Healing the Soul of America: Reclaiming Our Voices as Spiritual Citizens

by Marianne Williamson

Healing That Reaches Beyond the SelfIn this landmark work, Marianne Williamson reminds us that there is a point in everyone's spiritual journey where the search for self-awareness can turn into self-preoccupation. All of us are better off when contemplation of holy principles is at the center of our lives. But it is in applying those principles in our lives that we forge the true marriage between heaven and earth.In the compassionate but clear-eyed prose that has won her so many avid readers, Williamson shows us that the principles which apply to our personal healing also apply to the healing of the larger world. Calling on Americans to turn the compassion in our hearts into a powerful force for social good, Williamson shows us how to transform spiritual activism into a social activism that will in turn transform America into a nation seriously invested in the hope of every child and in the potential of every adult.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, American, Politics

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2000

About the author

Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed lecturer, activist, and author with six New York Times bestsellers. Her books include Tears to Triumph, A Return to Love, A Year of Miracles, The Law of Divine Compensation, The Gift of Change, The Age of Miracles, Everyday Grace, A Woman's Worth, Illuminata, and A Course in Weight Loss. She has been a popular guest on television programs such as Oprah and Good Morning America.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays about the importance of civic engagement, and a book which should be read in all high school civics classes. I found myself being able to read just one chapter and then needing to take a break to mentally digest it all. Some chapters are a bit stronger than others in their presentation and message. I particularly liked chapters 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9. Although I found some of the book a bit too "rose-colored-glasses" for my sensibilities, overall it is a worthwhile read for anyone who cares about this country. Ms. Williamson rallies with her ideals while providing pragmatic steps and sensible insight to address major national problems. Overall, "if it's broke, then we should fix it" -- and this book will provide some steps to at least get the conversation started.

[Timo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho hum... though I agree with Williamson on many issues, she's a pop-spiritualist in the way that many seem to crave pop-spirituality.

When she's talking about political issues, she's mostly on target. But she roots her ideas in false and nonsensical attributions to god and universality. Note...I consider Divination, the putting of oneself into the role of speaking for some God or Universal as one of the greatest sins that an individual can commit. Confusing your own ideas with the ideas of God or a Universal is the very height of arrogance. So, she claims to be speaking from a place of "love" but is really just trying to Universalize her own ideas.

And clearly, she has an audience.

I read this book because she's making noises that she may declare as a presidential candidate. I wanted to know what her basis for her philosophy was. I will say this: she'd be miles better than the current dolt in office. But I've now lost faith in the higher calling of Democracy. Humanity can't navigate the combination of emergent individualism combined with ready access to the internet and its treasure trove of stupidity. Alas...

People, these ideas may bring you some sense of joy and control in the short-term, but will fail you and your children in the longterm.

[John Weiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Williamson is brilliant. All through this book, she: makes keen observations on socio-political issues in America; compares and contrasts them with spiritual malaise in individuals; and, demonstrates how to heal both. I love her thought processes and the output of them. I did find a few parts a tad ponderous. But that complaint pales in comparison to the clarity, beauty and depth of her message.

Surprisingly, although almost 20 years old, this book is even more relevant today than when it was written. Yes, even more relevant in this topsy-turvy world we are drowning in today.

Do yourself a favour and read this book. Then, do the world a favour and apply her ideas in your life. Thank you Marianne!

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne Williamson rocks. This book came out in 1997/2000. A lot of the things she discusses, the emotional impact of America's economic situations, have gone down darker roads since Bush's imperialistic ass took office. It's kind of scary -- she predicts what will happen if we don't turn our national attitudes away from violence and isolation, and a lot of it has and is coming true...Still very good insight on what you can do personally if you largely reject the current cultural climate but have a desire to totally save the world.

[Jeanne Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was released in 2000 but virtually all of it still applies to our politics today. Marianne Williamson offers constructive and positive methods to help the average person become involved and to help change our political system by using prayer and meditation. Well written with clear insight as to how the country (and world) can move forward toward positive change. Williamson includes historical facts to help us understand how or country has evolved and how we can continue to evolve stressing the power of each individual to make a difference.

[Lelia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't make it past the epigraph.

"New friends may be poems but old friends are alphabets. Do not forget alphabets, because you will need them to read the poems."

Williamson attributes this quote to Shakespeare, but it doesn't sound like Shakespeare. I can't find anything online that identifies which Shakespeare play or sonnet this quote is from. I only found the following:

https://www.shakespearegeek.com/2010/...

[Kimberly Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a spiritual person who thinks politics is beneath your spiritual aspirations - read this book. If you are looking for a framework of policies that reflect a higher order, read this. If you are looking for a role model in how to participate in politics- read this.

This book creates a ground in which to compare all candidates running for president in 2020 and coincidentally - Marianne is running in 2020. Now that makes this reading even more interesting.

