This book has led me to believe that there is indeed hope for us in the 21st Century to re-discover a spirituality. One that will work in these current times, that is.

What these two authors have done is to present to the reader, four of the most influential sages or saints (depending on your location) and their lives, their thoughts and their personalities.

Armed with this knowledge the reader then finds it extremely possible to undertake the difficult process of finding a sense of grounding in today's turbulent society.

This book is a great academic treat for Christians who want to examine the truths of Buddhism from a Christian point of view. In each chapter, Carmody presents the basic tenets of Buddhism, and then compares them to synonymous ideas in Christianity. Additionally she points out ideas which are contradictory or not compatible between the two. What is nice about this is the non-judgmental approach that Carmody takes - she is obviously a genuine Christian believer who has practiced and studied Buddhism, and despite her commitment to the Christian gospel, has many kind and appreciative things to say about Buddhist ideas and practice. This is one of the best books in my library - refreshing, though a little academic at points.

Students of religion and mysticism will find this an insightful and scholarly look into the field. Carmody & Carmody have written a book that examines mysticism in several of its most common forms, from the standpoint of many of the world's most populous religions.

The book is organised, roughly, by each particular faith: mysticism within Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. Each section offers a short historical overview of the religion itself, then delves into its manifestations of mystical holiness.

Truly a masterful work, and one which also possesses the remarkable gift of being extremely readable. A hearty recommendation for the book!

I used this book for my class in World Religions. One thing that is very annoying about the book is that, it does not give objective information about concepts, ideas, and philosophies. Even the information that it gives, is not comprehensive or well researched. Information about Hinduism, and some of its rituals is flawed e.g. the idea of sati has been overemphasized, and some concepts are from some outerspace (Ashwamegh yagna's ending has been misconceptualized). There is a bias in the quantity of information given about diffrent religions. Judeo-Christian traditions have been overemphasized, and information hasn't been presented rationally. The book fails revolve around core structure. For eg. it talks to lengths about history, and puts little emphasis on concepts.

There are way better books in the market than this book. I just gave two stars as some concepts are clearly diffrentiated and concisely explained as compared to other books. But, as I said before, it fails to do its job in those areas.

-- Pankaj Patel. BSCS, CCNP, MCDBA.

This book tries to give a historical background to Christian ethics. In this, it fails miserably.

It is full of the same Protestant-slanted misinterpretations on early Church fathers. It also has a distinctive anti-monastic leaning.

I feel that this is a pendantic attempt at self masturbatory glorification of intellectual elitism. In other words another way to justify their pedagogic and vainglorious existance. These are indeed people that "Pol Pot," should have met!