Rediscovering Reverence: The Meaning of Faith in a Secular World

by Ralph Heintzman

Drawing on familiar experiences as well as aspects of western and eastern spiritual traditions, Heintzman argues that religious practice is rooted in two basic ways human beings act in the world. It is therefore an element in the structure of the human spirit, not a phase in its history. Explaining the meaning of religious practice in contemporary language, Rediscovering Reverence is addressed to anyone who wants to explore the meaning and promise of a religious life. A unique and thoughtful meditation on the role of reverence in everyday life, Rediscovering Reverence presents new perspectives on modern faith, religion, and both personal and societal well-being.

296 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2011

Reviews

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply thought provoking and engaging, "Rediscovering Reverence" shifts the discussion around the conflict of faith in the secular world to a discussion that acknowledges the present secular reality that many of us find ourselves in and proposes way for faith to speak meaningfully today. I appreciated the author's avoidance of portraying religion and the secular as in some battle. Rather, Heintzman challenges us to consider what faith, whatever tradition that may be expressed as, has to offer today. The underpinning notion of reverence awakens an awareness of the potential consequences irreverence for not only our relations, but also for such things as our environment.

Well-written and conversational, "Rediscovering Reverence" is accessible for those who may not be specialists. In my opinion, many of us, religious and non-religious, could benefit from reading his book simply by taking serious the questions that he poses in his book.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful. Although Heintzman is a philosopher, and the book sometimes gets bogged down in some deep philosophical discussions, for the most part, he avoids technical jargon and makes his ideas very clear for the typical well-informed reader who is not himself/herself a philosopher.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful for someone raised relatively outside of religion to really understand it at a micro level.