[Christopher Aquino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with Marianne so reviewing her books would have that bias built in. I am so glad that she hasn't abandoned her roots. She always speaks with spiritual authority because she is spiritually centered. It is easy to read her books because she keeps simple and human.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different path to changing America

Rather than the usual political exchanges what if we speak respectfully of what we believe, about what we want to see in our country and how together we might work to accomplish justice for all. A well thought out invitation to combining spirit and politics.

[Carolyn Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wake up people of America

I have been losing my faith in our country being by the people, of the people and for the people. This book taught me I am not alone. I learned so much by reading this book and I hope and pray that you will read it and that many of us will help to heal America's soul.
5 stars

[Marnie]

The cover states that the principals which apply to our personal healing also apply to the larger world. This notion rings true to me, I love Marianne Williamson's writings. I can't wait to devour this book!

[Marissa Pockat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though outdated now and not all relevant to this day and age. Marianne captures several things that we as a country could all work on together. I truly think this a book every one should read to better America.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A voice for a social conscience. A history lesson. A way to think for the future. A blueprint for good souls everywhere - read this book!!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring!

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am reading this 20-year-old paperback because the author is running for president now, and it's hard to learn much from the news media about her ideas. Given how kooky she seems on TV, this book was more reasonable than I was expecting, with a lot about things like how Americans don't even vote and how that is a symptom of a sick democracy. Makes sense to me. She was also talking about inequality and whatnot before it was trendy. Overall, she still seems too woo-woo to be president (e.g. citing implausibly goofy factoids like 9 million witches burned at the stake in the Middle Ages) but she's bringing up issues that should get a serious hearing.

[Lauren Siegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, her views on spirituality in America are spot on. She is the voice we need to articulate non-religious spirituality and the intersection with politics. Maybe shouldn’t be president but her commentary is nonetheless important

[John Benson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book way too late. I found it to be more of an inspirational book, than one that could say very much to us living in a time that is much more politically active than people were in the late 1990s when it was written. While the book talks of general truths, both spiritual and political, she seems to have less of a sense of what it means to be a political activist and she borrows from every spiritual tradition there is without bringing out a sense of who she is. I would agree with her general feelings about the problems of this world, but I feel that the activists today are much more strongly informed than she was and have a better sense of how to combine their own religious faiths with their political battles than she really understood. I had heard a lot about her writing and read many quotes by her, many of which I agreed with, but in the end I found the book disappointing.

[Jan Weishaar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the Introduction to be more fact filled and interesting than the rest of the book. The book became a plodding walk through the spirituality of American politics and government, which her anecdotes do show to be soulless. While there are many truths in this book, and moral ideas for the soul of America, it did not give me any hope for an end to the cruelties of our present administration.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way Marianne Williamson dissects everyday issues and topics. Her voice, both in writing and her actual speaking voice, are eloquent and soothing. She always makes me think. She often adjusts the lens of how I see things. She is a masterful communicator and powerful teacher.

[Angela Schaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book now!!!!!!

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

lot of relevant points. the country is still meant to be controlled by the people. the less active we are, the less control we have. stay woke.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first became aware of Marianne Williamson in 2019 in the leadup to the 2020 Presidential Election. While not someone I voted for at the time, her message and overall take on the direction of America has grown on me and has begun to really resonate. Considering Williamson is known for her work as a writer I thought I'd actually read one of her books and Healing the Soul of America seemed like the perfect place to start.

Published at the turn of the millennium, Healing the Soul of America is Williamson's view on where America has gone astray and how it can correct its mistakes. If you've heard anything from Williamson, even today, this message hold quite consistent with what she still wants to accomplish with her venture into politics. This merging of spirituality and politics is a noble effort and one that you don't really hear being discussed anywhere else on this level. I found it fascinating to visit this topic in a more long form approach.

I found Williamson's words insightful and resonant but nothing in this book felt like too much of a new revelation. Many of the issues and ideas discussed here have actually gained a lot of traction outside of Williamson in present day. Topics such as prison reform and universal health care have become topics discussed by far less revolutionary politicians. While none of these ideas were initially realized by Williamson it is a great record of how she has stood for these issues for decades at this point.

For being a book published in 2000 it does have a dated nature to it. It is definitely a relic of the Clinton administration and a pre 9/11 world. I'm sure even Williamson would have a more refined view on this subject in a modern context and it probably is more worthwhile to seek out her current discussion of these topics rather than a nearly quarter century old book.

That being said, a lot of the problems facing America in 2000 are still present (if not more present in 2023). At times this book can be surprising current and I think for someone who hasn't been exposed to these ideas this can still be a great introduction.

Finally I'll say, for as much as I enjoyed certain sections of this book I have to admit that Williamson is not really that strong a writer. I found that I was often taking a few pages before really getting into what she was saying and sometimes topics felt very tangential. While she wasn't always engaging with me I did find that her overall message was one I agreed with and resonated with.

