Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit: The Place of Zen in Christian Life

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0826409199 ISBN 13: 9780826409195

Publisher: Continuum, 1995

'Kennedy shows other Christians a way of integrating Zen Buddhism and Christian belief. He does this convincingly and gracefully... by weaving together Zen poetry and koans, Western poetry and literature, scriptural texts and personal experience.' National Catholic Reporter

About the Author:

Robert J. Kennedy teaches theology at St. Peter's College, is a psychotherapist in private practice, and conducts Zen retreats at various centers in the United States and Mexico. He is the author of Zen Spirit/Christian Spirit.

Review:

'This book will be of particular interest to Christians who are both puzzled and intrigued by one who simultaneously professes Christian faith and engages in Zen practice. When Kennedy - a Jesuit, a practicing psychotherapist, and a Zen teacher (sensei) - writes autobiographically, this book is at its best. The book is divided into four sections corresponding to four stages of spiritual life and four stages of alchemy: lead (knowledge), quicksilver (love), sulphur (purification), and gold (union). The diversity of references, from alchemy to Jung to Zen, reflects the eclectic character of the book, which reads like a loosely connected series of homilies with moments of insight but no unitive theory. The reader is best advised to savor the glimpses and experiment with the possibility of seeing through them.' (Steve Schroeder, Booklist)