Brian McLaren, Naked Spirituality

 

Most of the time when Brian McLaren puts out a book, I usually end up reading it. It would seem I follow inadvertently topics in his books, which I am interested in at the time. For me they are not always a cracker of a book which I whizz through. Naked Spirituality was on of those books which was a bit of a drag. Not that it wasn't any good, I couldn't put my finger on it.



After 'A New kind of Christianity' which is one of those books which I would put in the 'cracker' camp. I thought that I would summaries the chapters in Naked Spirituality which you can see some where in this blog. It didn't last.

Overall the book is about 'Spirituality', the essence. I couldn't help but think during reading that if you striped the book of biblical references you could pass this on to a non-Christian, who was Spiritual. There is a lot for us to reflect upon for humanity and its spiritual attributes. I was particular interested in the times the book referred to those moments when God is there. In nature, in pain and suffering, in laughter. If anything the books strongest moments were McLaren's references to pain and suffering.



3.5/5

 

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Thanks! The Happiness of Appreciation

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Thanks! The Happiness of Appreciation 

 

As the heading suggests, having an appreciation for what God has given us.  For me this is pretty straight forward but as I suspect with many others, something that I often forget. This chapter reminded me of what I often lack in my communication with God.  No amazing insights with the chapter rather a reminder.

 

Previously

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Here: Naming the Mystery
Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Here: Starting Right Now
Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Twelve Simple Words
Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, But I'm Spiritual
Spiritual Experiences and Spiritual Experience.

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Here: Naming the Mystery

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Here: Naming the Mystery, Chapter 5

As alluded to in the Chapter heading this is about the naming of God. Its a big topic and I know that there are actual books on the subject. In reading the chapter it reminded me of how many metaphors we have for God trying to describe the indescribable. Words giving us just glimpses of our Maker.
Mclaren talks of a tenssion

...Between naming God and not reducing G-d to a name, this tension between addressing God through a name but never possessing G-d in a verbal or conceptual address, this electricity between what theologians call God's immanence or accessibility and G-d's transcendence or complete otherness.

It is this tension which Mclaren bases much of his practical spirituality. He then goes on to describe how he uses prayers, and liturgy about this tension to remind himself and assist the listener in remembering the tension.

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Here: Starting Right Now
Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Twelve Simple Words
Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, But I'm Spiritual
Spiritual Experiences and Spiritual Experience.

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Here: Starting Right Now

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Here: Starting Right Now

At last the book gets into the meat of Mclaren's spiritual practices. As he writes in the book it can be summed up with one word 'Here'. Basically acknowledging that God is with us what ever the situation. Just stopping our mind and acknowledging God is with us.


Its a chapter which I can agree with, its one of my main Spiritual practices. Looking for the 'Here' For some, this is rather pantheistic, yet for me it is the most realistic experience which I can comprehend. Although remembering to look for the here, I'm  guilty of doing frequently.

The Chapter reminded me a lot of Rob Bell's 'Breath'






Previous summaries
Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Twelve Simple Words
Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, But I'm Spiritual
Spiritual Experiences and Spiritual Experience.

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Twelve Simple Words

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Twelve Simple Words 

Mclaren gets to the point of his introduction in this Chapter. Here we were introduced to the main content of what the rest of the book will be composed of all resolving around Spiritual practices which induce 'Naked Spirituality'. They are 'Simplicity, Complexity Perplexity and Harmony'.

I couldn't help thinking that three chapters for an introduction is a bit long. Admittely the first two chapters I enjoyed, though the last I could imagine been incorporated in the book as a whole. 



Previous summaries
Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, But I'm Spiritual
Spiritual Experiences and Spiritual Experience.

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, But I'm Spiritual

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, But I'm Spiritual

This second chapter is also part of the introduction. Interestingly I find that McLaren likes to draw out his introductions. I find they are often the best parts of his books!


This post is a continuation of my very rough summary of Brian Mclaren's book 'Naked Spirituality' previous chapters are ::

McLaren looks at the classic line 'I'm not religious but I'm spiritual' and has a few thoughts on it.
I really liked when he looked at the etymology of the word 'religion'. 'lig' meaning to connect or gion together like you see in the word ligament. Re as again and again. Religion is therefore joining us together again and again. Connecting us with God again and again. 'Good' religion helps us in this process.
McLaren uses the term 'de-religion' for practices which do the opposite to re-connecting us with God.




Spiritual Experiences and Spiritual Experience.

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Spiritual Experiences and Spiritual Experience

As you may have guessed I'm reading Mclaren's latest  book 'Naked Spirituality' So I thought I'd just write up some very rough notes as I go....

Naked Spirituality, Brian McLaren, Spiritual Experiences and Spiritual Experience.

The first Chapter is quite personal, Mclaren talks of some of his most precious Spiritual experiences. The crux of the introduction was an introduction to 'real' experience vs manufactured 'religious' equivalent. He calls these real 'naked' spiritual moments. The book is about 'strengthening a vital, vigorous, naked spirituality'.

Good chapter, I'm keen to read further. Liked the personal experiences to illustrate his points. Much I can relate to so far.

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