World Famous Comics: The Promise of Paradox: A Celebration of Contradictions in the Christian Life
The Promise of Paradox: A Celebration of Contradictions in the Christian Life
By: Parker J. Palmer Publisher: Jossey-Bass Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: Jossey-Bass Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 192 Publication Date: April 18, 2008
Product Description: First published in 1980—and reissued here with a feisty new introductory essay—The Promise of Paradox launched Parker J. Palmer’s career as an author and his ongoing exploration of the contradictions that vex and enrich our lives. In this probing and heartfelt book, the distinguished writer, teacher, and activist examines some of the challenging questions at the core of Christian spirituality. How do we live with the apparent opposition between good and evil, scarcity and abundance, individuality and community, death and new life? We can hold them as paradoxes, not “either/ors,” allowing them to open our minds and hearts to new ways of seeing and being.
The Promise of Paradox - a faith-filled promise The Promise of Paradox by Parker Palmer is a refreshing view of the traditional values and beliefs of Christian faith written 30 years ago and now in reprint. He writes his own introduction explaining the various changes in both his language and thought over the 30 year period. Henri Nouwen wrote the first introduction which is also included. To live a faith in honest integrity one needs to come to grips with the ambiquity in life or the"belly of paradox" as he often refers. The spirit moves in ways that are often not of conventional wisdom and it is the holding of the tension between seeming polarities where the spirit grows, ripens, and truly connects with God. His message is one of unitive thinking rather than dualistic thinking and Parker Palmer lifts the reader to new dimensions and challenges with his message of love and compassion for all living creatures while embracing their diversity. A book for all faiths and all spiritual paths that leads one into greater connection with self and the God within.
Magnificent Congratulations (AGAIN...) to Jossey-Bass for a really smart strategic move --- originally published in 1980, Jossey-Bass (John-Wiley & Sons) purchased the rights, including the Introduction by Henri Nouwen and Voila!!! --- Like I said, another strategic masterpiece by Jossey-Bass.
I needed to read this book. As an avowed Christian, I benefit from the struggles of others who claim the name of Christ regarding their preferred faith flavor. As Palmer says in his introduction to this volume, " I find it hard to name my beliefs using traditional Christian language because that vocabulary has been taken hostage by theological terrorists and tortured beyond recognition." (p. xxi).
Palmer's treatise is truly captured early on in this volume when he writes, "Perhaps contradictions are not impediments to the spiritual life but an integral part of it. Through them we may learn that the power power for life comes from God, not from us." (p.2).
For Palmer, "The paradox that we can win only by forgetting about winning is Christianity 101." (p. 23).
This book must be savored like when a chef provides you with a teaspoon of warm broth to contemplate the care with which it has been created...with your eyes shut...slowly...allowing your soul to digest the essence of the delicacy you are savoring.
An incredibly powerful treatise...filled with life-lessons pertinent for today and tomorrow. Well, I guess that how truth actually endures.
Buy this book!!!
Promise of paradox This is Parker Palmer's first book. A stunning approach to the central themes of Christian spirituality and introduces a new religious writer of major stature. This book, deeply rooted in the spiritual teaching of Thomas Merton, will have its greatest appeal for those wayfarers whose souls are thirsting for the fresh, living waters of quality spiritual writing.
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