God Is No Laughing Matter: Observations and Objections on the Spiritual Path (A Pan Self-Discovery Title)

Julia Cameron

ISBN 10: 0330487647 / ISBN 13: 9780330487641

Published by Pan Books, 1760

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Synopsis:

In her national bestseller, The Right to Write, Julia Cameron took to task the mythology surrounding the writing life in our culture. Now, in God Is No Laughing Matter, Cameron delivers spiritual straight-talk that helps readers to refocus their spiritual experience and to recognize true inspiration.

With her trademark "sparkling prose" (Publishers Weekly), combined with anecdotes and techniques presented in God Is No Laughing Matter, Cameron offers thought-provoking, humorous essays that paint the spiritual journey in a refreshingly clear light. Addressing the way spiritual "experts" have clouded the message, the book shows readers how instead they can better focus and make conscious choices that inform life, and enrich oneself and the community.

Sharing firsthand observations on the influences of spiritual life on her work, Cameron asserts that, "for every step we take toward God, a thousand are taken toward us." Today, with the prevalent paradoxes and contradictions one often finds in the spiritual trek, God Is No Laughing Matter will give readers a respite and the energy to begin anew.

Review: Ever since she wrote The Artist's Way Julia Cameron has championed the belief that creativity is a spiritual act and even a birthright. If readers ever feel that their creativity is blocked she has always suggested that they look inward for inspiration and guidance. She explains, "All of the tools that I teach are the tools of inner listening.... When people tune in that way, they not only hear their own personality; they also hear a higher octave of guidance."

In a sense, Cameron has always nudged her readers to forge a more conscious relationship with God. So it isn't any surprise that she would eventually tackle this topic head-on in God Is No Laughing Matter. This inspirational book is formatted as a series of essays, and each one ends with a suggested "Experiment" or "Exercise." This essay structure gives the book lightness and approachability, which is fitting, considering that her main premise is that we need to lighten up so that we can better approach God. When challenging the notion that "God is no laughing matter," she writes, "I'm not so sure about that. Look at octopuses, for example. And baboons with those hilarious bright red asses."

Sound superficial? Don't make me laugh. This is actually one of Cameron's most articulate, spirited, and ripened books yet. Although she underscores some of the spiritual advice that's already being said (slow down, simplify, be still), readers will find plenty of fresh and original essays in a book that really matters. --Gail Hudson

Bibliographic Details

Title: God Is No Laughing Matter: Observations and ...
Publisher: Pan Books
Publication Date: 1760
Binding: paperback
Condition: Very Good