Hymns To An Unknown God : Awakening The Spirit In Everyday Life

by Sam Keen

Offering insights that cut through common self-deceptions, a popular teacher on spiritual concerns presents a practical guide to achieving spirituality in everyday life, helping build a sense of the sacred within the ordinary. 100,000 first printing. $100,000 ad/promo.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Psychology

308 pages, Hardcover

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.