East Baton Rouge Parish Library

An altar in the world, a geography of faith, Barbara Brown Taylor

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages [213]-216)

autobiography

no index present

non fiction

An altar in the world

bibliography

226984628

Barbara Brown Taylor

a geography of faith

"In this lovely book, one of the best-known preachers in the country offers equal amounts of wisdom and erudition anent longing for more meaning, more feeling, more connection. Years ago, a priest invited her to speak at his church and asked her, What is saving your life right now? This book replies, Becoming more fully human. Taylor focuses on various physical activities, simple yet profound, such as walking meditation, fasting, eating, singing, bathing, and giving birth, and discusses how they affect one's place in the world. Her chapter on the activity of getting lost considers gaining insight by a means many try to avoid but she encourages as nothing less than a spiritual practice. What makes Taylor so refreshing is her honesty. She admits it is often easier to love humanity rather than particular persons, and she offers counterintuitive advice. Whereas we are encouraged to say yes whenever we can, she gently advocates the spiritual practice of saying no, whether declining a work assignment or simply wanting to stay home.--Sawyers, June Copyright 2008 Booklist"

Introduction -- Practice of waking up to God : Vision -- The practice of paying attention : Reverence -- The practice of wearing skin : Incarnation -- The practice of walking on the earth : Groundedness -- The practice of getting lost : Wilderness -- The practice of encountering others : Community -- The practice of living with purpose : Vocation -- The practice of saying no : Sabbath -- The practice of carrying water : Physical labor -- The practice of feeling pain : Breakthrough -- The practice of being present to God : Prayer -- The practice of pronouncing blessings : Benediction