Becoming Fully Human: The Greatest Glory of God

by Joan D. Chittister

Drawing from the folklore and scripture of other cultures, as well as her own monastic tradition, Sister Joan Chittister develops a spirituality that understands what it means to be human and the importance of seeing others for what they truly are―sacred.

Centered around twelve questions―from "What does it mean to be enlightened?" to "How is caring for the earth spiritual?"― Becoming Fully Human reveals that no matter our color, economic or social status, or religion, we are all dealing with the same human desires, fears, needs, feelings and hopes. Coming to see the heart of the other allows us to see our own, which in turn leads us to live lives dedicated to respect, holiness, balance, and peace.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2005

About the author

Joan Daugherty Chittister, O.S.B., is an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author, and speaker. She has served as Benedictine prioress and Benedictine federation president, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women.

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have liked everything that I have read by Chittister. This book was wonderful, but not like anything I read by her in the past. Chittister asks 12 questions and then provides thoughts, proverbs, quotations on possible answers for the questions. There lots of information here. She brings together material from all religions; from lots of different people. Her goal is to help her readers to become more fully human because then we are God's greatest glory.

This is a book to be read and reread. There is too much here to be absorbed in one reading.

[Don Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is typical of Joan Chittister's work. It's well written and insightful with many great quotes from other traditions and will have you questioning your own worth and direction in life. She is a mystic in our midst.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is confirming my belief in the richness of the human spirit.

[Margaret D'Anieri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book assembles quotes from many spiritual traditions along with the author's own insights in short bursts and collected by topic. It worked well as a discussion starter in a group setting but I would find it frustrating as a solo read because some of her observations seemed pretty simplistic - easy to say, hard to do.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this one, and a large portion of the book will nicely supplement the Transcendentalism unit I’m teaching.