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In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (The Teachings of the Buddha) Aug 10, 2005
by The Dalai Lama , Bhikkhu Bodhi , Dalai Lama
( 613 )
$13.99

This landmark collection is the definitive introduction to the Buddha's teachings - in his own words. The American scholar-monk Bhikkhu Bodhi, whose voluminous translations have won widespread acclaim, here presents selected discourses of the Buddha from the Pali Canon, the earliest record of what the Buddha taught. Divided into ten thematic chapters, In the Buddha's Words reveals the full scope of the Buddha's discourses, from family life and marriage to renunciation and the path of insight. A concise, informative introduction precedes each chapter, guiding the reader toward a deeper understanding of the texts that follow.

In the Buddha's Words allows even readers unacquainted with Buddhism to grasp the significance of the Buddha's contributions to our world heritage. Taken as a whole, these texts bear eloquent testimony to the breadth and intelligence of the Buddha's teachings, and point the way to an ancient yet ever-vital path. Students and seekers alike will find this systematic presentation indispensable.
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The Noble Eightfold Path: Way to the End of Suffering Mar 12, 2020
by Bhikkhu Bodhi
( 245 )
$6.99

This book offers a clear, concise account of the Eightfold Path prescribed to uproot and eliminate the deep underlying cause of suffering—ignorance. Each step of the path is believed to cultivate wisdom through mental training, and includes an enlightened and peaceful middle path that avoids extremes. The theoretical as well as practical angles of each of the paths—right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration—are illustrated through examples from contemporary life. The work's final chapter addresses the Buddhist path and its culmination in enlightenment.
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The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A New Translation of the Samyutta Nikaya (The Teachings of the Buddha) Jun 10, 2005
by Bhikkhu Bodhi , Bodhi
( 100 )
$39.99

This volume offers a complete translation of the Samyutta Nikaya, The Connected Discourses of the Buddha, the third of the four great collections in the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon. The Samyutta Nikaya consists of fifty-six chapters, each governed by a unifying theme that binds together the Buddha's suttas or discourses. The chapters are organized into five major parts.

The first, The Book with Verses, is a compilation of suttas composed largely in verse. This book ranks as one of the most inspiring compilations in the Buddhist canon, showing the Buddha in his full grandeur as the peerless "teacher of gods and humans." The other four books deal in depth with the philosophical principles and meditative structures of early Buddhism. They combine into orderly chapters all the important short discourses of the Buddha on such major topics as dependent origination, the five aggregates, the six sense bases, the seven factors of enlightenment, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the Four Noble Truths.

Among the four large Nikayas belonging to the Pali Canon, the Samyutta Nikaya serves as the repository for the many shorter suttas of the Buddha where he discloses his radical insights into the nature of reality and his unique path to spiritual emancipation. This collection, it seems, was directed mainly at those disciples who were capable of grasping the deepest dimensions of wisdom and of clarifying them for others, and also provided guidance to meditators intent on consummating their efforts with the direct realization of the ultimate truth.

The present work begins with an insightful general introduction to the Samyutta Nikaya as a whole. Each of the five parts is also provided with its own introduction, intended to guide the reader through this vast, ocean-like collection of suttas.

To further assist the reader, the translator has provided an extensive body of notes clarifying various problems concerning both the language and the mean
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The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya (The Teachings of the Buddha) Jun 10, 2005
by Bhikkhu Nanamoli , Bhikkhu Bodhi
( 202 )
$37.99

This book offers a complete translation of the Majjhima Nikaya, or Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, one of the major collections of texts in the Pali Canon, the authorized scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. This collection--among the oldest records of the historical Buddha's original teachings--consists of 152 suttas or discourses of middle length, distinguished as such from the longer and shorter suttas of the other collections. The Majjhima Nikaya might be concisely described as the Buddhist scripture that combines the richest variety of contextual settings with the deepest and most comprehensive assortment of teachings. These teachings, which range from basic ethics to instructions in meditation and liberating insight, unfold in a fascinating procession of scenarios that show the Buddha in living dialogue with people from many different strata of ancient Indian society: with kings and princes, priests and ascetics, simple villagers and erudite philosophers. Replete with drama, reasoned argument, and illuminating parable and simile, these discourses exhibit the Buddha in the full glory of his resplendent wisdom, majestic sublimity, and compassionate humanity.

The translation is based on an original draft translation left by the English scholar-monk Bhikkhu Nanamoli, which has been edited and revised by the American monk Bhikkhu Bodhi, who provides a long introduction and helpful explanatory notes. Combining lucidity of expression with accuracy, this translation enables the Buddha to speak across twenty-five centuries in language that addresses the most pressing concerns of the contemporary reader seeking clarification of the timeless issues of truth, value, and the proper conduct of life.

Winner of the 1995 Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Book Award, and the Tricycle Prize for Excellence in Buddhist Publishing for Dharma Discourse.
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The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: A Complete Translation of the Anguttara Nikaya (The Teachings of the Buddha) Nov 13, 2012
by bhikkhu Bodhi , Bodhi
( 95 )
$59.99

Like the River Ganges flowing down from the Himalayas, the entire Buddhist tradition flows down to us from the teachings and deeds of the historical Buddha, who lived and taught in India during the fifth century B.C.E. To ensure that his legacy would survive the ravages of time, his direct disciples compiled records of the Buddha's teachings soon after his passing. In the Theravada Buddhist tradition, which prevails in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, these records are regarded as the definitive "word of the Buddha." Preserved in Pali, an ancient Indian language closely related to the language that the Buddha spoke, this full compilation of texts is known as the Pali Canon.

At the heart of the Buddha's teaching were the suttas (Sanskrit sutras), his discourses and dialogues. If we want to find out what the Buddha himself actually said, these are the most ancient sources available to us. The suttas were compiled into collections called "Nikayas," of which there are four, each organized according to a different principle. The Digha Nikaya consists of longer discourses; the Majjhima Nikaya of middle-length discourses; the Samyutta Nikaya of thematically connected discourses; and the Anguttara Nikaya of numerically patterned discourses.

The present volume, which continues Wisdom's famous Teachings of the Buddha series, contains a full translation of the Anguttara Nikaya. The Anguttara arranges the Buddha's discourses in accordance with a numerical scheme intended to promote retention and easy comprehension. In an age when writing was still in its infancy, this proved to be the most effective way to ensure that the disciples could grasp and replicate the structure of a teaching.
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A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma: The Philosophical Psychology of Buddhism Mar 13, 2020
by Bhikkhu Bodhi , Mahāthera Nārada
( 2 )
$6.99

This modern translation of the Abhidhammattha Sangaha (Manual of Abhidhamma) offers an introduction to Buddhism's fundamental philosophical psychology. Originally written in the 11th or 12th century, the Sangaha has served as the key to wisdom held in the Abhidhamma. Concisely surveyed are Abhidhamma's central themes, including states of consciousness and mental factors, the functions and processes of the mind, the material world, dependent arising, and the methods and stages of meditation. This work presents an exact translation of the Sangaha alongside the original Pali text. A detailed, section-by-section explanatory guide and more than 40 charts and tables lead modern readers through the complexities of Adhidhamma. A detailed introduction explains the basic principles of this highly revered ancient philosophical psychology.

The Abhidhamma, the third division of the Tipitaka, is a huge collection of systematically arranged, tabulated and classified doctrines of the Buddha, representing the quintessence of his Teaching. Abhidhamma, meaning Higher or Special Teaching, is unique in its abstruseness, analytical approach, immensity of scope and conduciveness to one's liberation. In the Abhidhamma, the Buddha treats the dhamma entirely in terms of ultimate reality (paramattha sacca), analyzing every phenomenon into its ultimate constituents. All relative concepts such as person, mountain, etc. are reduced to their ultimate elements which are then precisely defined, classified and systematically arranged.

In Abhidhamma, everything is expressed in terms of khandha, five aggregates of existence; ayatana, five sensory organs and mind, and their respective sense objects; dhatu, elements; indriya, faculties; sacca, fundamental truths; and so on. Relative conceptual objects such as man, woman, etc. are resolved into ultimate components and viewed as an impersonal psycho-physical phenomenon, which is conditioned by various factors and is impermanent (anicca), suffering (dukkha) and without a permanent entity (anatta).

Having resolved all phenomena into ultimate components analytically it aims at synthesis by defining inter-relations (paccaya) between the various constituent factors.
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Dhamma Reflections: Collected Essays of Bhikkhu Bodhi Mar 13, 2020
by Bhikkhu Bodhi
( 9 )
$6.99

This volume brings together 53 essays of Bhikkhu Bodhi previously published by the Buddhist Publication Society in newsletters and other publications. These essays reveal the depth and breadth of Bhikkhu Bodhi's ability to communicate the timeless teachings of the Buddha and his skillful guidance in applying the Dhamma in everyday life.
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Great Disciples of the Buddha: Their Lives, Their Works, Their Legacy (The Teachings of the Buddha) Jan 30, 2012
by Nyanaponika , Hellmuth Hecker , Bodhi
( 91 )
$13.99

A perennial favorite, Great Disciples of the Buddha is now relaunched in our best-selling Teachings of the Buddha series.

