The Hidden Power of the Gospels: Four Questions, Four Paths, One Journey

by Alexander J. Shaia, Michelle Gaugy

In the tradition of Thomas Moore’s The Care of the Soul and Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements , Alexander Shaia’s The Hidden Power of the Gospels reveals how the recurring cycles of change, loss, enlightenment, and maturation are illuminated by the Bible's four gospels. Combining ancient Christian traditions, anthropology, and modern psychology, he reveals how each gospel focuses on a vital spiritual question. Matthew begins with How do we face change? Mark faces the hard question of How do we move through suffering? John stirs and elevates the soul as he asks, How do we receive joy? And Luke moves forward on the practical journey, as he inquires, How do we mature in service? By using this lens, the gospels become practical guides for creating faith-filled lives and a map for our never-ending spiritual journey.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian, Theology, Religion, Faith, Discipleship

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Alexander Shaia grew up as part of a large, extended family that had emigrated from Lebanon a generation previously. He grew up with the traditions of an ancient religion—Maronite Catholicism—and was expected to become a priest, a family tradition since the year 1300. Alexander chose otherwise. He attended the University of Notre Dame and received a degree in cultural anthropology. Next came a Master's Degree in Counseling Education, a Master's Degree in Religious Education, a graduate certificate in Pastoral Psychotherapy, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Then Alexander traveled to Switzerland where he studied with the originator of Sandplay, Jungian Analyst Dora Kalff, and spent additional time at the Jung Institute. Returning to the United States, many years of teaching, and study continued to build on a lifelong practice of prayer. Dr. Shaia now devotes himself fulltime to writing, speaking, and leading retreats on the transformative power of quadratos and the spiritual journey found within the four gospels.

Reviews

[Trudy Franzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for every brand new deacon or pastor. Shaia reveals a rich tapestry of metaphor and teaches important truths about the Gospel (in Four Parts) that I never learned in seminary. Even some of the basic information like 1) To whom was this part written? 2) What is the context of the very first hearers? 3) How do we read each part with an openness to hearing something we have not heard before? 4) How is each part related to the others? 5) How the Gospel is NOT an historical biography of Jesus.

Shaia is an excellent speaker as well. He did a four-day retreat on the Gospel of John at Zephyr Point in Nevada (on Lake Tahoe) some years back and it was entirely glorious.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important book on the history of christianity and the Gospels. Would make a wonderful read for a book discussion group. The author states there are four Gospels and four paths that we all travel on our one journey of spiritual enlightenment.

[Billie Hinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific book on transformation and a meaningful journey. Highly recommend!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a disappointing slog for me. After hearing the author on a podcast, I was so excited to read this. I liked parts of it; yawned at others. The authors speak primarily in metaphor, which is beautiful, but also which made it hard for me to pin down their ideas. One metaphor flowed into another and somewhere in the midst of it all was some good information, only a portion of which actually settled into my brain. I also felt that this was two books squished into one. One book outlined the four paths. The other analyzed the four gospels from the perspective of these four paths. I have to admit, I am not completely convinced that this reading of the gospels is accurate, although the authors to present some engaging arguments. I would have preferred to see this as two companion volumes with a little more time given to directly discussing the four paths. I definitely left the book with just as many questions as when I started, which is disappointing.