Welcome to the Wisdom of the World and Its Meaning for You: Universal Spiritual Insights Distilled from Five Religious Traditions

by Joan D. Chittister

Best-selling author Joan Chittister in this book brilliantly presents universal spiritual insights distilled from five major religious traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Exemplary inspiration from one of the foremost contemporary writers on spirituality. BooklistChittister, a Benedictine nun and prolific author, here turns her attention to a broad range of spiritual authorities and traditions in order to discover and present many models of what it might mean to be a holy person. She wisely avoids any easy answers: spirituality, she assures us, does not permit quick solutions. Chittisters brief chapters and easy, elegant style should captivate and keep many readers. . . . Highly recommended. Library Journal (starred review)Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister . . . is a profound spiritual teacher who manages in this book to convey in very clear and easy-to-understand language the deep truths of the worlds major religious traditions. She brilliantly puts forward her own unique interpretations, which not only bring old truths to life but really reinvigorate them by showing through her own life experience how these perennial insights can give us guidance for our own lives. This book is an embodiment of the spiritual renewal our world so badly needs. TikkunChittister has a talent for writing in a clear manner that is easily grasped. This book is no exception. Her use of storytelling helps readers understand spiritual traditions foreign to our own. We learn that all religions are alike in their search for the ultimate source of spiritual awakening. . . . People of all ages and cultures will profit from this book. LiguorianA probingly helpful guide to lifes most pressing questions. . . . Refreshing. Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith, Philosophy

208 pages, Hardcover

First published July 24, 2007

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

[Jennifer Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a book club and honestly had very mixed feelings about what the author was trying to do in the book. Each chapter takes on a question of meaning, such as what is the purpose of life, Why do I have so much stress, and then uses a short story from a major religious tradition to give wisdom on how to deal with these questions. I found her advice and insights valuable and relevant. Each chapter gave me pause to reflect and food for thought, yet it seemed more like the insights offered were more "her" insights rather than any deep understandings of what these religious traditions might have to say about these questions. This is what troubled me about the book. It felt like the story in each chapter was presented stripped of its context and meaning within its religious tradition and placed into her own context to give it meaning she wanted. While it could be argued that this makes the story relevant to the concerns of the reader, it also robbed the stories of a lot of their depth and meaning, and I think did a disservice to the religious traditions she was trying to represent. The only section that felt authentic to me was the one on Christianity where Chittister could clearly relate the stories about monastics to her own experience as a Catholic sister. While she does try to give some context in her epilogue, it didn't seem enough. Overall, I think the book had valuable advice, but could have done so without the ambitious goal of trying to represent major religious traditions.

[Lenorek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be one of those books I read often. There are so many pearls of wisdom that I took away from this book. It is easy to read, easy to relate to my own life, and I imagine each time I read it, I will hear a different message with a new perspective. Thank you, Pastor Jim for the recommendation!

FYI ~ My personal rating system is as follows: 5 stars - the book changed my outlook on life, 4 stars means I enjoyed the book so much I would like you to read it, too. 3 stars means I liked the book, 2 stars means I did not enjoy the book. 1 star means don't bother!

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In times of racial, religious and cultural upheaval this is a book about clarifying one's values...I want to be Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu...I want it all!!! Because it is all we have...this is a beautifully written adventure thru the lessons each faith has for us all. Even if you are agnostic or athiest these myths and legends teach us the value of our cultures, our history, our future and how to teach your children to love the life they are in....she writes about a wonderful spiritual journey that you will want to drag your friends along with you...and the prose is magnificent!!! He words glow and sparkle and invite you to think with your left brain your right, brain and your heart...what more is there!! Enjoy!

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Joan Chittister! She is a woman with much wisdom and a role model for all people with her feisty yet contemplative spirit. This book exemplifies her spirit of outreach, compassion, and interconnection among many religious practices and theologies. As a Christian, I realize that I have much to learn from the theologies of other religious traditions, yet my Christian faith and theology have remarkable similarities to other faith traditions. Wouldn't it be wonderful to focus on the primary and basic tenents that we share rather than focusing on the beliefs and traditions that appear to separate us? In this book Chittister does good work on helping me to focus on the former.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tackles really big questions through wisdom stories from the major religious traditions of the world. The stories and Chittiter's commentary around them are a delight and frequently left me sitting, staring at the page thankful for that moment of shared wisdom.
My favorite story is the tale of the merchant who buys a genie and finds his every wish fulfilled but at the price that he must constantly give the genie his next wish as soon as the genie finishes his previous one or he will lose everything he has obtained up to that point. The way out is both simple and profound... no spoilers... :)

[Barbara P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan Chittister is an amazing author/lecturer and spiritual guide. She asks difficult questions about faith and spirituality and answers in down to earth practical answers. I especially loved this book because of my interest in different religions. I learned how different religions have many of the basics in commom such as peace, forgiveness, love.

[Michael Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, enjoyable book. It examines many of the great questions of life, then answers them with parables from five major religious traditions. This isn't intended as a theologically rigorous book, but rather as a starting point for those interested in examining either "meaning of life" type questions, or a look at the practical aspects of these faith traditions.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book - I'm reading this slowly and trying to think through the various lessons she distills from each of the major religions. Really thoughtful stuff, but nothing too intellectual for the average reader, so don't let the title put you off!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this look of great questions through the lens of different spiritual practices. We are reading this for Amesbury MM book club, and I look forward to how this might inspire us to tell our own stories. I am a fan of Joan Chittister.