Twenty-four of the Buddha's most distinguished disciples are brought to life in ten chapters of rich narration. Drawn from a wide range of authentic Pali sources, the material in these stories has never before been assembled in a single volume. Through these engaging tales, we meet all manner of human beings - rich, poor, male, female, young, old - whose unique stories are told with an eye to the details of ordinary human concerns. When read with careful attention, these stories can sharpen our understanding of the Buddhist path by allowing us to contemplate the living portraits of the people who fulfilled the early Buddhist ideals of human perfection. The characters detailed include:

Sariputta
Nanda
Mahamoggallana
Mahakassapa
Ananda
Isidasi
Anuruddha
Mahakaccana
Angulimala
Visakha
and many more.
Conveniently annotated with the same system of sutta references used in each of the other series volumes, Great Disciples of the Buddha allows the reader to easily place each student in the larger picture of Buddha's life. It is a volume that no serious student of Buddhism should miss.
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Abhidhamma Studies: Buddhist Explorations of Consciousness and Time Nov 12, 2012
by Nyanaponika , Bodhi
( 27 )
$13.99

The Abhidhamma, the third great division of early Buddhist teaching, expounds a revolutionary system of philosophical psychology rooted in the twin Buddhist insights of selflessness and dependent origination. In keeping with the liberative thrust of early Buddhism, this system organizes the entire spectrum of human consciousness around the two poles of Buddhist doctrine - bondage and liberation, Samsara and Nirvana - the starting point and the final goal. It thereby maps out, with remarkable rigour and precision, the inner landscape of the mind to be crossed through the practical work of Buddhist meditation.

In this book of groundbreaking essays, Venerable Nyanaponika Thera, one of our age's foremost exponents of Theravada Buddhism, attempts to penetrate beneath the formidable face of the Abhidhamma and to make its principles intelligible to the thoughtful reader of today. His point of focus is the Consciousness Chapter of the Dhammasangani, the first treatise of the Abhidhamma Pitaka. Basing his interpretation on the detailed list of mental factors that the Abhidhamma uses as a guide to psychological analysis, he launches into bold explorations in the multiple dimensions of conditionality, the nature of consciousness, the temporality of experience, and the psychological springs of spiritual transformation. Innovative and rich in insights, this book does not merely open up new avenues in the academic study of early Buddhism. By treating the Abhidhamma as a fountainhead of inspiration for philosophical and psychological inquiry, it demonstrates the continuing relevance of Buddhist thought to our most astute contemporary efforts to understand the elusive yet so intimate nature of the mind.
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알라딘: 창조 타락 구속

알라딘: 창조 타락 구속

창조 타락 구속 - 20주년 확대개정판 

알버트 월터스,마이클 고힌 (지은이),

양성만,홍병룡 (옮긴이)IVP2007-02-10

원제 : Creation Regained (2nd Edition)



216쪽



책소개



많은 전문가들이 기독교 세계관에 대한 최고의 안내서로 평가받고 있으며, 실제로 오랜 기간 세계관 운동의 핵심적 기폭제가 되어 온 <창조 타락 구속>의 20주년 확대개정판. 창조, 타락, 구속이라는 세계관의 기본 틀과 '구조'와 '방향'이라는 획기적 교정 렌즈를 소개하는 내용에 더하여, 내러티브와 선교라는 맥락에서 세계관을 고찰함으로써 세계관 이해의 새로운 지평을 내다본다.



목차

개정판 추천사

초판 추천사

개정판 서문



1. 세계관이란 무엇인가?

2. 창조

3. 타락

4. 구속

5. 구조와 방향의 구분

6. 결론



후기



책속에서

성경은 무엇인가를 보려고 고개를 돌릴 때마다 그것을 비춰 주는 광부의 전등과 같다. 조명이 없는 지하의 수갱에서 일하는 광부들은 작업 모자에 부착된 전등 없이는 작업을 할 수 없다. 그들은 전등이 없으면 무기력해지기 때문에 전등이 정상적으로 작동하는지 주의 깊게 살펴야 한다. 그러나 일하는 동안 그들은 전등이 아니라 광석에 주의를 집중한다. 전등은 광부들이 일하는 주위 환경을 조명해 줌으로써 그들 앞에 있는 흙과 암석과 광맥과 모암을 구별하게 해준다. - 본문 73~74쪽에서  접기



저자 및 역자소개

알버트 월터스 (Albert M. Wolters) (지은이)



칼빈 칼리지와 맥매스터 대학교, 암스테르담의 자유대학교(Ph.D.)에서 수학하였으며, 토론토의 기독교학문연구소에서 철학사 연구원을 지낸 후 리디머 대학교의 종교ㆍ고전어 교수로 있다.

최근작 : <창조 타락 구속> … 총 5종 (모두보기)

마이클 고힌 (Michael W. Goheen) (지은이)

저자파일



최고의 작품 투표



신간알림 신청

근본적인 신앙전통에서 자란 마이클 고힌은 일주일에 한 번 신약을, 한 달에 한 번 구약을 통독할 정도로 성경을 즐겨 읽었다. 성경을 공부하면서 선교에 관심을 갖게 되고, 성경번역 선교사가 되기 위해 웨스트민스터 신학대학교에 입학한다. 졸업 후에 다른 나라보다 바로 자신이 사는 캐나다가 척박한 선교지임을 깨닫고는 교회 개척을 시작한다. 이러한 교회 사역의 경험은 복음과 전통에 깊이 뿌리내리면서도 현재의 상황에 적실한 교회론을 연구하는 원동력이 되었다. 이후 20세기 최고의 신학자이자 선교사인 레슬리 뉴비긴의 선교적 교회론을 연구하며, 뉴비긴에 대한 가장 방대한 연구서인 As the Father Has Sent Me, I Am Sending You를 저술하게 된다.

하지만 고힌은 연구와 교수 사역을 하면서도 교회 사역으로부터 동떨어져 있지 않았다. 이는 선교적 교회가 세상 한가운데 살아가는 회중의 지평에서 현실화되지 않으면 안 된다는 그의 굳은 확신 때문이었다. 고힌은 지속적으로 말씀 사역과 교회 개척에 참여하면서 기존의 전통적인 교회를 선교적 교회로 탈바꿈시키며 성장시켰다. 뿐만 아니라 성도들의 실제적인 삶의 물음에 답하기 위해 성경 이야기에 기초한 세계관을 가르치고, 그들의 선교적 소명을 이루어 가도록 도와주었다. 이러한 경험을 토대로 수많은 대학에서 학생들이 실용주의적인 목회 현실에서 벗어나 성경적 교회를 지향하도록 가르쳐 왔다.

뉴비긴에게서 얻은 서구 교회에 대한 현실 인식과 통찰을 바탕으로, 지난 20여 년간 목회와 교직 현장에서 선교적 교회를 현실에 구현하기 위해 씨름해 온 노력의 결실이 바로 이 책 「열방에 빛을」이다. 이제까지 공저 형식으로 책을 써 온 고힌에게는 이 책이 첫 단독 저작이자 그의 대표작이라 할 수 있다. 이 책의 말미에도 적었듯이 그는 이 땅에서 하나님이 선교를 마치시는 날, 곧 주님이 다시 오시기까지 선교적 비전을 회복하는 교회와 하나님 백성의 모습을 꿈꾸며, 교단과 강단에서 그의 부르심을 좇아 살고 있다.

현재는 밴쿠버에 있는 트리니티 웨스턴 대학과 리젠트 칼리지에서 가르치고 있으며, 동시에 뉴 웨스트 크리스천 개혁교회에서 설교목사로 섬기고 있다. 공저한 책으로 「창조 타락 구속」「성경은 드라마다」「세계관은 이야기다」(IVP)가 있다.

접기

최근작 : <그리스도인을 위한 서양 철학 이야기>,<열방에 빛을>,<세계관은 이야기다> … 총 23종 (모두보기)

양성만 (옮긴이)

저자파일



최고의 작품 투표



신간알림 신청

고려대학교 철학과 대학원을 졸업하고(철학박사), 현재 우석대학교 교양학부 교수로 재직하고 있다.

최근작 : <신일철, 그의 철학과 삶>,<하나님을 사랑한 철학자 9인> … 총 5종 (모두보기)

홍병룡 (옮긴이)

저자파일



최고의 작품 투표



신간알림 신청

연세대학교 정치외교학과와 동 대학원을 졸업했으며, IVP 대표간사를 지냈다. 캐나다 리젠트 칼리지와 기독교학문연구소에서 수학했으며, 현재 아바서원의 대표로 있다. 기독교 세계관, 평신도 신학, 일상생활의 영성, 신앙과 직업 등이 주된 관심사이며, 옮긴 책으로는 『성경과 편견』(성서유니온), 『정의와 평화가 입맞출 때까지』(IVP), 『완전한 진리』(복있는사람), 『일과 창조의 영성』, 『주일 신앙이 평일로 이어질 때』, 『G. K. 체스터턴의 정통』(이상 아바서원) 등 다수가 있다.

