OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Spirituality in the 21st Century" by Frank P. Daversa.]

Spirituality in the 21st Century is a helpful and encouraging book about spiritual development written by Frank P. Daversa.

The book has fifteen chapters besides the Introduction and is written for those who are starting out on their spiritual journeys and those who are wanting to enhance the spiritual part of their lives. It is designed to provide hope and guidance toward spiritual discovery and, ultimately, toward spiritual enlightenment. It is written based on the author’s Christian faith but does not adhere to any specific religious denomination.

The author defines spirituality as having a close and personal relationship with God and the universe. Among the topics he discusses include default path, spiritual growth, spiritual enlightenment, success, love, relationships, and death. He also enumerates the five fundamental principles of spiritual enlightenment (accept God into your life and Jesus Christ as your salvation; complete your formal education; learn more about yourself, your health, and mental well-being; learn more about the needs of others; and learn more about the natural environment in which we live); the five C’s in marriage (compatibility, communication, compassion, commitment, and compromise), the seven deadly sins (wrath, greed, envy, pride, lust, sloth, and gluttony) as well as the seven heavenly virtues (patience, charity, kindness, humility, chastity, diligence, and temperance).

He stresses the importance of family and education, the difference between karma and spiritual path, and the difference between wants and needs. He cites Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama as real-life models of faith, love, and compassion. Moreover, he offers advice on how to solve the problem of global warming, overpopulation, and environmental degradation.

Admittedly, this is far from what I expected from a book about spirituality. Instead of emotive accounts about supernatural experiences supplemented by Bible verses, this book seems more like an academically written handbook on various issues including environmental issues, social issues and consumerism among others. It emphasizes the need to overcome personal challenges for spiritual growth and the truth behind the pursuit of success as measured in terms of wealth, fame, and power.

Naturally, the most important part of the book is the discussion of the five fundamental principles of spiritual enlightenment. Thankfully, the explanation is comprehensive and by sharing his personal experiences, the author makes the book relatable. The part I like the most is spirituality itself as conceptualized by the author. Oftentimes, being religious is mistaken for being spiritual. I agree with the author that spirituality is knowing oneself, knowing God and having a relationship with Him, knowing what one can do for others, and knowing what he can do for the natural environment.

Though the book sounds a little subjective, I enjoyed it a lot. I find it practical, unpretentious, liberal, accepting, non-judgmental, and applicable to everyone. However, other readers may find the load of information overwhelming. Moreover, the author’s opinion on issues like cohabitation, homosexuality, existence of other intelligent life forms, and reincarnation may be viewed as unorthodox.

I, therefore, rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It is well-written, interesting, informative, and encouraging. I recommend it to readers who enjoy books about spirituality.

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Spirituality in the 21st Century
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Like kimmyschemy06's review? Post a comment saying so!

inspirational and wonderful guide to draw closer to God...its beautiful...thanks to the author

romeo king wrote: ↑26 Sep 2018, 19:20 inspirational and wonderful guide to draw closer to God...its beautiful...thanks to the author

So true. Thanks for the comment.

This book really covers a lot of territory. Karma vs. a spiritual path would be an interesting conversation. It sounds like it deeply explores what it means to live a spiritual life. I may have to take a look at this one. I like unorthodox. Thank you for the great introduction to this book.

Eva Darrington wrote: ↑26 Sep 2018, 23:44 This book really covers a lot of territory. Karma vs. a spiritual path would be an interesting conversation. It sounds like it deeply explores what it means to live a spiritual life. I may have to take a look at this one. I like unorthodox. Thank you for the great introduction to this book.

You're welcome. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I get bored with self-help books pretty fast but this book sounds really interesting. I am interested in finding out what this author has to say. Thank you for the review!

LaurenHaupt wrote: ↑28 Sep 2018, 00:00 I get bored with self-help books pretty fast but this book sounds really interesting. I am interested in finding out what this author has to say. Thank you for the review!

You're welcome. It's a great book and enjoyable book.

I am on the fence with this. It sounds like it could have a lot of good talking points. However, I think I would disagree with some of his opinions, since they do seem unorthodox. I will think about it. Thanks for your review.

It will be an interesting book to read going by the review. Kudos to the author

melissy370 wrote: ↑28 Sep 2018, 06:14 I am on the fence with this. It sounds like it could have a lot of good talking points. However, I think I would disagree with some of his opinions, since they do seem unorthodox. I will think about it. Thanks for your review.

You're welcome and thank you for the comment.

melissy370 wrote: ↑28 Sep 2018, 06:14 I am on the fence with this. It sounds like it could have a lot of good talking points. However, I think I would disagree with some of his opinions, since they do seem unorthodox. I will think about it. Thanks for your review.

This is almost what I think too.

This is quite a helpful review even though I am still undecided on this book. I agree that being religious doesn't automatically make one spiritual. However to me being spiritual is alignment with the word of God as contained in the Holy Bible.
As they say the taste of the pudding is in the eating, likewise the message of this book will be in the reading.

ea_anthony wrote: ↑29 Sep 2018, 18:55 This is quite a helpful review even though I am still undecided on this book. I agree that being religious doesn't automatically make one spiritual. However to me being spiritual is alignment with the word of God as contained in the Holy Bible.
As they say the taste of the pudding is in the eating, likewise the message of this book will be in the reading.

Apparently, this book offers a different perspective on spirituality.

Definitely a book of my liking. Martters of living a spirit-filled life always interest me. The more i read about it, the more i learn new things

stalliongirlke wrote: ↑02 Oct 2018, 12:48 Definitely a book of my liking. Martters of living a spirit-filled life always interest me. The more i read about it, the more i learn new things

Thank you for your comment. I hope you get a chance to read the book.