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John Backman

Goodreads Author

Website

http://www.dialogueventure.com

Twitter

backwrite

Genre

Spirituality, Christian, Religion

Member Since

June 2009

URL

https://www.goodreads.com/backwrite

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A spiritual director, contributor to Huffington Post Religion, and associate of an Episcopal monastery, John Backman writes and speaks about contemplative spirituality and its surprising relevance for today’s deepest issues. He authored Why Can’t We Talk? Christian Wisdom on Dialogue as a Habit of the Heart (SkyLight Paths) and his articles have appeared in numerous faith-based publications. He has presented at a range of conferences, including the Parliament of the World’s Religions. ...more

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Popular Answered Questions

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

John Backman I would dearly like to answer this question with the guideline I struggle to live daily: don't worry about tangible results. So much is out of our con…moreI would dearly like to answer this question with the guideline I struggle to live daily: don't worry about tangible results. So much is out of our control as writers--sales rankings, likes, fans, publishers' tastes, market demands, etc. While we can do our best to optimize any one of those, it's so easy to drive oneself nuts by making results our focus. Forget it. Write. Just. Write.

(I'm hesitating here because I know some folks really need to make their living as a writer. That's a different dynamic.)(less)

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What are you currently working on?

John Backman A book about self-denial as the surest path to joy, a better self, and a better world. Clearly I need help with the title. ; ) Suggest away.

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John Backman’s books

Average rating: 3.85 · 20 ratings · 5 reviews · 1 distinct work

Why Can't We Talk?: Christian Wisdom on Dialogue as a Habit of the Heart

3.85 avg rating — 20 ratings — published 2012 — 7 editions

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76 posts
John Backman's Blog

What Constitutes Right Action in a Failing Democracy?

Recently, from somewhere in my spiritual practice, this question has arisen and will not let me go. It may be my “question for 2022,” if there is such a thing. In this space, I’ll share some background to explain what the question means to me and why it’s captured my attention.

First, to restate: What constitutes right action in a failing democracy?

The words failing democracy may have grabbed you,

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