[Juniperus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book in the $1 pile at a bookstore in Taos, NM, and maybe made a joke about it to my sister, but an older lady overheard and highly recommended the book. I felt horrible because, I actually would have voted for Marianne Williamson if I could have, and I didn’t want this nice old lady to think I was making fun of her! Anyway, I ended up buying the book, and even if I didn’t really like it I definitely learned a few things.

Firstly, after reading this… Marianne should have been president. I sincerely believe that she could unite the people in a way that Biden tried and failed to do, because she’d actually be sincere about it. Of course, they’d never let her win the primaries because she was proposing actual real change as policy (for example reparations for black people… she discusses this in this book that came out 20 years before her presidential run, that’s a lot more consistency than most “real” politicians). But this book definitely accomplishes a progressive agenda using language (spirituality and patriotism) that more conservative people would potentially understand, and eventually come around to accepting more leftist views. It’s a smart tactic, but I detect a sincerity there; I know everyone made fun of Williamson for being a weewoo hippie weirdo but I appreciated the spiritual aspects of this book the most of all.

So there’s a lot to like about her as a person— why didn’t I like this book? Williamson makes a lot of bold claims that I’d say are more in line with my political views, like conceptualizing America as modern-day serfdom. She’s aware of the contradictions of America but doesn’t ascribe reason to them at all; her patriotism effectively misdiagnoses the symptoms. There’s a real, political reason to not want to disavow America, but it’s intellectually ingenuous to characterize slavery and genocide as negative blips in our history, or to glorify the Revolutionary War at all. It’s refreshing that the book is optimistic, though, in a world of politics based on pessimism. Ironically, this book was printed right before 9/11, which makes Williamson’s optimism bittersweet. Her assessments have only become more true, and her prediction of spiritual rebirth hasn’t happened yet because we’re more polarized than ever. I didn’t find this book unrealistic or fanciful, but I hope we can find it in ourselves to follow this type of guidance someday soon.

[Caroline Petruzzi McHale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne Williamson has the genius and compassion to heal America and the world. This book should be read by all, especially Americans. I have highlighted too many quotes to mention, but this one from Abraham Lincoln rings particularly true in America today:

"We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!"

[Michael Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read books by politicians to gage them on a personal and intellectual level. For example, after reading Obama's Dreams of my Father I saw the ex-president as a shallow politician without much character. Reading Williamson's book revealed a person with at timely understanding of America's problem today: The country has lost its identity in an age were its president is represented by The Art of the Deal. Williamson's book, should be read along with Jung's Modern Man in Search of a Soul, written decades ago.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book but it didn't add to what I already know and feel. It did, however, give me a wonderful feeling to know someone else is out there that cares about people, and is willing to stick her neck out for it. Her background is exposed and her struggles prove that one can make those 180 degree turns in life. I'm a fan of MW. She's the real deal.

[Shirley Mattson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this knowledge

[W. Minkadrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The message of The Healing of America is deep! She enlightens us to a viewpoint that many of us have resided in (of course unable to see without stepping back from), according to the collective focuses of popular society through technological advancements and world events from the time of our Country’s founding’s to now. Her historical insights are beautifully eye opening, acting as a creative seed to begin you with empowered thinking towards understanding why we are the way we are. Which is the point of the radical shift she wants to see created.

She begins with some discussion of the effect we have as individuals. Her National Atonement chapter should have been printed and provided by the dozen, like stacks of news papers in every laundry matt across the country during her campaign; but then she might of won all the minority votes +… That could have been bad, lol

Being a little heavy-into-politics in The 20th Anniversary Edition she does outline that there is both work to be done within the political spectrum and outside of the political spectrum. Despite however much she may have been consumed by that world she appears grounded in her understandings that radical approach will take so much more. That ultimately, it’s up to us to align our values with our ways and open our doors to building something together regardless of how many times we’ve already failed at doing this.

She discusses “Justice”, voices experience, mentions studies, credits, whatall…
The book is so much deeper than I can relay, here. It’s like she states at the very beginning, “All of us are better off when contemplation of holy principles is at the center of our lives. But it is in actually “applying” those principles that we forge the marriage between heaven and earth, whereas merely dwelling on principle falls short of the human effort needed to carry out God’s will.” She’s a really, really, really, good fire for stimulating the passion to do that, to apply ourselves to living how we can define knowing we should.

The book isn’t the most fluent of books. Marianne’s voice is easy to follow and you’ll be enticed and inspired, it’s soooooo much, too much information at once. You won’t catch everything the first time through. Ultimately you will comprehend the message.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The key to the future is love. It is as simple and as complex as that. A thoughtful, hopeful look at what we as citizens must do to change our political direction.