The authors Poem - Beyond Introduction 1. Activism and Spirituality 2. Spirituality Justified 3. Higher Consciousness 4. The Structure of the Psyche 5. Movements and their Movers 6. Understanding Cults and Charisma 7. Nonviolence and the Powers that Be 8. The Psychodynamics of Campaigning 9. Tools for Discernment 10. Into the Deeper Magic Afterword Glossary Recommended Reading Endnotes Index
Drawing on a rich history of spirituality and activism, this is both a guide and inspiration for people involved in activism for social or environmental justice.
Alastair McIntosh is an independent scholar, activist, writer, speaker and broadcaster. Alastair is founding director of the GalGael Trust, and has taught spiritual activism across the world. He regularly presents Thoughts for the Day and other reflections on BBC radio and television. Matt Carmichael is a climate activist, English teacher, cartoonist and writer. He was founding member and secretary of Schumacher North and is creator of the Delta course, an introduction to spirituality for those disinterested in religion, but open to life.
Many people who work to change our politics or economics come to
realise the deeper, spiritual underpinnings of their work, yet
don’t know how to articulate it, even to themselves. This book
offers a brave, bold and very timely guide to doing just that. If
you think you want to change the world, you need to read it.
*Paul Kingsnorth of The Dark Mountain Project*
This is a book with a deep river of wisdom running through it; I
know that I will be returning to it often.
*Gabrielle Lewry*
Having tried everything else, it is now time to add spirit
exercised with discipline, going to the heart of the matter where
wholeness, healing, and Holy converge. Highly recommended.
*Professor David W. Orr of Oberlin College, author of Down to the
Wire*
If we wish to engage effectively and for the long run in this world
full of wounds, for our efforts for Earth and Justice to be truly
sustainable, it behoves us to take great care of our psychological
and spiritual wellbeing. This book provides us with an important
tool for the journey.
*John Seed, Australian deep ecologist and founder of the Rainforest
Information Centre*
To my fellow activists, even the most sceptical, I insist read this
excellent book and learn some vital lessons from the most
successful and longest lasting social movements in history.
*George Marshall, founder of the Climate Outreach Information
Network.*
Ever since the first Gulf War in 1991, Alastair McIntosh has stood
in solidarity with our community to strengthen interfaith
relationships. I warmly welcome the recognition in Spiritual
Activism that true Islam can contribute to human rights, justice
and peace for all in today’s world.
*Dr Bashir Maan, first elected Muslim politician in the UK and
past-President of Glasgow Central Mosque*
Nuclear disarmament, as this thoughtful book suggests, is more than
a matter of dismantling the weapons. We must also dismantle our
minds and hearts to change our current ideas of true security.
*Bruce Kent, Vice President of the Campaign for Nuclear
Disarmament*
For any of us who find that the spiritual moment flows from the
practical, that prayer (or song, or silence) refreshes on the
knife-edge of activism, this book will be an invaluable resource
and inspiration. It addresses questions of power, leadership and
accountability with honesty, insight and wisdom, and speaks with
humanity and humour on the importance of community in human
development.
*Rev Kathy Galloway, first woman Leader of the Iona Community*
Can we somehow manage to act both rightly and effectively? McIntosh
and Carmichael have carefully studied the obstacles that have
always made this look so hard. Their careful, sober reasoning and
their case studies, reveal a map that leads the right way.
*Dr Mary Midgley, philosopher*
With its clarion call that spirituality is central to activism,
this is truly a book for our age, challenging the preconceptions of
most activists, let alone those who still see spirituality solely
as ‘an inner journey.
*Sir Jonathan Porritt, first chair of the UK government’s
Sustainable Development Commission*
This book itself is a spiritual journey, with a grounding in
psychology, history and theology. It helps us to explore how we can
bring our deepest values into action at this crucial time for the
world!
*Starhawk, author of The Spiral Dance and The Empowerment
Manual*
The word brilliant is overused, but it genuinely applies to
Spiritual Activism. No other book brings together social change
theory with insights from psychology and spirituality like this
book does.
*Brian D. McLaren, speaker, activist and author of We Make the Road
by Walking*
This is a refreshing and heartening book. It inspires positive
action with a rich and skilful integration of spiritual
philosophies, psychology and case studies of great activists.
*Katrina Shields, author of In the Tiger’s Mouth*
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