최근작 : <문서 선교사 웨슬리 웬트워스>,<확신> … 총 120종 (모두보기)

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Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview 2nd ed. Edition, Kindle Edition

by Albert M. Wolters  (Author)  Format: Kindle Edition

with a Postcript coauthored by Michael W. Goheen



In print for two decades and translated into eight languages, Albert Wolters's classic formulation of an integrated Christian worldview has been revised and expanded to reach new readers beyond the generation that has already benefited from this clear, concise proposal for transcending the false dichotomy between sacred and secular. Wolters begins by defining the nature and scope of a worldview, distinguishing it from philosophy and theology. He then outlines a Reformed analysis of the three basic categories in human history -- creation, fall, and redemption -- arguing that while the fall reaches into every corner of the world, Christians are called to participate in Christ's redemption of all creation. This Twentieth Anniversary edition features a new concluding chapter, coauthored with Michael Goheen, that helpfully places the discussion of worldview in a broader narrative and missional cont



Editorial Reviews

Review

Nicholas Wolterstorff

-- Yale University

"This is the best statement I have come across of the 'reformational' Christian worldview. It is lucidly written, includes a lot of helpful analogies and illustrations, and is throughout generous in its spirit."

 Christian Scholar's Review

"Translates the central insights and categories of the neo-Calvinist tradition into fresh, nontechnical language and clarifies them with a generous sprinkling of apt illustrations and images. . . . Highly recommended to all those desiring a crisp introduction to a Christian worldview in general or the neo-Calvinist tradition in particular."

 Calvin Theological Journal

"Outstanding. . . . Deserves a wide readership not only in a specifically academic context among teachers, preachers, and students, but also among the larger group of believers who are concerned with issues involving Christian worldview, theology, and philosophy."



Randy Alcorn

— author of Heaven and The Treasure Principle

"Biblically and philosophically sound, Creation Regained offers an understanding that is both refreshing and satisfying... Regardless of your theological leanings, you have much to gain from reading his great book. I highly recommend it."



--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

About the Author

Albert M. Wolters is professor of religion and theology and of classical languages at Redeemer University College, Ancaster, Ontario



Michael W. Goheen (PhD, University of Utrecht) is director of theological education and scholar in residence at the Missional Training Center-Phoenix. He is also Jake and Betsy Tuls Professor of Missiology at Calvin Theological Seminary, Senior Fellow of Newbigin House of Studies, and minister of preaching at New West Christian Reformed Church in British Columbia. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including "The Drama of Scripture", "Living at the Crossroads", "A Light to the Nations", and a work on Lesslie Newbigin's missionary ecclesiology. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

From the Back Cover

with a Postcript coauthored by Michael W. Goheen

In print for two decades and translated into eight languages, Albert Wolters's classic formulation of an integrated Christian worldview has been revised and expanded to reach new readers beyond the generation that has already benefited from this clear, concise proposal for transcending the false dichotomy between sacred and secular. Wolters begins by defining the nature and scope of a worldview, distinguishing it from philosophy and theology. He then outlines a Reformed analysis of the three basic categories in human history -- creation, fall, and redemption -- arguing that while the fall reaches into every corner of the world, Christians are called to participate in Christ's redemption of all creation. This Twentieth Anniversary edition features a new concluding chapter, coauthored with Michael Goheen, that helpfully places the discussion of worldview in a broader narrative and missional context.



Praise for the first edition"This is the best statement I have come across of the 'reformational' Christian worldview. It is lucidly written, includes a lot of helpful analogies and illustrations, and is throughout generous in its spirit."

-- Nicholas Wolterstorff, Yale University"Translates the central insights and categories of the neo-Calvinist tradition into fresh, nontechnical language and clarifies them with a generous sprinkling of apt illustrations and images. . . . Highly recommended to all those desiring a crisp introduction to a Christian worldview in general or the neo-Calvinist tradition in particular."

-- "Christian Scholar's Review"Outstanding. . . . Deserves a wide readership not only in a specifically academiccontext among teachers, preachers, and students, but also among the larger group of believers who are concerned with issues involving Christian worldview, theology, and philosophy."

-- "Calvin Theological Journal --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edit









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Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview

by Albert M. Wolters, Michael W. Goheen

 4.05  ·   Rating details ·  1,090 ratings  ·  102 reviews

In this brief and straightforward examination of Christians' basic beliefs, Albert M. Wolters spells out the structure of a reformational worldview and its significance for those who seek to follow the Scriptures. Wolters begins by defining the nature and scope of a worldview, distinguishing it from philosophy or theology, and noting that the Christian community has advanced a variety of worldviews. He then outlines a Reformed analysis of the three fundamental turning points in human history – Creation, the Fall, and Redemption – concluding that while the Fall might reach into every corner of the world, Christians are called to participate in Christ's redemption of all creation. (less)

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Paperback, 155 pages

Published November 10th 2005 by Eerdmans (first published January 1st 1985)

Original TitleCreation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview

ISBN0802829694 (ISBN13: 9780802829696)

Edition LanguageEnglish

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Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview

Creation Regained: Biblical Basics For A Reformational Worldview

A Criação Restaurada: Base bíblica para uma cosmovisão reformada

Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview

A Criação Restaurada: Base bíblica para uma cosmovisão reformada

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Randy Alcorn

May 01, 2012Randy Alcorn added it

Shelves: theology-and-apologetics

Several years ago, while researching the New Earth for my book Heaven, I stumbled online upon Creation Regained. I ordered it based on its title alone (which often proves to be a big mistake). From its opening chapter on worldview, I knew I had discovered a treasure. As I read what Al Wolters had to say about creation, fall and redemption, I found myself repeatedly exclaiming “Yes!”



Until then, I had read only a few other books that resonated with the vast redemptive scope of Matthew 19:28, Acts 3:21, Romans 8:18-23, and other Scriptures. Regrettably, I have seen few since. For too long we have reduced and distorted the gospel to the snatching of souls from earth to a distant and intangible realm suitable for angels, not people. Yet the Bible shows that in His unfolding drama of redemption, God is at work to reclaim not just our souls, but our bodies, and not just our bodies, but the Earth from which that first human body was made, and over which God purposed us to reign.



Al Wolters concisely and persuasively demonstrates that God’s plan for righteous humanity to live on and reign over an uncursed earth was not thwarted by Satan or by man’s sin. (How small a God he would be if that were the case.) He never revoked or abandoned his original great commission for us to rule a good earth to his glory. The last chapters of the Bible promise that God’s original design revealed in the first chapters, greatly enhanced and magnified through Christ’s work, will indeed be fulfilled on a New Earth. Having fallen on mankind’s coat-tails, the earth will rise on our coat-tails, so that resurrected humanity will occupy and rule a resurrected Earth. This is the full gospel of the kingdom, and it is one that is vital to a biblical worldview. It alone explains the Bible’s description of Christians as those who are “looking forward to a new heaven and new earth.”



Creation Regained is biblically and philosophically sound, and offers an understanding that is both refreshing and satisfying. It will be for many a paradigm shifting perspective, one desperately needed by today’s churches and families. The penetrating insights Al Wolters brings will help us to stop redefining the gospel in narrow and shallow and individualistic terminology and assumptions which discredit the breadth and depth of God’s redemptive plan. Readers of this book will celebrate a central and liberating truth that has become tragically obscure: God has no more given up on the rest of his creation than he has given up on us.



The new Postscript to Creation Regained brings together and clarifies key elements of this vital discussion. It’s an insightful and welcome addition to the book. Regardless of your theological leanings, you have much to gain from reading this great book. I highly recommend it. (less)

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Brian Collins

Dec 20, 2011Brian Collins rated it it was amazing

Summary

Basic to Wolters' argument is that all people function with a comprehensive worldview that covers every aspect of life. If a person's worldview ought to be shaped by Scripture, then Scripture must speak to every area of life. In other words, since worldviews are comprehensive, Scripture's authority and scope must be comprehensive as well. In the remainder of the book Wolters sketches what a comprehensive Christian worldview looks like.



The Christian worldview is summarized under the categories of creation, fall, and redemption. In the chapter on creation, Wolters emphasizes that God created the world with laws. One may speak of laws of nature. These were put in place and are upheld by the creator God. The same is true for norms. There are certain moral norms, relational norms, or norms that practitioners of various disciplines must adhere to. Wolters brings laws and norms together under the umbrella of creational law. These norms, relevant to all aspects of life, are discerned through wisdom. In some of these areas, Scripture speaks directly. In others it provides the corrective lens by which the Christian can properly understand general revelation. At the root all creation (and the norms that govern it) is good.



Yet there is a major problem: the fall. The effects of the fall are comprehensive: no area of life is untouched. It is for this reason that Scripture uses the term world to refer to “the totality of unredeemed life dominated by sin outside of Christ” (64, citing Ridderbos). Wolters concludes from this that worldliness cannot be restricted to a secular realm of life. It is a danger in every aspect of life.

Wolters’ emphasis on the comprehensiveness of the fall may seem to stand in tension with his claim of the comprehensive goodness of creation. He introduces the categories of structure and direction to deal with this tension. Structure refers to the essence of a thing, and it is rooted in creational laws. Direction refers to the degree to which a creational entity (and given Wolters' broad view of creation this can refer both to the natural order and to human institutions) is perverted by the fall or is being brought back to conformity to creational law.



