Scholar's Corner

[Scholar's Corner]

[Spring 2004]

Wm. P. Brown. Seeing the Psalms. Los Angeles: WJK Press, 2002.

Brown's voice is rich with spiritual intelligence and this significant work explores the poetry and images of the Psalms in ways that draw one to the Bible. The Center holdings include mostly old, classics. But books like these amplify Scripture 's usefulness in elevating (i.e.,making whole) our consciousness.

Brown's seems an invaluable resource for meditative reading, perhaps best accompanied by the Psalms themselves. Ideal for spiritual directors, the clergy and anyone weary of the dull wit and crudity of mind reflected in our quick fix mass media culture.

Amit Goswami, Ph.D. The Self-Aware Universe. New York: Tarcher/Putnam, 1995.

For science buffs and perhaps some academics still uneasy with Scripture or a religious vernacular.... Quantum physicist Goswami (et al) examines pure consciousness as the true source of all we know and perceive. The co-authors integrate diverse metaphors and languages (e.g., from Sanskrit, science and philosophy) while explaining the nature of ultimate Reality as a spiritual mind, or consciousness, over matter. May be ideal for readers with "closet" interest in spirituality or a preference for a scientific vocabulary for the subject.

Abraham J. Heschel. The Prophets, 5th ed. Peabody, Mass.: Prince Press (POB 3473, Peabody, Mass., 01961), 2003.

Heschel 's "monumental stature" explores the function of prophecy itself, and the attributes of the Hebrew prophets: Verses from Isaiah, Jeremiah and others, guide us to understand why.... The prophet was an individual who said No to his society.... His fundamental objective was to reconcile man and God. Heschel seems to be saying that as we understand the prophet, we increase our own joy!

Regarding spiritual maturing, biographies of most gifted artists, creative contributors and of course the saintly reveal similar abilities: namely, to say No to society and Yes to their vital life. For example, even if society does covertly block talent (e.g., in women or for reasons of age, whatever), with spiritual maturing we gain effectiveness. We're somehow able to better manage, and affirm, our life -- sloughing off set backs, prejudice, corporate "feedback" and/or using all such things as grist for our vocational mill.

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