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Spiritual Literacy: Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life
Spiritual Literacy answers the universal question, "How can I live a spiritual life every day?" Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, who have been covering contemporary culture and the spiritual renaissance for more than twenty-five years, believe that we can read the texts of our lives and of the world around us for sacred meaning. All we need is spiritual literacy.
To illustrate their point, the Brussats present more than 650 "readings" about daily life from present-day authors - spiritual teachers, essayists, novelists, filmmakers, poets, naturalists, and social activists. This collection is unprecedented - an enthralling treasury of brief, "aha!" passages from such writers as Maya Angelou, Wendell Berry, Ram Dass, Annie Dillard, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Robert Fulghum, Eduardo Galeano, Thich Nhat Hanh, Barbara Kingsolver, Jonathan Kozol, Kathleen Norris, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Anne Tyler, and many more. The Brussats add demonstrations of spiritual literacy based on their personal experiences and their interpretations of contemporary movies, songs, and television dramas.
These remarkable readings tutor us in the art of lingering with our experiences and seeing the world with fresh eyes. They offer spiritual perspectives on things, places, nature, animals, leisure activities, creative pursuits, work, body, illness, death, relationships, and community.
Spiritual literacy does not require that we become masters of certain religious texts or that we climb to a high rung on the ladder of enlightenment. Indeed, it is the very opposite of such elitism. At the end of each chapter, the Brussats invite their readers to practice spiritual literacy themselves through journal exercises, household projects, and rituals.
To illustrate their point, the Brussats present more than 650 "readings" about daily life from present-day authors - spiritual teachers, essayists, novelists, filmmakers, poets, naturalists, and social activists. This collection is unprecedented - an enthralling treasury of brief, "aha!" passages from such writers as Maya Angelou, Wendell Berry, Ram Dass, Annie Dillard, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Robert Fulghum, Eduardo Galeano, Thich Nhat Hanh, Barbara Kingsolver, Jonathan Kozol, Kathleen Norris, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Anne Tyler, and many more. The Brussats add demonstrations of spiritual literacy based on their personal experiences and their interpretations of contemporary movies, songs, and television dramas.
These remarkable readings tutor us in the art of lingering with our experiences and seeing the world with fresh eyes. They offer spiritual perspectives on things, places, nature, animals, leisure activities, creative pursuits, work, body, illness, death, relationships, and community.
Spiritual literacy does not require that we become masters of certain religious texts or that we climb to a high rung on the ladder of enlightenment. Indeed, it is the very opposite of such elitism. At the end of each chapter, the Brussats invite their readers to practice spiritual literacy themselves through journal exercises, household projects, and rituals.
608 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
38 people are currently reading
997 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 13, 2008
I love this book.... it is kinda like a Bible to me. Reflects various backgrounds and faiths and is organized topically. I like to sift through it and find something that calls to me.
October 18, 2008
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat are the Directors of SpiritualityandPractice.com. Both
are journalists who have spent more than thirty years identifying and reviewing resources for people on spiritual journeys. They also write a monthly column on "Spiritual Practices" for The Lutheran magazine and their book is on the recommended reading list of Luther Seminary.
Spiritual Literacy is a collection of 650 spiritual vignettes culled from a vast array of literary and religious sources and held together with personal commentaries and anecdotes. Each is designed to cultivate our ability to listen deeply--to hear "with the ear of our hearts." As one of the top spiritual books in print today, it is a wonderful source of wisdom and insight into the spiritual life we all try to hone. The editors have included passages of poetry, prose, every conceivable vantage point and different religious orientations ranging from lyricist Leonard Cohen to philosopher Jacob Needleman; Christian mystic Meister Eckhart to writers Maya Angelou, Annie Dillard, Wendell Berry, Ram Dass, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Robert Fulghum, Thich Nhat Hanh, Barbara Kingsolver, Kathleen Norris, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Anne Tyler, and many more.
With such diversity there is much to inspire us to "read the signs that point to the active presence of Spirit in the world around us" --signs written in the very texts of our own experiences. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of spirituality: objects, places, animals, nature, leisure, creativity, service, relationships, community and more. At the end of each section, the authors provide suggestions for activities, exercises, and rituals.
