While Christian Spirituality is a fairly basic book about the spectrum of the spiritual life,its main focus is spirituality developed within the Roman Catholic tradition. Cunningham brings his description forward to the 21st century keeping the roots connected to the future. I particularly liked his chapter on Friendship and how it relates to one's spiritual growth. That is one of the more unique contributions this book makes. Cunningham's foundational approach is a good start for someone initially exploring this topic. He presents every chapter in a chronological manner, describing first the scriptural basis of this aspect and then bringing it forward through the history of Christian history. Obviously this is not done in depth, but provides a reader with many footnotes, bibliography and some exercises to help the reader look for his/her own nuance.

I have read and heard many of the things Cunningham wrote, but I found his presentation be to be a concise and terse one. I enjoyed that. It is the kind of book one can go back to find something quickly for further exploration.

Leisurely to read, commodious in depth and breadth, this book is a showcase of the learning and expository ease of two well-respected professors of theology and religious studies. For anyone who wishes to acquaint themselves with major themes in the Catholic spiritual tradition in painless indulgence, I highly recommend this book.

Each chapter focuses on a theme, such as the spiritual journey, meditation and contemplation, asceticism, living in the presence of God, solitude in community, or friendship. In the selection of themes and in their treatment, the discussion leans heavily towards established monastic, medieval, or post-Reformation traditions. This holds true even though the authors may take up modern innovations, such as Gustavo Gutierrez' liberation spirituality or Thomas Keating's centering prayer. Unfortunately or not, given this tendency, very significant modern developments get short shrift--for example, the "little way" of St. Therese of Lisieux.

I was delighted to see the authors pick up shiny gems from the Catholic classics like shells on a beach stroll. Turning the pages, I happened upon the penthos of the desert fathers, the epektasis of St. Gregory of Nyssa, the schola of St. Benedict, the contemplatio of St. Dominic, the discretio of St. Ignatius Loyola, and the gustos of St. Teresa of Avila.

Interspersed throughout the text I came across citations of the likes of The Brothers Karamazov, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, or Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander, making the book an engaging display wherein the modern is lightly hung upon the traditional like decorations.

This book was intended as an introductory overview. For a fuller discussion, the reader should consult the original texts and scholarly works, for which the authors provide a modest bibliography. Excluded as an important reference is Jordan Aumann, O.P.'s Christian Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition (1985), which I would strongly recommend as a historical survey.

I have read this book three times. Every time I wish to send a gift to a Catholic friend, this is what I send. Why? Because it is loaded with the best stuff the Catholic Church has to offer. That may be a drawback. It is unlikely that readers who aren't Catholic would be familiar with many of the experts on prayer who are quoted and interpreted. Persons who aren't Catholic, however, who are seeking to grow in their spiritual life, will have a hard time finding a more useful method to pray the psalms than what is offered here. The entire Bible, of course, is presented as our first source for prayer and meditation, but the specifically Catholic traditions may be offputting to some. For over a year now, ever since I read this book for the first time, I have been spending an hour with God in the morning before I do anything else. It has changed my life.

Ms. Rysdky refers to allot of other books in her writing of this one. So, I'm not too sure how much information is truly of her experience. I recommend this book to someone who is just curious, like I am about Shamanism.

This book is concise and well written; and I am VERY happy that she does not recommend the use of halucinogenic drugs.

This book has assorted meditations, and a few Shamanic journeys the author has taken. To give you an idea of what you will see and experience.

I especialy enjoyed Chapter 10 (Spiritual Ecology)Pages 93-102.

Ms. Rysdyk mainly focuses on Shamanic journeys into the lower & upper worlds.

I have three minor complaints with this book.

1. Ms. Rysdyk completely ignored the subject of protection. (in the beginning you should never journey alone (without your totem animal) because not all spirits are friendly (especially in the middle world). You should cast a medicine wheel and call in the white light or smudge the area to protect your body while you are out and about. If you want help with this E-Mail me.)

2. Ms. Rysdyk completely ignored the subject of integrity. (When you give your word to the spirits; they expect you to keep it. To use a Shamanic motto "Walk your talk".)

3. On page 57 Ms. Rusdyk relates the journey to get help from her power animal in getting a new job. (I perfer the term "Totem Amimal". The Spirits are there to help when you need it. They expect you to help yourself too; instead of using them as a crutch to get through life.)

Please see my listmania lists for recommended books.

I encourage questions or comments about my reviews via E-Mail. Two Bears

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

Modern Shamanic Living was worth the price for the first chapter alone. In it Evelyn Rysdyk gives those of us who have despaired the condition of our world and our individual lives hope for a new way to find the wisdom that will remake our lives for the better. Step by step the succeeding chapters unfold a practical spiritual path that has completely changed my life and those of several friends. I believe this book is a must read for everyone.

Dr. Keith Cunningham's book "Two Zuni Artists" is a valuable resource into the life and art of the Zuni culture. The book includes personal interviews with Zuni artisans and insightful information about their ceremonies and culture. Along with the Zuni research, is a story. The story follows the lives of a family of artists and their struggles and accomplishments. The book's subtitle "A Tale of Art and Mystery" is definately appropriate, although you must read the book to find out the mystery. Included with the text is a multitude of plates and pictures that depict actual Zuni art and Zuni life. The characters from the story are also pictured in the book. I highly recommend this book to those people who are familiar with Zuni culture and to those who know nothing about it. Overall, a very interesting and insightful book.