The solution to the problem of fall is redemption. Wolters argues that "redemption means restoration" (69). Furthermore, the scope of the restoration is as wide as the scope of the fall. The man, Jesus, plays the key role in restoring creation. The establishment of his kingdom is the evidence that redemption or restoration has begun. And yet the kingdom is not yet consummated. In this already-not yet time, Christians are to attempt to live redemptively in every area of life, that is, they are to live consistent with the restoration that Christ is accomplishing in them and that he will one day fully accomplish in the world.



In his final chapter Wolters attempts a practical outworking of “discerning structure and direction” in both societal and personal arenas. Before he works through his examples, however, he makes an important distinction between “revolution” and “reformation.” According to Wolters, the Christian ought not use violence to effect a revolution in the hope of ushering in a utopia. No utopia is possible before the return of Christ. Instead the Christian seizes on what is good in a particular order and strengthens it; he seeks to bend fallen aspects of life back toward the correct creational norms.



The second edition of Creation Regained includes a postscript coauthored by Wolters and Michael Goheen. They are concerned to locate this talk of worldview in the Bible's storyline. Because the Christian lives in the era in which the kingdom has been inaugurated but not yet consummated, this is a time of witness. It is not a time in which Christians will finally triumph. In fact, the already-not yet means that Christians presently undergo suffering and conflict because the antithesis between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world is sharpened in this period. This means that the Christian must struggle with the tension of applying the gospel to his specific culture while not allowing his culture to compromise the gospel. The difficulties in living out a Christian worldview are beyond the abilities of Christians, but the Spirit of God is given to empower obedience and faithfulness.



In sum, Wolters argues that creation extends to all that God creates and maintains (it includes the natural order and structures humans develop in obedience to the creation mandate), fall affects every aspect of creation, and redemption extends as far as the fall to restore creation. This is not a triumphalist gospel in the present, for in the time between the ages there is sharp conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world as God's people seek to live redemptively in this fallen world.



Evaluation

Strengths



Wolters gathers under the rubric creational law natural laws, the law revealed in Scripture, and God’s specific purposes for creation or individuals. He supports this view by highlighting Scripture passages in which these seemingly diverse concepts are brought together (2 Peter 3:5, 7; Ps. 148:8; 147:15-20; 1 Tim. 4:3-4; Rom. 13:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:13; Ps. 19:1-4; Acts 14:17; Rom. 1:18-20; Rom. 2:14-15). On the theological side, the payoff is that this approach to creational law strengthens the canonical links between the Pentateuch and wisdom books by showing that the law and the wisdom books (especially Proverbs) demonstrate the concrete application of creational norms to specific cultural situations. The other benefit of this approach is that it forces Christians to realize that various aspects of fallen culture struggle against creational law. This is obvious on matters such as homosexual “marriage” about which Scripture clearly speaks, but it may also be occurring on matters such as modern art or certain musical styles. Thus awareness of creational law can put Christians on-guard against uncritically accepting fallen aspects of culture; it alerts Christians to the need of applying Scripture with Spirit-guided wisdom to every aspect of life.



Structure and direction may be the most broadly useful of Wolters’ concepts. If all of creation is good, and if the fall has affected all of creation, how does the Christian discern what is good and what is bad. Or, if a missionary must contextualize his ministry in a new culture, how does he discern what is legitimate and what is compromise? Wolters' discussion of structure and direction does not answer these questions, but it provides categories that make answering these questions possible. The basic structures of God’s creation are good, but these structures may be twisted in a bad direction or bent back to the good purposes that God has for them. The Christian must therefore wisely discern what is structural, what is directional, and how to live in the right direction.



Salvation as restoration is a key point of disagreement between Wolters and two-kingdoms theorists such as David VanDrunen. Wolters is in the right on this issue. Whereas, VanDrunen sees the resurrection body as the only point of contact between this world and the new earth (66), Romans 8:18-25 ties the renewal of the world and the resurrection of the body together. Genesis 8:21 and 2 Peter 3:10-12 are misunderstood if they are deployed to deny restoration. It is part of God’s glory that he reverses the effects of sin rather than throwing away creation and starting over afresh.



Those who agree with Wolters that all of creation needs to be redeemed may be tempted to overthrow the present order and seek to establish the ideal. Wolters’ distinction between reformation and revolution guards against this however. Wolters notes that Christians do not have authorization to effect a revolution. Furthermore, “no given societal order is absolutely corrupt” (92), and no ideal is attainable in this age. Thus, the Christian should do his best to strengthen what is good and undermine evil when he has opportunity. Thus Wolters combines modesty in effecting cultural change with the encouragement for Christians to attempt to improve culture as they are able in their situation.



Though Wolters advocates a role for Christians in the restoration of the world, he does not do so in a triumphalist manner or in one in which humans are at the center of bringing about the promised redemption. Instead, in this age, the Christian who presses for redemption can expect persecution and suffering. With this emphasis Wolters taps into a major biblical theme: Christians as sojourners in this present evil age. It is a strength that Wolters is able to maintain this emphasis alongside his emphasis of Christian attempts to live redemptively in the culture.



Weaknesses



Wolters’ extension of creation into areas of human endeavor such as marriage, farming, education, and business is intriguing. He has presented convincing biblical evidence in terms of marriage and farming (and the latter example lends itself to extension in other areas). There also seems to be historical evidence to support his hypothesis. For instance, communism seems to fail because it violates certain creational norms. The same could be said of certain educational theories or business practices. And yet what does it mean to call agriculture, economics, or science "creation"? Is it the norms that are creational? Are the actions, the structures, and/or the products creational? Some additional clarity on this point is needful.



Wolters rightly views redemption as restoration, but because of his broad definition of creation, he argues that the “products of human culture” will be purified and brought into the new creation. This goes beyond the biblical evidence and seems unnecessary even in a redemption-as-restoration paradigm. Clarification on the extent of creation will help in this matter.



Wolters is willing to speak of Christians advancing the kingdom in such areas as "advertising, labor-management relations, education, and international affairs" (76). A Christian who is in a labor union or on a management team must not dichotomize his work from his submission to Christ as Lord, but is working in such a way that the direction of these activities is bent towards their creational norms really advancing the kingdom? In some cases, perhaps. Part of his sanctification (that is, part of his redemption) is to conduct himself as befits a citizen of Christ's kingdom in all of these areas. But while he may have a sanctifying effect on his lost co-workers in these matters (along the lines of 1 Cor. 7:14), it seems too expansive to say he is establishing God's kingdom or that he is redeeming certain areas of culture. It would be better to say that he is acting in ways that anticipate the consummation of the kingdom or in ways that are consistent with redemption.



Wolters work would be strengthened by discussion about the role of the church. His book is most helpful for enabling Christians to live Christianly in their vocations six days a week. Yet that is not where the stress of the New Testament lies; its stress lies on the church. It is not wrong to focus elsewhere; indeed theologians have often found it necessary to emphasize things the Bible does not either to defend parts of Christianity that are under attack or to apply Scripture to situations not directly addressed by Scripture. Nonetheless, greater discussion of these areas would strengthen Wolters’ work.



Conclusion

In sum, Creation Regained is full of concepts that will enrich many aspects of Bible study: creational norms, structure and direction, the kingdom, worldliness, and the overlap of the ages. Wolters' primary weakness is the speculative nature of some of his ideas. The insights he has, however, far outweigh the weaknesses. This is the kind of book that repays repeated, careful, and thoughtful reading.

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Kevin McClain

Mar 09, 2011Kevin McClain rated it it was amazing

This book changed my life; God used it to speak the Gospel to me afresh.

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Justin Burkholder

Sep 01, 2020Justin Burkholder rated it it was amazing

One of the best and clearest explanations I’ve ever read of the scope of Gods redemption in creation.

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Andy Littleton

Jan 01, 2020Andy Littleton rated it it was amazing

Worthwhile especially for Christians who want to understand what God’s redemptive and restorative plan might mean for their everyday lives. A great corrective to the prevailing Christian ideas that separate the secular and sacred and plan ahead in terms of God superseding his beloved creation.

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Seph

Feb 14, 2011Seph rated it it was amazing

Two themes that stuck with me:



First, this book gives the proper questions for interpreting culture. "What about this is structural?" and "What about this is directional?" I have found these to be among the most important questions I've learned to ask in discerning culture.



Second, Wolters explains God's redemption cosmically. "God does not create junk, and God does not junk His creation."



With these two themes in hand, I walked away from the book thinking much more broadly about my calling to be redemptive in all that I do.



An excellent read. (less)

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Mark Jr.

Aug 28, 2011Mark Jr. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2011

God created a "very good" structure upon which man was to build. Man fell into sin, distorting that good structure, bending it in the wrong direction. Christ will redeem everything touched by the fall: Grace restores nature.

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mpsiple

Apr 19, 2019mpsiple rated it really liked it

Good book. Wolters offers a pretty simple, but sweeping view of creation - God made all of it, the Fall affected all of it, God will restore all of it. The categories he gives are very helpful for thinking through our engagement with the world around us. I would have appreciated more concrete examples of how this analysis would play out. He admits near the end of the book that his goal isn't to give answers, but to help readers ask the right questions. He does a good job of that.

