The Wisdom Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind--A New Perspective on Christ and His Message by Cynthia Bourgeault

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(Paperback)

  • Pub. Date: August 2008
  • 224pp
  • Sales Rank: 22,031

    Reader Rating: (1 ratings)

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    Product Details

    • Pub. Date: August 2008
    • Publisher: Shambhala Publications, Inc.
    • Format: Paperback, 224pp
    • Sales Rank: 22,031

    Synopsis

    If you put aside what you  think you know about Jesus and approach the Gospels as though for the first time, something remarkable happens: Jesus emerges as a teacher of the transformation of consciousness. Cynthia Bourgeault is a masterful guide to Jesus's vision and to the traditional contemplative practices you can use to experience the heart of his teachings for yourself.

    Publishers Weekly

    Inspired by the Nag Hammadi discoveries and influenced by more than 30 years of study with Fr. Thomas Keating and other contemplatives in a variety of wisdom traditions, Bourgeault, an Episcopal priest, encourages seekers to reach beyond the Western tradition of Jesus-as-Savior to embrace Jesus more wholly as a wisdom teacher. Through a transformative lesson in vocabulary, giving new meaning to perceptions like "head," "heart" and "repentance," she offers a fresh reading of the Beatitudes, challenges us to explore the more complicated messages imbedded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke and emphasizes a notion of "self-emptying love" that allows for a shift in consciousness from ego-based analysis to acceptance of divine abundance, which in turn sheds new light on examinations of the Passion, crucifixion and ensuing events. Guided chapter primers on centered meditation and chanting further prepare readers to test the open waters of welcoming the "flow of... deeper sustaining wisdom." Though strict legalists may not warm to this new spiritual perspective, other students of faith will find an especially intriguing and engaging path waiting for them. (Aug.)

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    Biography

    Cynthia Bourgeault, PhD, is an Episcopal priest, teacher, and retreat and conference leader. She is the author of several books, including Chanting the Psalms and Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening.

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    "JC 360"by Christianexistentialist

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    March 23, 2009: Bourgeault invites us into the other 270 degrees of Jesus so often missed by Western Christianity. Draw a circle around the Near East where Jesus lived and taught and only 90 degrees of that circle touches Italy and the West.

    Those of us brought up in the Western Catholic tradition have a 90 degree creedal view of Jesus. Bourgeault reminds us that Jesus was a First Century Jew and a Wisdom Figure. Like most Near Eastern Wisdom Figures he told stories that were more like riddles than didactic teachings. Like most Wisdom Figures Jesus called people into a new reality - the Kingdom of God.

    Bourgeault delves into 'extra-canonical' literature to prove the valid point that the church of the West has indeed suppressed and even distorted the Jesus of the Near East. The Gospel of Thomas is one source that she uses in her arguments. This and other writings are recent finds that bring to light a fresh look at Jesus.

    Her arguments are sound and deepen our perspective on Christ. She invites us not to disown the 90 degree Jesus, but rather to embrace the 360 degree Jesus!

    Her insights into the Sermon on the Mount and several of the more enigmatic sayings in the Gospels are most helpful.

    Her last chapters give practical in-put for us to deepen our own spirituality through such spiritual practices as lectio divina, centering prayer, and chanting.

    I found this book to be most helpful.

    If you are a progressive Christian you will welcome its insights. If your are a fundamentalist, you will find it most disturbing.