[Carlyn Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, inclusive book about the five major spiritual traditions — commonly tied and grounded in human nature and emotions. Joan Chittister is officially someone with whom I’d love to sit down and have a long, delightful chat about what it means to be human.

[Melanie Espinosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Epilogue: "This book is about the kind of wisdom that has emerged out of the well of the ages of each tradition that has something yet to say to our own age. " (p. 167)

Hindu Wisdom and Eternal Meaning

Buddhist Enlightenment and Desirelessness (all life is suffering, the cause of suffering is selfish craving, desire can be overcome, the way out of captivity to the self is through the Eightfold Path.)

Judaism: Community of Justice and Joy
"Life without stress can be a very stagnant life. What must we do when enough is enough? For the sake of our very souls, we must lean, lean, lean to the other side." p. 90

Christianity: The Call to the Beatitudes (In the Beatitudes, the definition of those whose lives are really blessed, really godly, really happy, Jesus calls each and all of us to be a blessing to the world.)

Islam: Community of Witness and Submission
"If the question is, Why does it feel like something is missing in my life?, the answer is because the feeling of emptiness is meant to move us on beyond where we are now to the fullness of life we are only here to discover." p. 166

My first impression was that this was a book for the first half of life. While it was interesting to me, it seemed that none of the ideas were really new to me or of pressing concern. Then, the chapters under Judaism caught my attention for ideas on perfectionism (see: Where did I lose my idealism) and stress (What Can I do when enough is enough?)

Excellently written. Keen insight. Wide range of experience with human nature and spiritual direction.

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish it. Those that know me, know that is a very difficult thing for me to do - give up on a book. I loved the concept, but the writing style just didn't sit well with me and frustrated me with every turn of the page. I spent so much time wanting it to be different/better, that it just didn't make it enjoyable any longer. Lots of wandering in thought, repetition, and never getting to a point or maybe I just missed it, who knows. God speaks to everyone a bit differently, so perhaps this book would work/be interesting for others, but it just didn't work for me.

[Margaret D'Anieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book addressing the questions we have about life (what's important in life; why can't I change, how do I let go of the past) with stories from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim wisdom traditions. While it gets a bit repetitive by the end, the chapters are worth returning to regularly.

[Cheryl Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been read chapter by chapter in a spiritual book group and each chapter discussed separately. It is the only way to get full meaning of the wisdom of Joan Chittister. An excellent journey into our lives and our meaning in today's world. Discovered many "favors and flaws" along my life path.

Excellent word guidance.

[Dennis Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another outstanding book by Chittester tackling eternal philosophic questions of why we exist and bringing meaning to life. I am studying this text in a spirituality discussion group. The engagement with the book my go for approximately 6 months as we only meet once a month. The book provides a great focus for a discussion group. Thoroughly recommend.

[Trish Remley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interestingly put together all the life questions in the context of the five religions. Hindu, Buddist, Jewish. Christian, and Muslum. Enjoyed every word as I was reading, but will need to reread to truley take in all it has to offer.

[Alexandra Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful and thought provoking this is the perfect book to dip in and out of and meditate on, if that's your thing. It reminds you that, no matter your faith, we're all just human beings attempting to understand a greater truth.

[Phyllis Fredericksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chittister takes examples from Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity to answer some questions which enter everyone’s life. Her style is succinct and she also writes of a personal encounter for each question. Highly readable and thought provoking.

[Carol Cabbiness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joan is one of my favorite authors.

In this book she breaks down common seeker questions into four different categories by religion (incl. Christian, Judaism, Buddhist, and Hindu or Muslim).

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this author, my son gave me this for Christmas along with The Gift of Years.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I only read two parts right now; but again a home run. Her writing style really makes it make sense.

[Kevin]

This week at Nazareth there is a large interfaith conference. Thumbing through the associated books I found this one. It sound great. Interfaith at its finest.

[Teresa Baumgart · Rating 5 out of 5]

if I could give the book 10 stars I would. Chittister is a spiritual master.

[Kaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out riveted, and bored quickly. I'm not sure why, but perhaps because it become all quoted anecdotes and little analysis.

[Demetra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite book of the year!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking for a bit of spiritual learning in chunks? I initially read a chapter each morning with my coffee, which worked pretty well. The writing is smooth and not overly academic.

[Giulianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

too much to think about from this book to write in a review! this was not a textbook on different religions- instead each section shared wisdoms and stories related to larger questions of life from different religious traditions. I appreciate learning about the faith from different traditions, and have never felt there is one right answer, so these perspectives I enjoy reading about. however it did create more questions for me- which again is the point of faith in my eyes! would be a great spirituality book club book and I am missing those conversations right now. shoutout to Brenna for sharing this years back- I’m glad I finally got to it!

[Ms. B · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF (Did not finish) - lost interest after the chapter on Christianity. I was expecting the chapter on Christianity to contain stories from the Bible. Perhaps, from some of Jesus' teachings from the New Testament or His parables. Nothing at all about that. Only stories about monks and one about nuns.

[ahmad Kathrada · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing read about world`s major religions and their teachings.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Must Read!