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Simon

Mar 06, 2017Simon rated it liked it

Shelves: theology

Not especially compelling, although some helpful points. Read for teaching purposes.

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Philip

Mar 24, 2011Philip rated it really liked it

Through the lens of the Gospel, Wolters examines the concept of a worldview. In the first chapter, Wolters previews the topic and discusses the concept and implications of a worldview. The writer answers these and many other questions in the first chapter: What is a worldview? Why is a worldview important? Who has a worldview? Having established these foundational concepts, the following three chapters serve as a guide for a Christian worldview. Wolters uses these chapters (2-4) as the basis of a biblical worldview (viz., Creation, Fall, and Redemption). In all of these areas, the writer guides the reader to the understanding that the cosmic significance of the Gospel has much to do with the moral and ethical choices of the believer. Throughout these three chapters as well as the conclusion, the reader is driven away from poor paradigms (secular vs. sacred, categorically good vs. categorically bad) to a wholly different paradigm (redeemed vs. fallen). In essence, when doing studies in ethics, Wolters would have Christians ask these questions: 1. What was God's creative ideal (law) in this area? 2. In what way has the depravity of fallen man marred this ideal? 3. In what ways can we see the creative ideal restored through the Gospel? These questions will directly affect the life of a believer if their answers are translated into practice. Wolters' conclusion is extremely practical. The summary chapter was very helpful in its added dimensions and explanations.



Overall, the work was an enjoyable and enlightening read. Several flaws may exist in the argument and in the work as a whole. Some of these may be more significant depending on ones' denominational and theological background. First, Wolters stands committedly in the Reformed tradition. One who is outside those bounds may find some disconnect with the views of the writer. For example, Wolters takes a somewhat unfair shot at Dispensationalism (79) by stating that they only hold to the kingdom as millennial. Also, some of the concepts such as a "cultural mandate" and "redeeming culture" are predicated on an understanding of Niebuhr's "Christ and Culture," and his concept of "Christ redeeming culture." Most premillennialists struggle with this position due to what they see as a downturn in morality at the end of the current age, rather than a slow victory in the realm of culture. That being said, dispensationalists will not disagree in whole with the premise of the work. Even the concept of the Church battling towards victory (albeit, not accomplished until after the millennium) in the realm of ethics is supported by most dispensationalists who are more than willing to combat the pessimistic possibilities of their theology.



These concerns are only significant to a select few, so they are of little significance. The book itself is extremely significant. While only an introduction to redemptive worldviews, the work turns the eyes of the reader to the Gospel in order to find the deepest of ethical implications. (less)

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Stephen

Jun 20, 2013Stephen rated it it was amazing

In the tradition of Kuyper, Vollenhoven, and Dooyeweerd, Albert Wolters seeks to describe the framework for a Christian "reformational" approach to the redemption and restoration of the all areas of human life through the power of the Gospel in Jesus Christ. There are two fundamental principles of this often-called "neo-calvinist" position. The first is the rejection of a nature-grace dualism. The natural, created world (pre-lapsarian) has its own integrity. It is inherently good, not good due to an added supernatural category, i.e., grace. In others words, nothing "non-creational" is necessary to make creation good. The fall corrupted nature, and grace is the restoration of nature. The fall was not a removal of grace from nature (and thereby making it corrupt), but the event necessitated grace for nature's restoration. The fall resulted not from a loss of grace; it resulted in the necessity of grace. Thus what Wolter's calls the "structures" of nature/creation (the arts, business, sexuality, cultural institutions, politics, etc.) were in themselves sound, yet humans, through the fall, deviate from their associated norms. Grace is necessary for the correct "direction" or conformity to these norms. But it must be stressed that the goodness of pre-lapsarian creation was not due to the presence of a supernatural grace, but due to a simple declaration by God that it was good. The implication is that any work in an area of human life, such as the work of an artist, is potentially kingdom work. It is not just the salvation of souls, or the works of ministers, or the contemplation of the divine by monks in a monastery. All work is equally good when creation is being redeemed.



The second fundamental principles is that Christians presently have a mandate to restore all of creation. Wolters never says that the work of Christians will bring the New Jerusalem down from heaven. But he does insist that the work of re-creation or restoration of all aspects of human life, though hindered by sin, is presently a Christian responsibility. Being united to Christ, the Second Adam, and being his ministers on earth, we are to assume our redeemed position in the second Adam and seek to fulfill the work of Adam. In other words, we are to seek to form civilization.



Every Christian must deal with the fact that being a Christian means being united to the Second Adam; and that Adam, being a creature and the God-mandated lord of creation, was part of the created order, the created norms and laws of God. Obeying these laws and norms would produce civilization. What then ought those in the Second Adam do when seeking to obey all that Christ, the manifestation of God's law/character, commands us to do? This is a question we must all answer. (less)

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Tim Hoiland

Mar 27, 2012Tim Hoiland rated it it was amazing

Shelves: faith

Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview (Eerdmans) was originally written in 1985 by Al Wolters, and then re-released twenty years later, with an afterword by Michael Goheen. Wolters defines worldview as “the comprehensive framework of one’s basic beliefs about things,” a definition he then breaks down bit by bit (I won’t spell it out here, but each word is carefully chosen). He believes that a biblical worldview is best understood by the basic scriptural categories of creation, fall and redemption. He also contends that our worldview is to inform all of life; the Bible leaves no room for compartmentalizing certain parts of life into the mutually exclusive categories of sacred (church, spiritual practices, Bible study, etc) and secular (economics, politics, technology, etc)...



- See more at: http://tjhoiland.com/wordpress/2012/0... (less)

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Jeremy

Apr 15, 2012Jeremy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: worldview

Using the Creation-Fall-Redemption-Consummation metanarrative, Wolters describes the Christian's worldview as rooted in affirming creational norms by discerning the structures intended by God and guiding them in the right direction. This is very helpful and perhaps even category exploding for some Christians who have been fed a version of Christianity that perhaps locates the antithesis between the city of God and the city of man somewhere in creation, resulting in a sacred/secular divide that Kuyperians would say effectively seals off portions of God's creation from his sovereign rule. Others may find the content of this book obvious and uninteresting, as cultural discipleship was always an assumed component of their call to obedience in Christ. Really helpful worldview book for me. (less)

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Sarah

Aug 02, 2011Sarah rated it liked it

“Because of their two-realm theory (seeing all things as either “sacred” or “secular”), Christians have themselves to blame for the rapid secularization of the West.



If political, industrial, artistic, and journalistic life, to mention only these areas, are branded as essentially ‘worldly,’ ‘secular,’ and part of the natural domain of ‘creaturely life,’ then is it surprising that Christians have not more effectively stemmed the tide of humanism in our culture?” -pg 54



Excellent, scholarly, philosophical, dry, challenging, convincing. Not for the faint of heart. (less)

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Phillip Nash

Mar 18, 2015Phillip Nash rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

An outstanding book that takes a fresh approach to the idea of a Biblical world view - a term that has some problems with it. Wolters more theologically oriented approach is much more helpful in laying out a framework for Christians to engage in redemptive restoration. His use of Structure and Direction are very thought provoking as a means of understanding that the earth is the Lords yet sin has spoiled what God declared good. An essential read for anyone involved in Christian schooling but probably difficult in style for some. I loved it and found it very helpful. (less)

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The Atman Project: A Transpersonal View of Human Development by Ken Wilber | Goodreads

The Atman Project: A Transpersonal View of Human Development by Ken Wilber | Goodreads





The Atman Project: A Transpersonal View of Human Development

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The Atman Project: A Transpersonal View of Human Development

by Ken Wilber

 4.23  ·   Rating details ·  196 ratings  ·  8 reviews







Wilber traces human development from infancy into adulthood and beyond, into those states described by mystics and spiritual adepts. The spiritual evolution of such extraordinary individuals as the Buddha and Jesus hints at the direction human beings will take in their continuing growth toward transcendence.



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Linda McKenzie

Jan 14, 2019Linda McKenzie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: have-read-twice

With his usual brilliance and wide-ranging knowledge, Ken Wilber delivers stunning insights in this book regarding the nature of human development. Some readers may find the first third or so of the book to be somewhat laborious, especially if they are not familiar with psychoanalytic theory. Wilber marshals this theory as a jumping off point, reinterpreting it as he goes, to construct a coherent perspective on human development that goes well beyond the "healthy ego", or actualisation of the "autonomous", separate self level, at which conventional psychology stops. Indeed, as Wilber points out, psychology has tended to view any experience that transcends the ego, as with mystics, to be pathological and regressive. Wilber very ably refutes this idea to show that there are stages of human development, potentially available to all, that transcend that of a well functioning and actualised ego, culminating in unity consciousness.



Although the whole spectrum of development is fascinating—and Wilber shows how the same principles of development apply to all levels—at the post-egoic stages things get much more interesting. At this point the text is unencumbered by any attempt to reinterpret psychological theory because there is no such theory applying to these higher levels of development—or there wasn't, at the time of writing.



