The Best American Spiritual Writing 2007: An Anthology of Acclaimed Essays and Poetry on Faith and Meaning

The Best American Spiritual Writing

by Harvey Cox

The latest edition of this annual, assembled by the acclaimed writer and editor Philip Zaleski, not only showcases some of the finest writing of the year but offers astute perceptions on subjects that are universal, timeless, and yet deeply personal. Culled from an impressive variety of sources and ranging over topics as disparate as Shaker furniture, perfume, and the monastic life, the essays and poems collected here share a search for purpose beyond the mundane -- and find answers in the likeliest and unlikeliest of sources.

Here you will find George Packer’s “The Moderate Martyr,” a profile of the peaceful Islamic visionary Mahmoud Muhammad Taha, alongside Sridhar Pappu’s report on “the Preacher,” Bishop T. D. Jakes, the entrepreneurially inclined leader of one of the largest churches in the country. Garry Wills questions whether it is possible (or even desirable) to live according to the maxim “What would Jesus do?” In response to the recent spate of atheist attacks on organized religion, Marilynne Robinson offers an insightful critique of “Hysterical Scientism.” Adam Gopnik explores the link between Shaker beliefs and the austere beauty of Shaker creations, and Joseph Epstein muses on the reasons for broken friendships. Some of the essays are deeply personal: Mary Gordon examines her complex relationship with her mother, and Pico Iyer reveals the place where he goes to be himself.

Including powerful poetry from notable contributors such as Deborah Digges, Galway Kinnell, and John Updike, and an introduction by Harvey Cox, The Best American Spiritual Writing 2007 is one of those transformative “magical books” that Zaleski describes in his foreword, a volume that gracefully probes the role of faith in modern life while offering both spiritual insight and literary excellence.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Harvey Gallagher Cox Jr., Ph.D. (History and Philosophy of Religion, Harvard University, 1963; B.D., Yale Divinity School, 1955) was Hollis Professor of Divinity at Harvard, where he had been teaching since 1965, both at HDS and in the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences, until his retirement in 2009.

An American Baptist minister, he was the Protestant chaplain at Temple University and the director of religious activities at Oberlin College; an ecumenical fraternal worker in Berlin; and a professor at Andover Newton Theological School. His research and teaching interests focus on the interaction of religion, culture, and politics. Among the issues he explores are: urbanization, theological developments in world Christianity, Jewish-Christian relations, and current spiritual movements in the global setting. His most recent book is When Jesus Came to Harvard: Making Moral Decisions Today. His Secular City, published in 1965, became an international bestseller with more than 1 million copies sold. It was selected by the University of Marburg as one of the most influential books of Protestant theology in the twentieth century.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how anthologies always introduce me to new writers and publications. I particularly liked Kate Farrell's essay "Faithful to Mystery," on the power of creative imagination to connect the material world and the eternal one; and Michael D. Jackson's haunting "In the Footsteps of Walter Benjamin." There are also gems by Mary Gordon and Marilynne Robinson (is Robinson published in every year of this series, I wonder?), and a beautiful poem by Mark Strand, as always.

[Terry · Rating 1 out of 5]

most of it too scholary- doesn't penetrate the heart. I like the '08 version I'm reading now better.

[Mrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of short stories. Some good, some great, some not so good, some not so great.

[MHA Bookclub]

Shelf 2

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I savored this book over the course of a year. This is not the way to catch up given that I am six years behind, but I can't sit down and read the whole book straight through. The essays and poems that Philip Zaleski and his co-editors collect are worth taking the time to read and reread.

Over the years I have been introduced to new poets and essayists. This year I enjoyed the writings of Robert Cording, Ann McCutchan and Sridhar Pappu. I also got to read some authors I had read before. I liked some of the essays more than others, but they were all interesting. Short essays are wonderful for introducing the reader to new subjects and there were plenty of new-to-me topics in this collection.

Last year I wrote, "If you are looking for an eclectic collection of essays, that somehow fit the definition of spiritual writing, this is the series for you. If you are interested in good, thought-provoking writing, this is also for you." Those recommendations are still true for the 2007 edition of this wonderful series.

[M.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really great, insightful writing. Support Pat Madden, writing professor at BYU.

[Trude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several thoughtful, eye-opening views of the ways various religions are seen throughout the world.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, and get it every year. I enjoy having short little "bites" of writing. These always get me thinking . . .

[Susie]

Don't even know where this went... not on my bedside stand anymore

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always looking for profundity in spiritual writing. There were some snippets of originality here, and all the writing was good. Overall, it was commendable, but not satisfying.