Sitting with Spirits: Exploring the Unseen World in the Margins of Christianity

by Bob Doto

SITTING WITH SPIRITS is the first book of its kind to examine both spirits and spirit work through the lens of biblical hermeneutics, magical and mindfulness practices, shadow work, and self-inquiry. In doing so, Bob has shown that having a relationship with the spirits of those who have passed is not only possible within the Catholic and Christian traditions, but is inherent to the faith as a whole.

136 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2020

Reviews

[Darrell Grizzle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unusual little book about working with the spirits of those who have departed this life. It starts out with a very personal chapter of the author's experiences in an Espiritismo (Spiritism) circle, but the rest of the book is a patchwork of observations, biblical references, and resources about "spirit work" within a Christian (or folk Catholic) framework. A manifesto for "Wild Christianity" and a prayer chaplet are included as appendices. The author delves into several scriptural passages that support working with spirits but does not address other passages that are used to condemn such work. The book is best read not as a single narrative but as a scrapbook of ideas and resources - including the footnotes at the end of the book, which are rich in information. The book raises a lot of questions without giving at lot of answers, but that's precisely its value: for sparking further exploration.

[Anna Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I really love a book, I end up giving it away. After reading this perfect pocket-sized book, I could not wait to share it with everyone! I bought 3 extra copies to ensure I'll never be without a copy of Sitting With Spirits for myself.

Doto draws from years of study and practice at the margins, to distill the beauty of spirit and spirit work into an easily digestible, exciting and inspiring read. He explores the history of the Christ tradition and its texts to unearth a fresh perspective on what it is to be "spiritual" and engage the unseen world. It is a mind and heart opening book.
Whether you've been burned by Christianity, if you've been a devout practitioner your whole life, if you're looking to start a spiritual practice but don't know where to begin or if you've ever wondered "What the Hell Am I" (an actual subsection in chapter 5) you'll find something meaningful, new and powerful in this book.

And if the thoughtful historical, religious and social analysis were not enough, there are attunement practices and a prayer chaplet included to help you begin your own exploration of the Holy Spirit and the unseen.

I also really loved the manifesto for reclaiming your root religion- a joyful invitation at the end of the book to "steal back the mystical, folksy, anarchic Christ tradition from the fascists and the fundamentalists."

[Wanda Ruzanski-Dietrich · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know what I was looking for when I opened this book, but whatever it was, I didn't find it. What I did find was a sort of w00-woo superficial discussion of spirits, and how to get in touch with them, including a discussion on how to become a medium. (spoiler alert: find a mentor)

As for the claim that spirit practice is an important part of Christian practice, color me dubious. I'm not convinced that the pre-Christian understanding of spirits and spirits as defined in this book are at all the same things.

I could even forgive, but not easily, all the above if the reasoning presented were tighter. As it is, the author skates over the surface of his arguments in that annoying easy answer way that so many popular spiritual books do.

At least the book is short.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, and recommend it for ex-catholics or folks interested in the folk, people-centered side of catholicism. The afterword also has an excellent and timely take on cultural appropriation.

As a side note and for other folks who might remember, I was amused and pleased via an instagram conversation to find out this was also one of the (or maybe I think the?) babarazzi I used to follow and appreciate!

[Fr. River]

Sitting With Spirits

by

Bob Doto


This is the first book of its kind to examine both spirits and spirit work through the lens of biblical hermeneutics, magical and mindfulness practices, shadow work, and self-inquiry. In doing so, Doto has shown that having a relationship with the spirits of those who have passed is not only possible within the Catholic and Christian traditions, but is inherent to the faith as a whole.

Doto reminds us that the christian tradition is an "inspired" spirituality overflowing with both holy and not so holy spirits; that is much more complicated and subversive than what is typically presented.

In our time, especially in the mainline churches, the work of the Holy Spirit is simply a thing of the past. We are guided by logical and academic ways of looking at Christ.

Doto explores what lives in the margins of the Christian tradition, and brings Christ alive, actively working, and being present.

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