Basically, Wilber argues that, at every stage of development, from the lowest to the penultimate, everything we do, everything we seek, desire and grasp for, every stage of development we traverse, is part of an "Atman project" in which we are constantly reaching for substitute gratifications to compensate for what we are all actually seeking but missing, that is, the Atman or Real Self or unity consciousness. While we all intuit and implicitly "remember" the existence of this ground of our own being—the only "thing" that could ultimately satisfy us—and yearn for it, we seek it in ways that prevent us from finding it. We desire it and resist it at the same time, because it involves the terror of the death of our current identification, whether that be with the physical, mental or subtle aspects of our being. Only by accepting the death of our present self can we transform to the next stage of identification, with each stage incrementally moving closer to the reunification with, and as, the Atman.



In my view, this perspective gives a meaning, a beauty, and a nobility to all of the otherwise seemingly random, chaotic, foolish, self-defeating behaviour that largely characterises human existence, with all its concomitant frustration and disappointment, as well as the heroic and inspired striving, at this and previous stages of our evolution. Each and every step and misstep is part of an "Atman project" in which we are ineluctably evolving back to the oneness/love that we truly are. At this point, the Atman project is over, because we realise that we are the Atman.



And while this book does give meaning to what may appear to be meaningless, repetitive and perpetually disappointing struggles, as well as transient satisfactions, I also experienced it as a wake-up call to clearly recognise that our substitute gratifications are just that—substitutes, that can never permanently satisfy. Wilber does not adopt a didactic tone in the slightest, but he does provide the insight that the reason we are unhappy is because we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places. There's no shame or blame in that; it's simply the human condition, inherent to development. But contrary to the limited models provided by Western psychology, there *is* a trajectory of evolution beyond "self actualisation" of the egoic self, to which we might want to orient ourselves; to consciously cooperate with rather than resist the inevitable forward motion of development to our true highest potential.



I highly recommend this book. Persistence with it pays off. (less)

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Tim

Oct 30, 2019Tim rated it it was amazing

For me the great thing about reading Wilber is the way he breaks everything down to the essence - past the cultures, religious terminology, theories, opinions, he not only breaks it down but distills the truth to the essentials. It's not reductionist, more like the kernel as the Sufis might say. The ending of the book on evolution/involution in the path of the human soul is as crystal clear as I've ever seen things described. Again, you'll find all of this elsewhere - that's the idea really - this is all universal stuff. But nowhere is it said for the Western mind quite like this. (less)

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Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading)

Jun 13, 2020Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nonfiction

Integral thinking and development explained in Wilber’s thorough and quirky style.

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Willa

Jul 26, 2009Willa rated it really liked it

Great book, a courageous attempt to put the 'old' psychology (i.e. Freud et al) in a new context of developmental thought. Parts of it are a little outdated, as Wilber has since updated his theory of development, however the core is still unique in its endeavour of re-contextualising psychology for the 21st Century.



After re-reading... it is a masterpiece actually. Even though some fundamentals are outdated now - it doesn't matter too much (if you're aware of how Wilber's theory has developed since). (less)

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Eugene Pustoshkin

May 11, 2013Eugene Pustoshkin rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition

Shelves: 1my-library, ken-wilber, integral, integral-psychology, development-adult, developmental-psychology

Книга имеет заслуженную и общепризнанную репутацию блестящего исследования полного спектра (вертикального) развития сознания человека. Впечатление от издания портит только несколько трудноватый перевод (по крайней мере, когда я перечитывал книгу в оригинале, она составила впечатление достаточно доступного чтения, чего не скажешь о переводе). Однако текст непростой, поэтому нужно быть благодарными за то, что его всё же издали и, тем самым, дали навигационную карту тысячам людей!

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Andrew

Jul 29, 2008Andrew rated it liked it

The Atman Project denotes the attempt to find Spirit in ways that prevent it and force substitute gratifications in space and time through grasping and despairing. This book describes awareness beginning at the pre-personal level through the transpersonal state.

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Scott

Mar 16, 2012Scott rated it liked it

I am tired of psychoanalytic and other psychologists using big words to explain simple concepts. Otherwise this book pairs well with Tuesdays With Morrie.

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Kevin

Mar 07, 2019Kevin rated it it was amazing

ONE CANNOT LIVE A LIFE WITHOUT READING THIS BOOK. Had to really take my time with it, the realizations i had were REAL. Sometimes shocking even. One of many MAJOR self help and life coaching books in ways you wouldn’t tell from the title. DONT buy this book thinking it’s purely spiritual.



A. Mutimer

5.0 out of 5 stars An overview into which so much can be slotted

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 February 2005

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Drawing on a large number of psychologists, both inside and outside the mainstream, Wilber describes a transpersonal developmental psychology. He outlines a series of developmental stages and shows that each can be seen as the human's failed attempt to complete the Atman project, the Atman project being the project to be the universe, to be God, Atman.

Wilber shows that, at each stage, the seeds of failure inhere in the nature of the stage itself and that the human resolves this by raising itself one level higher thereby integrating the problematic elements of the current stage. However, the new stage has an essentially similar, flawed structure and so the process goes on and on until the project is completed and the human achieves total integration i.e. he does, in fact, become God.

Ken regards the process as having an outward swing, which is the ground covered by Western psychology and an inward swing, which is the ground covered by Eastern religion. The achievement of this book is to make a sensible whole out of the two. In the course of this Ken lays out his own ideas about the nature of developmental failure and argues strongly and persuasively that the desires seen in some people for further self-integration by such techniques as mediation are not, in general, desires to regress to earlier, more satisfying, states as many psychologists believe, but are the engines of further developmental progress.

After we have been taken along this somewhat controversial route the position is rounded out by describing what happened *before* we were born. I don't mean what happened to us in the womb, I mean he describes the developmental nature of the interlife(!) and he does this by reference to the Tibetan book of the Dead(!) OK, by now you have the idea, we are talking here about the BIG, big picture, the biggest there is, and inevitably, it is open to dispute.

In its favour the book is *seriously* well referenced, tightly argued and presents a very elegant argument. Against it is that some evidence that bears heavily on the more tenuous areas appears to me to have been ignored in order to make the case. For example, we are told that the Tibetan Book of the Dead says that, at death, irrespective of the stage a soul has achieved while on earth, the Atman project is momentarily completed in the interlife. But the (immature?) soul cannot sustain the integration and so a series of descents is made until physical birth recurs. This is an accurate reading of the TBOTD sure enough, but this admittedly ancient and well-respected work is not in accord with the evidence we get from certain modern-day seers and that which has been revealed by access to the superconcious under hypnosis. This leaves us (as always, groan) in a position where we choose our evidence, and we choose our world-view as a result.

Some reviewers have said Ken is repetitive, and I have to reluctantly agree with that. Repetition is, to some extent, inevitable in this book because he is describing a repetitive process, but he does make this worse by occasionally saying the same thing several times, all in close proximity. It is not a major failing but you do sometimes have the feeling you are being clubbed over the head with his points.



But I should not leave you on a negative. This book is a seriously good piece of work dealing concisely with a very difficult matter; a matter which to some of us is of the utmost importance i.e. it makes sense of the apparent contradictions between Western psychology and religion i.e. ego enhancement and ego dissolution. If this area matters to you then I strongly recommend it. For my own part, this was my first book by Wilber and I will read more, mainly to see if my perception that certain evidence is ignored under his worldview is incorrect.

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T. M. Jensen

5.0 out of 5 stars Good stuff

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 August 2014

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I needed to go back and unearth some of Ken's earlier ideas. This book is great!

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DrPM

2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars

Reviewed in India on 15 August 2016

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Good book. Bad production! Looks like a pirated book. Amazon should insist on quality.

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Le Chat qui lit

5.0 out of 5 stars INDISPENSABLE

Reviewed in France on 27 October 2012

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Ouvrage irremplaçable à tous ceux qui ont une quête spirituelle.

Il est très rare de trouver un livre si clair et qui pose des jalons aussi nets.

Il n'y a que Guénon qui m'a ouvert de tels horizons.

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Philip

5.0 out of 5 stars Wilber got it right in this book.

Reviewed in the United States on 29 June 2014

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In my opinion, The Atman Project is Ken Wilber's best work, even though it is one of his earliest works.

Ken did his homework with volumes of cross-cultural research, and came up with some astounding results in terms of how the individual human develops. There are also several charts in the appendices showing the stages of development proposed by various philosophers, psychologists, and mystics. The Atman Project is the companion book with Up from Eden, which addresses how humanity as a whole developed. But in both books, Ken doesn't stop with the past, he also shows us where we are headed in terms of the higher stages of human development. This is one of those books that will go down in history as a breakthrough in human thought and research.  Up from Eden: A Transpersonal View of Human Evolution

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Tim Johnson

5.0 out of 5 stars Gets Packed for the Desert Island

Reviewed in the United States on 1 December 2019

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Of the dozen books I want when stranded on a desert island, this is one. Been reading books on consciousness n transcendence for 50 yrs. This is the best; although I recommend starting with "The Spectrum of Consciousness". I read many sections 3 times to really absorb what Ken was saying. The extra effort was well worth it.

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Patrick D. Goonan

5.0 out of 5 stars A very special and unique book on development

Reviewed in the United States on 28 August 2006

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I have read the other reviews below mine and I understand that Wilber has shortcomings. On the other hand, I also think he has much strength and that this particular book is incredible for a variety of reasons.



