contemporary psychiatric practice. This is similar to the work of Lewis Mehl-Madrona, but it is much lighter fare.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book that reminds managers that people are just that, people, not simply resources. That they have needs and desires and are far more than fodder for the corporate engine.

[Scot Berkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book that reminds us of our own humanity. It can be a little bit "out there" for some readers, but the message is powerful and has remained relevant over a decade or re-reads.

[Pradeep Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hammerschlag gives us different perspective to life that both the religious and non-religious can relate.

[Kathy Forringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites

[Gail Kennon]

very gentle and inspiring thoughts to live by.