Here is a timely selection that G. K. Chesterton wrote about Santa Claus:
What has happened to me has been the very reverse of what appears to be the experiences of most of my friends. Instead of dwindling to a point, Santa Claus has grown larger and larger in my life. It happened in this way. As a child I was faced with a phenomenon requiring explanation. I hung up at the end of my bed an empty stocking, which in the morning became a full stocking. I had done nothing to produce those things that filled it. I had not worked for them, or made them or helped to make them. And the explanation was that a certain being people called Santa Claus was favorably disposed toward me. What we believed was that a certain benevolent agency did give us those toys for nothing. And, as I say, I believe it still. I have merely extended the idea. Then I only wondered who put the toys in the stocking. Now I wonder who put the stocking by the bed, and the bed in the room and the room in the house, and the house on this planet, and the great planet in the void. (p. 267)
As one of your New Year's resolutions make Spiritual Literacy a part of each day and you will see that the world is alive and moving toward you with rare epiphanies and wonderful surprises. Pay attention to the rhythms of life not just the ripples, the currents and not the waves. Remember when you put a seashell to your ear it is not the ocean that you hear but the flowing of our own blood, the pulsations of your inner ocean. "For lack of attention," wrote the English mystic Evelyn Underhill, "a thousand forms of loveliness elude us every day."
are journalists who have spent more than thirty years identifying and reviewing resources for people on spiritual journeys. They also write a monthly column on "Spiritual Practices" for The Lutheran magazine and their book is on the recommended reading list of Luther Seminary.
Spiritual Literacy is a collection of 650 spiritual vignettes culled from a vast array of literary and religious sources and held together with personal commentaries and anecdotes. Each is designed to cultivate our ability to listen deeply--to hear "with the ear of our hearts." As one of the top spiritual books in print today, it is a wonderful source of wisdom and insight into the spiritual life we all try to hone. The editors have included passages of poetry, prose, every conceivable vantage point and different religious orientations ranging from lyricist Leonard Cohen to philosopher Jacob Needleman; Christian mystic Meister Eckhart to writers Maya Angelou, Annie Dillard, Wendell Berry, Ram Dass, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Robert Fulghum, Thich Nhat Hanh, Barbara Kingsolver, Kathleen Norris, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Anne Tyler, and many more.
With such diversity there is much to inspire us to "read the signs that point to the active presence of Spirit in the world around us" --signs written in the very texts of our own experiences. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of spirituality: objects, places, animals, nature, leisure, creativity, service, relationships, community and more. At the end of each section, the authors provide suggestions for activities, exercises, and rituals.
Here is a timely selection that G. K. Chesterton wrote about Santa Claus:
What has happened to me has been the very reverse of what appears to be the experiences of most of my friends. Instead of dwindling to a point, Santa Claus has grown larger and larger in my life. It happened in this way. As a child I was faced with a phenomenon requiring explanation. I hung up at the end of my bed an empty stocking, which in the morning became a full stocking. I had done nothing to produce those things that filled it. I had not worked for them, or made them or helped to make them. And the explanation was that a certain being people called Santa Claus was favorably disposed toward me. What we believed was that a certain benevolent agency did give us those toys for nothing. And, as I say, I believe it still. I have merely extended the idea. Then I only wondered who put the toys in the stocking. Now I wonder who put the stocking by the bed, and the bed in the room and the room in the house, and the house on this planet, and the great planet in the void. (p. 267)
As one of your New Year's resolutions make Spiritual Literacy a part of each day and you will see that the world is alive and moving toward you with rare epiphanies and wonderful surprises. Pay attention to the rhythms of life not just the ripples, the currents and not the waves. Remember when you put a seashell to your ear it is not the ocean that you hear but the flowing of our own blood, the pulsations of your inner ocean. "For lack of attention," wrote the English mystic Evelyn Underhill, "a thousand forms of loveliness elude us every day."
Read
April 19, 2008I am slowly re-reading Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat's "Spiritual Literacy: Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life," which includes an "alphabet of spiritual literacy" and a wonderful collection of quotations and vignettes about topics such as nature, creativity, and relationships. There is a list of questions and exercises at the end of each chapter. The companion DVD series, also entitled Spiritual Literacy," is in the Webster Library. Both the book and the DVD series are enriched and enlarged by the website , which includes spiritual practices, writing questions, and additional quotations to illustrate the spiritual literacy alphabet.
July 27, 2008
Even the most literal, materialistic person has trouble denying the intrusion of the spiritual in his corporeal life. The Brussats, in a comprehensive collection of reflections on holy incursions in the everyday, teach us to recognize and read the sacredness of the familiar.