First, I think his presentation of transpersonal development is a great attempt at a synthesis of many schools of thought and his overall model for such a cycle is realistic. While some of the correspondences between disparate models might be inaccurate in the particulars, there are enough correlations that it is reasonable to take this work as a good starting point for a more complete synthesis.



Second, I loved the way Wilber explained what it must be like to be an infant or small child. He described the experience of different stages of development so well; I couldn't put the book down and read these sections over and over again.



Third, I liked the way Wilber positioned human development as part of a larger evolution. I believe that he is correct in his general ideas and he presents a hopeful picture of the future of humanity.



Overall, I think this is a very interesting read and complimentary to most of the good standard material that is already out there on development. It doesn't read like a text, it is much more engaging and thought provoking. I really appreciated this approach. The book is also dense; he packs a lot of useful information in a short space without repeating himself as much as he does in some other books.



I did not love the preface, but once I got into the core of the book I was very pleasantly surprised. You can get this volume for as little as $5.00 used. I have bought copies for my friends because I think it is especially good for parents, teachers and others who need to understand the different lines and stages of development from the INSIDE. It is good stuff don't be discouraged away from this book because it isn't perfect in every respect.

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James P.

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on 4 July 2017

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Thanks for another amazing book Ken!

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Book Lover

3.0 out of 5 stars Overly Complicated But Interesting Concept

Reviewed in the United States on 7 September 2015

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Overly Complicated



Very tough read. Author uses way too many complicated terms and long words, extremely convoluted explanations more suited to impressing the academia than informing a lay reader. Could have been far more simplified, though the work has definite value. If you want to read about the various stages of psychological development, it's pretty clinical. It does a decent job of tying the various disciplines together for a more holistic view of transpersonal psychology, and at the heart of it is a really powerful idea of how people use substitute gratifications which prevent the psyche from achieving true transcendence, which I find fascinating. It also gives a better understanding of some of Sri Aurobindo's ideas of transcendence of self, but it's a long way to travel for what it delivers. I skipped to the second half of book, and found the final 1/4 of book much easier to digest.

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Sung-gyoo,Shin

4.0 out of 5 stars I read the book thoroughly and got a full understanding ...

Reviewed in the United States on 25 January 2017

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I read the book thoroughly and got a full understanding of Ken Wilber`s point of view to see through the evolution of human spirituality. So much supportive enough to be introduced in the contenz of Wilber`s successive writings.

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Ken Wilber: Thought As Passion (Suny Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Pyschology) (SUNY series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology)

Ken Wilber: Thought As Passion (Suny Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Pyschology) (SUNY series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology)





4.9 out of 5 stars

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From the United States

Patrick D. Goonan

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent roadmap and introduction to Wilber

Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2007

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I have read most of Ken Wilber's work and have been studying his thought for years. The breadth of his work is incredible and difficult for the average person to wrap their arms around. It is also very difficult to know where to start or to position any particular work in the evolution of his thought. This book is an excellent roadmap in this respect.



In a nutshell, this work provides an introduction to Ken Wilber's most important ideas and the man behind them. Ken is a popular figure, but he doesn't attend many conferences, appear in public, do a lot of interviews, etc. This makes it difficult to understand him as a person and contextualize his work with his own personal evolution. This book will give you a good feel for Ken Wilber the person, the major milestones in his life and how they correlate to the evolution of his ideas.



While this is an excellent book and fills in some important gaps, it is not a comprehensive introduction to Ken Wilber's body of work. This would be impossible in a book of this size. However, if you purchased  Kosmic Consciousness  or  A Brief History of Everything  to go along with it, you would be in excellent shape to move forward and make good decisions about what to read next. You would also be very well prepared to speak intelligently about Wilber's thought and the development of his Integral Model.



Another product that could be very useful as an accompaniment to reading more of Wilber's books would be  Embracing Reality , which is sort of a Cliff's notes of Ken's major works. If you got all three of the resources I mentioned on this page and  Integral Spirituality: A Startling New Role for Religion in the Modern and Postmodern World , you would have a good end-to-end sense of Wilber up to his most current thought.



I personally think Ken Wilber is a very major figure and will go down in history as an extremely important thinker. Among other things, he has a 20 year track record of writing and 30 books which have been in print continuously since he wrote them -- a rare achievement for a largely academic writer. In addition, Random House is compiling the collected works of Ken Wilber who is a living author! It is very unusual for a major publishing house to undertake such a large project while a prolific writer is still living. I think this speaks for itself in terms of the quality and enduring impact of his thought on this period in history. In short, I think what we are seeing now is only the tip of the iceberg. In my opinion, Ken's work has the potential to transform how we do business, medicine, education, ecology and every other major human endeavor.



While I don't think Ken Wilber is flawless and above being human, he is an intellectual giant with a lot to offer modern society in a search for meaning and a model to apply to solve contemporary problems. I am glad to see that he is getting more and more traction in the marketplace.



On a critical note, I think that Wilber himself has evolved into a major figure and I would love to see more editing and organization in his books going forward. In much of his work, there is a lot of repitition, overlap and unnecessary meandering. This certainly does not reflect upon the quality of his thought, but Visser's book certainly helps someone new cut to the chase and get a handle on the best way to navigate the voluminous Ken Wilber body of work.

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R. M. Williams

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent introduction

Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2006

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I've tried to read K.Wilber in the past, i've never got more than through the first few chapters. I realize i ought to come to grips with his ideas and this book is an excellent place to start. For not only does it carefully look at the thought but is stimulating enough to get me (i hope) through some of the hard spots in K.Wilber's writings, in the near future. That makes it an outstanding book, not just informative but inspirational, nice job.



The book is basically a chronological look at the evolution of K.Wilber's transpersonal philosophy/psychology. It is not strictly intellectual but rather does a rather nice job of presenting K.Wilber as a man, as a mediator, and in the tear provoking chapter on his wife Treya, as a care giver for a terminally ill spouse. All in all much more satisfying a look then a strictly intellectual examination of a philosophic system. The major point of the book is that K.Wilber is interested in synthesising the Western scientific viewpoint on human development with the Eastern, primarily Tibetan Buddhist, in order to reach a syncretism of what human beings know about themselves. The book presents his thought as a dialogue with pieces of each world, what K.Wilber was interested in understanding, in the overall context of the development of his systematic philosophy/psychology. The structure is both accessible and interesting, rarely did i find interest flagging, more often i had to set the book down for a minute to think about what i had just read and try to make connections. This book, like the philosophy it outlines is not easy, nor simple, nor without dozens of references and rabbit paths to wander down, it is well documented, both in the text and in excellent endnotes, and as expected a substantial index that i for one used many times.



As for a chapter to read to get an idea of the book, i don't think this is a book you can pickup in the middle and profitably read, i'd stick to either of the first two chapters, introduction and who is ken wilber, although the chapter 5, Love death and rebirth, about his wife is worth a try to read by itself, if only for the window into his soul it presents. Generally, it is a read from the beginning, take notes, run to the computer to google a word or phrase, run to amazon to look at customer reviews of books cited, hightlighting on every page, some pages more than 1/2 coated, etc type of book. It took me about 3 times as long to read as a "normal" book of it's length, mostly because of the constant dialogue with the author i was mentally involved in while reading, not an argument as much as a constant series of questions and desire for more background and explanation.



Well, "who is Ken Wilber?" and "why should anyone care to read him?"



He has for 25 years set himself to a daunting task that only few authors have ever attempted, a comprehensive analysis of what human beings know about themselves and how all these systems can be unified (integrated) into a system that allows them to genuinely talk and interact with each other, rather than catfighting forever. To that endeavor he has read several books per day for decades on end, produced a flow of readable words that fill 11 volumes of his collected works, mediated several hours per day until he had a spiritual vision of non-duality that remains a constant companion. A lifetime apparently well spent in pursuit of his goals.



He has ideas and pictures that are valuable to anyone thinking about these issues. How do people grow and develop? How do cultures grow, is there a similarity between the two? What are we made of? What can i do to develop (although this is not a major goal of the book) further? How do different systems interact, like Western psychology and Eastern mysticism? Can this knowledge be unified so that we can remember it, deal with things that are similar in the same ways while avoiding putting different things into the same unappropriate boxes?



It is questions like this that make a comprehensive system like K.Wilber's worth studying, even if you disagree with several or even all of the basic assumptions and goals. Thinkgs like: the 3 eyes: physical, mental, spiritual; the great chain of being; development from prepersonal, personal to transpersonal, interiority vs exteriority on the same graph as individual vs collective; etc. are all useful conceptions and maps that i can use, certainly a gift from a dynamic and fruitful mind.



So i think this a very good introduction to K.Wilber and i am interested in getting into a few of his books now. with this background i hope it will be a little easier and less confusing then in the past. thanks to the author for a very good book.

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Research Guy

5.0 out of 5 stars Original Contribution

Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2004

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I had expected Visser to play the role of a cheerleading reporter of Wilber's works, and was pleasantly surprised to see that Visser is a capable thinker in his own right. Not only does he manage to clearly and concisely convey the gist of Wilber's vast collection of writings, but he also contributes many insights that help put Wilber's work in context and in perspective. There seems to be a healthy undercurrent of friendly disagreement and tension between Wilber and Visser on a number of issues, and I think Visser displays a remarkable objectivity for one who maintains the main website on Wilber's work.

