26 Books

@suzianne said
26 Books Every 'Spiritual But Not Religious' Seeker Should Read

This list appeared on the Huffington Post website the other day. I saw it while reading another story, and it caught my eye. I present the 26 books here in list form only, leaving it up to the reader to explore any of them to further understand how it relates to the wider topic of "Spirituality". I believe ...[text shortened]... others, with an ever-present bend toward the human condition.

As always, "Your mileage may vary."

It would be better to read the 27 books of the Bible. In them is contained everything the seeker of the truth of true spirituality needs to know to spot the counterfeits of man made spirituality.

Beware seekers, "Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

@hakima said
It's always interesting to me to see book lists and count up how many I have truly read. Form this list, there are six. There are a few of which I am familiar but have not yet read so I didn't count them. Thank you, Suzianne for posting this. I love having a selection from which I can draw.

3. Sophie's World, by Jostein Gaarder...a chronological survey of a young girl's exp ...[text shortened]... ve encountered since.

Again, Suzianne, thank you for the list and the opportunity for reflection.

You're very welcome, and thank you for the your own stories of some of these books. I, too, found Viktor Frankl's book an amazing peek into one man's struggle during unbelievable difficulty, but, being a psychology student, I also found it extremely interesting in its description of man's greatest drives to find meaning and purpose versus Freud, who only thought that what drove mankind was sexuality and instinct.

I was pleased to find MLK Jr's book on this list. His sermons have helped define my own Christianity.

I've only recently read The Red Tent. Dinah is not well discussed in churches (as you say) and a woman's perspective on her story is refreshing and poignant.

I also found this list a great source for future reads. There are some by authors I've read before, so I'm keen to explore these also.

@secondson said
It would be better to read the 27 books of the Bible. In them is contained everything the seeker of the truth of true spirituality needs to know to spot the counterfeits of man made spirituality.

Beware seekers, "Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

These are not books from God. These are books from men (and some women) who write about the common struggle of mankind. To understand oneself, one is best served to understand others. We're all in this same boat together.

@suzianne said
Not to take away from The Invisible Man, and you're correct in that it is a terrific read of itself, but The Time Machine, with its conflict between the Eloi and the Morlocks, shows a slightly more spiritual side to Wells, exploring the idea of class warfare and the ethical questions it raises.

I think the Invisible man is more about morality and the horrors it can unleash if allowed to go unchecked. (The freedom to do whatever one wants free from seeing eyes). The Time machine is a great read too (and film) but I don't think it's ethical message is as strong.

In the second book of the Republic, Glaucon tells of the legend of the Ring of Gyges, that if a man were made invisible and could act with impunity, he would "go about among men with the powers of a god."

@secondson said
It would be better to read the 27 books of the Bible.

How very holy of you.

@suzianne said
26 Books Every 'Spiritual But Not Religious' Seeker Should Read

This list appeared on the Huffington Post website the other day. I saw it while reading another story, and it caught my eye. I present the 26 books here in list form only, leaving it up to the reader to explore any of them to further understand how it relates to the wider topic of "Spirituality". I believe ...[text shortened]... others, with an ever-present bend toward the human condition.

As always, "Your mileage may vary."

Frankl’s book meant a lot to me personally, and still does. He wrote that the Statue of Liberty on the East coast should be matched by a Statue of Responsibility on the West coast.

@secondson said
It would be better to read the 27 books of the Bible. In them is contained everything the seeker of the truth of true spirituality needs to know to spot the counterfeits of man made spirituality.

Beware seekers, "Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

As a rule, I try to avoid "true spirituality"®.

@bigdoggproblem said
As a rule, I try to avoid "true spirituality"®.

If I ever come back with a different name so you know its me, it will be:
Littledogsolution
🙂

@ghost-of-a-duke said
I think the Invisible man is more about morality and the horrors it can unleash if allowed to go unchecked. (The freedom to do whatever one wants free from seeing eyes). The Time machine is a great read too (and film) but I don't think it's ethical message is as strong.

In the second book of the Republic, Glaucon tells of the legend of the Ring of Gyges, that if a ...[text shortened]... made invisible and could act with impunity, he would "go about among men with the powers of a god."

I cede your point; it is a good one.

The post that was quoted here has been removed

An excellent choice!

@bigdoggproblem said
As a rule, I try to avoid "true spirituality"®.

"True spirituality" is so relative as to be non-existant. What is "true" for one may not be "true" for others. This shows the value of perceiving the world through the eyes of others. Do that, and more and more seems "true", not only one's own dogma.

@secondson said
It would be better to read the 27 books of the Bible. In them is contained everything the seeker of the truth of true spirituality needs to know to spot the counterfeits of man made spirituality.

Beware seekers, "Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

Would you rather read Leviticus or Animal Farm? Obadiah or To kill A Mockingbird?

@suzianne said
These are not books from God. These are books from men (and some women) who write about the common struggle of mankind. To understand oneself, one is best served to understand others. We're all in this same boat together.

I didn't say one shouldn't read those 26 books. Reading books written by man for the purpose of understanding how men/women perceive "the common struggle" of humankind is important in at least trying to maintain the stability of "this same boat" in this raging tempest that plagues this planet.

It is in the heart of man to want to know his purpose and the meaning of life.

Based on my personal experience it is my firm conviction that what God has to say in answer to those questions relative to man's existence, his purpose and the true meaning of life is immutable, infallible and 100% reliable.

I pose the question that underscores the great divide; is it God's way, or man's? Is man's word to be trusted, or God's with regards to the ultimate answers relative to man's condition, and the answers to those questions that lead to the most accurate perception about "the common struggle" faced by man?

No doubt I'll be perceived as a religious bigot by some, but that would be evidence of their own intolerance. I didn't enter this thread because I think I'm so damn smart, but because I find the discussion of these things interesting. Always have.

I appreciate your OP because it facilitated an avenue in which I could stand up and give my voice to the discussion. That's all. So far. 🙂

@divegeester said
How very holy of you.

Your perception of my post underscores your intolerant narrow mindedness.