Interwoven between the themes of our world, such as things, places and community, the Brussats present the ABC’s of spiritual literacy. Not only is the book a collection of spirituality in the everyday, it is an instruction manual of how to read the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Spiritual encounters are not the property of mystics, of Christians or religion. They cross all boundaries. The sources of the contributions reflect the nature of sacred encounters. Philosophers, theologians and pet owners share how God has spoken to them in everyday encounters. From the learned to the simple, all are touched by God. In browsing through this collection, no reader is left out. We can recall with understanding those moments in our life when God intervened and showed us a glimpse of the supernatural.
The personal reflections of the contributors are an insight into the mind and spirit of those touched by God. The vignettes provide a fleeting glance at Him who quickens their soul. We are able to identify with the writers in a close and candid way. The reading of Spiritual Literacy is of itself an encounter with the sacred in everyday life.
Interwoven between the themes of our world, such as things, places and community, the Brussats present the ABC’s of spiritual literacy. Not only is the book a collection of spirituality in the everyday, it is an instruction manual of how to read the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Spiritual encounters are not the property of mystics, of Christians or religion. They cross all boundaries. The sources of the contributions reflect the nature of sacred encounters. Philosophers, theologians and pet owners share how God has spoken to them in everyday encounters. From the learned to the simple, all are touched by God. In browsing through this collection, no reader is left out. We can recall with understanding those moments in our life when God intervened and showed us a glimpse of the supernatural.
The personal reflections of the contributors are an insight into the mind and spirit of those touched by God. The vignettes provide a fleeting glance at Him who quickens their soul. We are able to identify with the writers in a close and candid way. The reading of Spiritual Literacy is of itself an encounter with the sacred in everyday life.
January 14, 2008
I find myself skipping over the authors' comments and going straight for the quotes from the great prophets, saints and sages.
This book anthologizes peices of wisdom from different cultures. As a medium, I feel that this book would gone over better if the people who put it together had behaved a little more like editors and a little less like authors.
What makes this book work is that there is a well chosen
selection of quotes; what makes it tedious sometimes, are the words of the authors trying to tell you what it all means.
Perhaps I'm being hard on the authors, after all, not everyone can write as well as Aldous Huxley, and not every anthology of spiritual quotes is as well put together as Aldous
Huxley's Perennial Philosophy.
This book anthologizes peices of wisdom from different cultures. As a medium, I feel that this book would gone over better if the people who put it together had behaved a little more like editors and a little less like authors.
What makes this book work is that there is a well chosen
selection of quotes; what makes it tedious sometimes, are the words of the authors trying to tell you what it all means.
Perhaps I'm being hard on the authors, after all, not everyone can write as well as Aldous Huxley, and not every anthology of spiritual quotes is as well put together as Aldous
Huxley's Perennial Philosophy.
April 16, 2020
A collection of stories, poems, excerpts, writings, and other literary venues speaking to spiritualism in our every day lives. I read a few pages each day, and underlined passages that spoke to me.
June 13, 2015
Spiritual Literacy: Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat is a wonderful compendium of reading and practices to help you integrate spirituality into your every day life.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat are the Directors of SpiritualityandPractice.com. Both are journalists who have spent more than thirty years identifying and reviewing resources for people on spiritual journeys. They also write a monthly column on "Spiritual Practices" for The Lutheran magazine and their book is on the recommended reading list of Luther Seminary.
Spiritual Literacy is a collection of 650 spiritual vignettes culled from a vast array of literary and religious sources and held together with personal commentaries and anecdotes. Each is designed to cultivate our ability to listen deeply--to hear "with the ear of our hearts." It is a wonderful source of wisdom and insight into the spiritual life we all try to hone. The editors have included passages of poetry, prose, every conceivable vantage point and different religious orientations ranging from lyricist Leonard Cohen to philosopher Jacob Needleman; Christian mystic Meister Eckhart to writers Maya Angelou, Annie Dillard, Wendell Berry, Ram Dass, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Robert Fulghum, Thich Nhat Hanh, Barbara Kingsolver, Kathleen Norris, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Anne Tyler, and many more.
I was most taken with the alphabet of spiritual literacy, which provides an approach to study. Spiritual Literacy also includes sections with suggested practices both for journaling and for active practice.