In sereral places I wished Visser had put even more of his own thoughts into the book, but of course the subject of the book is Wilber's thought, not Visser's. Specifically, Visser had a short section in which he explores the similarities between Theosophy and the Integral perspective. I haven't read all of Wilber's writings, but from what I have read there seems to be a major avoidance of the Western esoteric tradition, with the possible exception that Wilber once wrote that he admired Rudolf Steiner's writings. By esoteric I don't mean Western mysticism, which Wilber covers well enough, but the strand of Kaballism, Rosicrucianism, Anthroposophy, Theosophy, Alice Bailey, etc. There is a vast amount of material there dealing with involution, evolution, stages of consciousness, and so forth, that should rightly be incorporated into a fully integral spirituality. I have found that most Wilberians and Integral thinkers in general show little interest in the occult traditions, and most occultists show little interest in Integral studies. This means we have two almost exclusive strands of practioners trying to cover very similar ground without communicating much with each other. The result is not healthy in my view.

I imagine Wilber avoids the Western esoteric tradition because it does not play well with academics, whom he is trying to reach. But Visser appears to have a Theosophical background and may will be a thinker capable of championing an expansion of integral thought that embraces the esoteric and occult as well as the usualy religio-mystical traditions.

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Patricia A. Gaffney

5.0 out of 5 stars Love Ken Wilber

Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2016

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Love Ken Wilber, one of his most accessible if you find his longer and more dense writing difficult.. as I do sometimes. He is unquestionable a genius and has added immeasurebly to our understanding of the unfied nature and movement of this divinely created and ordered universe we live in.

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Wayne D Allen

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2015

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No more Ken Wilber for me.

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Paul Helfrich

5.0 out of 5 stars Making Ken Wilber Assessible

Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2004

March 04, 2004

If you want a well researched, thorough overview of the work of Ken Wilber, then Frank Visser's Ken Wilber: Thought as Passion is a great choice. It covers a broad scope and is a relatively easy read. That's the short version.

The long version must take into account Wilber's five periods or models to date. Visser's book nicely introduces the first four periods in a general way, and sets the stage for further study of the oeuvre. Wilber-5, so-called, has emerged in the last few years and will be published for the first time in the upcoming Kosmos, Vol. 2 (whose working title is Kosmic Karma and Creativity). One of the novel aspects of Wilber-5 is what he calls a post-metaphysical approach (among other things), which relies on empiricism in the three great domains of body, mind, and spirit. So the jury is still out on the niggly details of Wilber-5, and how its critic's will respond. But one thing is certain, once published it may be easy to misconstrue criticism of this Visser opus because it's NOT Wilber-5 and appropriately focuses on the influence of the perennial traditions in Wilber-1 through Wilber-4. But to Frank's credit, he mentions Wilber-5 several times and acknowledges that Wilber's views continue to develop.

Having said that, if you really want to get inside Wilber's head, or at the very least, into his heart, then it's appropriate to study his work beginning with Wilber-1. Why? First, Wilber is a developmental, evolutionary, transcendentalist thinker and doer. It's apt to see how his theory developed as it was informed by his own bodily, mental, and spiritual growth. Second, even though Wilber no longer recommends his first two books, The Spectrum of Consciousness (1977) and No Boundary (1979), they're required reading because we can trace the "integral impulse" at work from the very beginning along with what are now acknowledged flaws (the so-called pre/trans fallacy in particular). That integral impulse included nascent awareness that the three great domains of body, mind, and spiritual science must be included in any integral approach. Put another way, it reflected Ken's precocious understanding that transcendental experience is not solely pathological, and properly developed could greatly inform human development. He also refined transpersonal psychological theory to include the full spectrum of consciousness, from body to mind to soul to nondual spirit, along with identifying appropriate pathology and therapies.

Thus, Visser's book handles Wilber-1 through Wilber-4 with the skillful means of one who is far more than a journeyman with the material. In fact, Frank includes a great deal of biographical material that provides a human face and heart, background in the transpersonal field in general to situate Wilber's oeuvre, major critics, a summary of their differences, as well as his own critiques. He also includes a thorough bibliography of Wilber's work that alone is worth the price of the book! In the closing chapter Visser offers further insights and suggestions that may help refine the inchoate Wilber-5 model based upon his theosophical background.

In summary, if you're seriously interested in learning about Wilber's work, this is a great place to start. Ken personally recommends A Theory of Everything (2000) because it's concise, and A Brief History of Everything (1996). Together, they give a full accounting the major insights of Wilber-1 to Wilber-4, now called AQAL: all quadrants, levels, lines, states, types (and the kitchen sink. It is a thorough model :-).

All in all, let's give Frank Visser a hearty congratulations for a job well done!

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Biased Perspective

4.0 out of 5 stars Provides an understanding of Wilber

Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2005

I bought this book b/c I was interested in knowing more about Ken Wilber and his theory. I came away with both so I would consider the book a success. I did find it ironic that Wilber purports to read 3 books a day but did not read this book while providing the foreward to it. I almost felt that he didn't want to endorse the book, not b/c he didn't read it but b/c then he would give others fresh ammo to attack his theory. Nonetheless, I felt the author was complete and performed a remarkable feat in compiling and organizing Wilber's material and theory. Recommended if you are interested in a theory that expands on psychological theories to include the spiritual realm.

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Bert Parlee

5.0 out of 5 stars Wilber Revealed

Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2004

As Wilber's Chief of Staff, I observe a lot of people attempting to reflect on his life and work in ways that are often speculative and confused. There are so many things to react to, and people line up to do so. It's refreshing to finally have a text that is able to represent Wilber's work and life in a way that is at once informed, critical, fair and inspiring. Visser echoes and reverberates Wilber's clarity of style, while infusing a revealed humanity in the process. Well done.

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Ken Wilber: Thought as Passion

by Frank Visser, Ken Wilber

 4.03  ·   Rating details ·  69 ratings  ·  5 reviews

This is the definitive guide to the life and work of Ken Wilber, widely regarded as the most comprehensive and passionate philosopher of our times. In this long overdue exploration of Wilber's life and work, Frank Visser not only outlines the theories of this profound thinker, but also uncovers his personal life, showing how his experiences influenced and shaped his writing.



Wilber's impressive body of work, including nineteen books in more than thirty languages, brings together science and religion, philosophy, art, culture, East and West, and places them within the all-encompassing perspective of evolution. Visser's book follows Wilber's four distinct phases as he reveals not only the story behind Wilber's writing, but also the man behind the ideas. In recounting the course of Wilber's life and the motives that led him to the subjects he has written so much about, Visser uncovers the intricacies of one of the world's most important intellectuals. Included in this indispensable resource is a complete bibliography of Wilber's work. (less)

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Paperback, 346 pages

Published September 1st 2003 by State University of New York Press

Original TitleKen Wilber: Thought As Passion (Suny Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Pyschology)

ISBN0791458164 (ISBN13: 9780791458167)

Edition LanguageEnglish

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Elizabeth Andrew

Sep 01, 2017Elizabeth Andrew rated it it was amazing

Shelves: spirituality

I'm gobbling up Ken Wilber because his philosophy, which incorporates spirituality into an understanding of human and social development, is a much-needed antidote to the secular, static understanding of humanity we're swimming in with postmodernism. This biography surveys Wilber's early work, so it's a useful summary of a vast amount of material. I find Wilber's upward mobility orientation toward spirituality a bit too masculine and ambitious, but at least he acknowledges the path of descent an ...more

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Willa

Aug 21, 2010Willa rated it really liked it

What ever happened to Frank Visser?? Now adays he is Ken Wilber's greatest pest, writing negatively about him wherever he can, but this book is brilliant and highly informative. It is a great overview of Wilber's long and complex journey in consciousness, and although it misses the last period (Wilber V) it is largely up to date. Visser has really cracked the code and although there are certain views you can agree or disagree with, every Wilber fan should read this book in order to get a more solid understanding of how Wilber's thought has developed over time. (less)

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Kacper A

Jul 12, 2020Kacper A rated it it was amazing

I read that book years ago, after Spectrum of Counciousness and some research that a teenager could do in the Web. I mailed Visser even, but my attitude/twistedness was too deep, so there was no 'intelectual interference' or anything else as i expected. I remember i admired the style of this book and it was surely something different from interviews published in form of a book i used to read then. I jumped quickly to Visser's page and tried to comprehend more and more and more.

I would say this book is good checkpoint to start the trip of understanding Integral Theory.

Once i had a conversation with a woman, who read memoir of Treya - 'Grace and Grit'? - and a love story. She was highly educated but i laughed scornfully in her face that she ended her trip with that. With all respect (to KW/Treya and that woman i speak about): she could just read some harlequin or watch a sensitive porn and the impact would be almost equal.

I mention to her that KW repeats his theory in a way of repeating himself, but that is not accurate ofc, and she told something like: 'Yeah, this is psychologically understandable and is a form of neurotic personality.' The unspoken remark was: guys tend to' overintelectualization'.

lol. (less)

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