Review by Booklist Review
Concerned about 9/11 and the nation's belligerent reaction to it, Orthodox convert Carlson determined to see how Christian monastics, whom he'd learned to treasure back when he was a Baptist, had responded to an event that to him announced a world-changing spiritual crisis. He went to monasteries large and tiny, socially engaged and isolated, more and less immersed in the contemplative life, Catholic and Orthodox, and he underwent a personal crisis of faith after his interviews with every monk and nun who would and could talk with him. His report about what he calls the project is a work of personal journalism, not sociology. It records the interviewees' remarks and a great deal about their activities and positions within their particular, always appealingly described communities. Carlson gathered some very impressive insights, indeed, including perspectives on the Incarnation that validate that God is with us and within us and that forgiveness (though not Christian predominance) is not only possible but essential to healing, not without pain, the divisions revealed by 9/11.--Olson, Ray Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Religious studies professor Carlson investigates varieties of monastic response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and their aftermath. Looking for "A Word of Life" from religious communities devoted to prayerful reflection, he finds these communities, even if physically isolated, intensely connected to the world's troubles. Over several years, Carlson visits numerous monasteries and abbeys, interviewing monks, nuns, a Mennonite pastor, and a community's potter, who share their immediate personal reactions to the attack and their communities' response. His timely exploration, coming on the tragedy's 10th anniversary, reveals his own spiritual journey throughout this research. He uncovers a range of thoughtful, challenging perspectives relating to sectarianism, suffering, incarnation, prayer, and the relationship between Christianity, Islam, and other world religions. Thomas Merton's writings are woven into the book's conversations and reflections, especially Merton's views on the mystical Christ, which lead Carlson to reflect: "the one God is a humanity-permeated God." A powerful, insightful guide addressing highly sensitive theological issues, this book may prove accessible and helpful to many who seek to counter terrorism with faith. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