This book is a great starting place for every day spirituality practice with its short vignettes. Highly recommended.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat are the Directors of SpiritualityandPractice.com. Both are journalists who have spent more than thirty years identifying and reviewing resources for people on spiritual journeys. They also write a monthly column on "Spiritual Practices" for The Lutheran magazine and their book is on the recommended reading list of Luther Seminary.
Spiritual Literacy is a collection of 650 spiritual vignettes culled from a vast array of literary and religious sources and held together with personal commentaries and anecdotes. Each is designed to cultivate our ability to listen deeply--to hear "with the ear of our hearts." It is a wonderful source of wisdom and insight into the spiritual life we all try to hone. The editors have included passages of poetry, prose, every conceivable vantage point and different religious orientations ranging from lyricist Leonard Cohen to philosopher Jacob Needleman; Christian mystic Meister Eckhart to writers Maya Angelou, Annie Dillard, Wendell Berry, Ram Dass, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Robert Fulghum, Thich Nhat Hanh, Barbara Kingsolver, Kathleen Norris, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Anne Tyler, and many more.
I was most taken with the alphabet of spiritual literacy, which provides an approach to study. Spiritual Literacy also includes sections with suggested practices both for journaling and for active practice.
This book is a great starting place for every day spirituality practice with its short vignettes. Highly recommended.
April 20, 2009
I received this book as a gift from a friend a couple of years ago and re-started reading it in December. Somehow it had never caught my attention. In December 2008, I seemed to be in a better frame of mind to get into it. The subtitle, "reading the sacred in everyday life," is a perfect description of the book.
I am not sure how to categorize this book as I think I have decided that this is not a book that is easy to read from beginning to end. I think it would be a great book to read slowly and mark quotes I find interesting. By default this is the way I am reading it. I think that I may extract the quotes and write about them later.
This isn't a book about religion. It is more about spirituality and exposes the reader to bits of texts on spirituality which I don't normally encounter.
The authors use the alphabet and words associated with each letter as a way of guiding the reader through the text. The list of words alone is a good starting point for thinking about what is sacred about everyday life.
G is for Grace and Gratitude and the section on gratitude, while short, is deep and meaningful.
In February 2009, I was about halfway through and losing steam. I think it is a book that I need to read in between other books.
I am not sure how to categorize this book as I think I have decided that this is not a book that is easy to read from beginning to end. I think it would be a great book to read slowly and mark quotes I find interesting. By default this is the way I am reading it. I think that I may extract the quotes and write about them later.
This isn't a book about religion. It is more about spirituality and exposes the reader to bits of texts on spirituality which I don't normally encounter.
The authors use the alphabet and words associated with each letter as a way of guiding the reader through the text. The list of words alone is a good starting point for thinking about what is sacred about everyday life.
G is for Grace and Gratitude and the section on gratitude, while short, is deep and meaningful.
In February 2009, I was about halfway through and losing steam. I think it is a book that I need to read in between other books.
April 2, 2018
I found this on Hoopla of my local library. The reading was so good that I was willing to just take a break from drawing and listen. Or maybe I was tired of drawing?
The snippets are good with some of them quite memorable. Many of the writers I have not heard of and would help with a "spiritual" to-read list. I was pleasantly surprised to find a nice piece about frogs by juvenile writer, Joseph Bruchac.
Another idea I don't want to forget is the importance of the artist, writer, poet, actor, dancer and musician to the community's spiritual growth. It is recommended that those who have these gifts practice and share them. And those that don't have these gifts are suggested to find and experience the arts.
The variety of professional readers makes this enjoyable.
The snippets are good with some of them quite memorable. Many of the writers I have not heard of and would help with a "spiritual" to-read list. I was pleasantly surprised to find a nice piece about frogs by juvenile writer, Joseph Bruchac.
Another idea I don't want to forget is the importance of the artist, writer, poet, actor, dancer and musician to the community's spiritual growth. It is recommended that those who have these gifts practice and share them. And those that don't have these gifts are suggested to find and experience the arts.
The variety of professional readers makes this enjoyable.
September 21, 2013
"The secret is to learn to sit at the feet of your life and be taught. That means being constantly alert and throwing out pride."
This book is a series of quotes on @ 10 topics that are connected to our everyday lives. It reads quite easily, but should be read slowly so that one can reflect upon each related topic. Beginning a pursuit of mindfulness can be enhanced by these topical presentations. The authors also included the alphabet of spiritual literacy. Here verbs and adjectives were illustrated (i.e., attention, beauty, and compassion) to show how these traits, if components of our existence, can also assist with the act of mindfulness. I am glad that I added this book to my Sabbath Space readings.
