Common Ground: Lessons and Legends from the World's Great Faiths

by Todd Outcalt

As the spice maker’s cabinet is full of many herbs, so should a scholar be full of Scripture, Talmud, and Legend-an ancient Jewish proverbThis reference to legend-or the teaching tales used by the sages-is a remarkable testimony to the power of story and its place in the history, development, and culture of a people. Legends have helped people understand one another, and offer a context for utilizing ancient beliefs in new ways.A Common Ground is an eclectic volume of the greatest legends of the world including those from Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and more, along with a discussion on why these stories still matter today. The tales featured demonstrate how seemingly disparate beliefs share common ideas and concerns that are more similar than they are different, helping readers to see the world around them with a fresh perspective.These stories and parables attributed to saints and sages will offer inspiration for those who desire to live a life of generosity, understanding, and hope. As the book brings together the most marvelous teachings of the world’s great faiths, readers will discover new points of conversation and understanding. Likewise, this collection of stories from voices as diverse as Tolstoy and Lao Tzu, from Buddha to Jesus, create a beautiful tapestry of teaching that can be applied to contemporary problems and personal choices

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2015

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well titled, this is a book of parables from several faith religions. It offers a perspective or consideration for each parable which may reveal meaning for the reader. This book is one that can be laid down, and picked up over time, or read randomly instead of from the start. However, I found it so interesting that I read it straight through from the beginning.

[Keith Beasley-Topliffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice stories driven home with a heavy hand

Todd Outcalt has collected wisdom stories from many different traditions and authors and arranged them in broad categories. Unfortunately he tends to bludgeon home the point in a comment after the story. In addition, the typos and word errors are pervasive and distracting. The source material is five star, but the final product only gets three.

[Kristine M Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too Many Typos and Grammatical errors

The author spelled Gandhi incorrectly throughout, in every instance. There were numerous grammatical errors. Frustrating read, as a result. Too bad, really.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

great collection of proverbs and fables to really remind us what is most important. There were however quite a few repeats and typos...

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outcalt explores the similarity of the parables and beliefs of various religions and peoples. Examples of the parables and lessons are compared with examples from various groups. An interesting read.