Hymns to an Unknown God: Awakening The Spirit In Everyday Life

by Sam Keen

There is no doubt that America is in the midst of a spiritual crisis.  Millions of people are trying to find meaning in their lives by returning to old-time religions, or by seeking out new cults, fads, channelers, 12-step programs, and self-help books. Bill Moyers has called this search for spirituality "the biggest story -- not only of the decade but of the century."  Now, Sam Keen, the New York Times bestselling author of Fire in the Belly , addresses this crisis and provides a blueprint for bringing spirituality into everyday life in Hymns to an Unknown   Awakening the Spirit in Everyday Life .

Using practical examples from his and other people's lives, Keen tells readers how to cut through what he calls the "spiritual bullshit," and recover the sacred in their love affairs, families, jobs, and politics -- in short, how to recover the "Unknown God." Down-to-earth and articulate, Sam Keen is a popular social commentator, philosopher, and teacher. He describes himself as "overeducated at the Ivies," with degrees from Harvard and Princeton. His work has been featured in a special Bill Moyers PBS interview, and for over twenty years he was a consulting editor at Psychology Today .

How to Use Your Spiritual Bullshit In a world of one-minute solutions, false spiritual leaders, and instant spirituality, how can you tell which beliefs are valid and separate the bogus from the genuine.

Sex and the Why is it that sex and spirituality are so interconnected and confusing? Keen explains the conflict between "I want" and "I should," and tells readers how to integrate sensuality, sexuality and spirituality to experience truly deep and loving relationships.

Consecrating Our Rituals for Keen gives more than a dozen suggestions for personal rituals to remind readers of the sacredness in their everyday lives, including creating a private place as a personal sanctuary, learning to make time to think deeply, setting aside personal days as times of celebration, and more.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Psychology

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Sam Keen was an American author, professor, and philosopher who is best known for his exploration of questions regarding love, life, wonder, religion, and being a male in contemporary society. He co-produced Faces of the Enemy, an award-winning PBS documentary; was the subject of a Bill Moyers' television special in the early 1990s; and for 20 years served as a contributing editor at Psychology Today magazine. He was also featured in the 2003 documentary Flight from Death.
Keen completed his undergraduate studies at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and later completed graduate degrees at Harvard University and Princeton University.
Keen was married to Patricia de Jong, who was a former senior minister of First Congregational Church of Berkeley, United Church of Christ, in Berkeley, California.

Reviews

[Thomas (Tom) Baynham,Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first encounter with Sam Keen, and I have become a fan. Keen brings an approach and understanding to spiritual growth and pilgrimage that is engaging, honest, and practical. I would strongly recommend this book to clergy and laity alike. There are sections that are blunt and honest ("Constructing a Spiritual Bullshit Detector"), and though the book is dated, I believe that it is relevant for the post-modern culture.

[Mckinley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Takes a bit from various traditions. I am concerned about this approach since in a create your own adventure approach it's very easy to rule out and discard pieces we don't like or appreciate yet are very important and helpful. The author also makes a lot of assertions given the approach he's promoting.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this many years ago, but often think about revisiting it again due to my fond memories of it. A wise, kind, insightful, and thought provoking read. This is neither a 'religious' nor a cookie cutter 'spiritual' mass market book.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Was just reading some quotes from it on line and it makes me want to go back and read it again. The one thing I remember from it the most was The Spiritual Bullshit Detector. Great stuff.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great stirring of the soul book that will challenge you with its honesty. Sam Keen is one of those interpreters of life that we all must read.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have gone back over and over this book and it has given me questions to ask myself. It helped me learn to listen to what I was feeling.

[Bruce Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My paperback copy is hi-lited in many places. There is a tremendous amount of wisdom to be found between the front and back covers.