This book is a series of quotes on @ 10 topics that are connected to our everyday lives. It reads quite easily, but should be read slowly so that one can reflect upon each related topic. Beginning a pursuit of mindfulness can be enhanced by these topical presentations. The authors also included the alphabet of spiritual literacy. Here verbs and adjectives were illustrated (i.e., attention, beauty, and compassion) to show how these traits, if components of our existence, can also assist with the act of mindfulness. I am glad that I added this book to my Sabbath Space readings.
March 27, 2022
This is a great book to explore many aspects of Spirituality. What I liked about the book was a brief introductory essay on a particular spiritual practice, then many examples from a variety of world religions and cultures on that practice. A colleague and I used this book with our team and found it meaningful and teachable. It is not only a good book to spark spiritual practices but a great reference on spirituality and connecting with others and their practices of the experiencing the Divine.
April 9, 2024
If you are considering this book this is your sign to get it. This book has reminded me about everyday spirituality and fell into my lap at the perfect time. This book is a glass of cold water. Very refreshing if you are a person connected to spirituality in a world that is not. One of my favorite books that I will often pick up and skim every once in a while for a nice reminder.
May 18, 2019
My book & Hoopla Audio- What gems and gifts are within the pages! To be pondered and revisited. This is not a book you read from beginning to end but pick it up and open it anywhere and find something that speaks to you
November 15, 2007
This is one of my recent go-to books for sermon preparation.
February 20, 2008
Very good stuff!
August 4, 2016
The A to Z of Spirituality and everything in between. This is such a beautiful book. A joy to read. Deeply human. I loved it and refer back to it all the time. One of my very favorite books.
November 18, 2010
I am currently doing another of their marvelous on-line courses. I love their all-embracing spiritual practices, beliefs, and readings
Read
May 10, 2012My husband Frederic and I wrote this book.
August 21, 2013
A great resource to have by the side of the bed and pick up whenever. Always uplifting and often very thought provoking. Great book.
December 19, 2013
I love the kernels of wisdom within these pages. It is a book I can pick up on a daily basis to gather encouragement and challenge to grow.
February 13, 2015
This book helped change my life. I learned to see the world through new eyes and became a different person, much to the chagrin of some family and friends :). Oh well, wouldn't change a thing.
November 4, 2017
A book for constant reading.
August 26, 2019
Lots of nourishment here from a rich wealth of sources. A good book to keep by the chair and dip into at random.
January 2, 2020
An "oldie" but so much wisdom. 😊👍💜 Enjoy Today!
March 25, 2021
Inspiring and uplifting, yet grounding.
April 21, 2022
A wonderful collection of extracts to inspire discussion, contemplation or further exploration through writing and similar.
May 6, 2018
This book is the kind of spiritual book to dip in and out of each day. Even just opening a page at random may give you insight into what you need to hear at that moment.
I bought this book for a college course "Development of Wisdom and Spirituality." This text helped me to see the spiritual in every waking moment- if I choose to focus upon my awareness of the moment. The spiritual aspects in my life have been more frequent. Over time, I see spirituality as a way of life.
3 stars... because I think this could be MORE helpful divided into separate texts!
I bought this book for a college course "Development of Wisdom and Spirituality." This text helped me to see the spiritual in every waking moment- if I choose to focus upon my awareness of the moment. The spiritual aspects in my life have been more frequent. Over time, I see spirituality as a way of life.
3 stars... because I think this could be MORE helpful divided into separate texts!
February 2, 2023
Slammed-together compendium of, granted, some truly great quotes--the "organization" and presentation of which rendered them silly, irrelevant and even confusing. I can hear the kitchen conversation by the married authors, "Let's do another New Age collection, Dear. We need a new Volvo." Irritating at best. Disrespectful at worst. Frankly, I was astonished by the horrible hastiness of this collection.
March 13, 2018
I admit that there were parts of this book where my mind wandered. I think I like the concept of this book better than I like the actual book, but it was a nice reminder to look for the sacred in everyday life. It was also a good look at how much the major spiritual traditions have in common.
August 27, 2020
I started this book with great enthusiasm and it was very helpful. Unfortunately one of us (the book or me?) ran out of steam towards the end. I helped me find new ways to reflect upon my life and the world so it was worth is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews