March 15, 2011

Today’s the release date for Naked Spirituality. Here’s what the first readers of the book have said.

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“Wise, easy to read, and practical.” (Fr. Richard Rohr, author of The Naked Now )

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“Brian McLaren is a bridge builder. In these simple yet profound spiritual practices he perfectly marries his evangelical heart and contemplative soul, and we are all richer for the union.” (Cynthia Bourgeault, author of Centering Prayer and The Wisdom Jesus )

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“A rich, brilliant and important book: wonderfully readable and personal, filled with insight and wisdom, it invites us into practices that can transform our lives.” (Marcus J. Borg, author of Speaking Christian )

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“I first discovered Brian McLaren’s writing over a decade ago in the midst of a personal
crisis of faith. The Christianity I’d espoused since childhood no long answered the deep questions of my mind and my soul. It was a frightening, lonely time—until I found my spiritual journey reflected in the pages of Brian’s books. Ah, I’m not crazy! Yes, I can move through this crisis into a deeper, truer faith! Since then Brian has become a trusted friend whose path I’ve crossed time and again as we advocate for healing in the Congo, peace in the Middle East, fair trade practices, or respectful interfaith relationships. As an author and as a friend, Brian continues to challenge me to follow Jesus more faithfully—more radically.
Reading Brian’s latest book, Naked Spirituality: A Life with God in 12 Simple Words was
like going on a spiritual retreat. After several years of extensive international ministry
travel—a very outward life—I needed a spiritual retreat! I needed to be drawn inward,
down into the groundedness of quiet, prayerful attention to God. Brian’s twelve simple
words offer a response to God that moves through various seasons of spiritual life:
simplicity, complexity, perplexity and harmony. Though simple, each word captures
a vast and profound meaning. I’ve written the words on note cards which I use every
morning, and the words often come to me in sleepless moments during the night,
guiding me gently into prayer.
Amazingly, my list of people who absolutely need to read this beautifully written book
includes long-time followers of Jesus as well as spiritual-but-not-yet followers of Jesus.
Surely that is an indication of the wisdom and authentic depth of Naked Spirituality.” (Lynne Hybels, author of Nice Girls Don’t Change the World)

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“Medicine for the soul. ‘Naked Spirituality’ is filled with uncommon honesty. It is a tonic for all those who yearn for practical help with the development of rhythms of life – free from the stifling tyranny of legalism – that will foster a depth of Christ-centred spirituality.” (Steve Chalke MBE Founder, Oasis Global, Faithworks & Stop The Traffik, UN Special Advisor on Community Action Against Human Trafficking)