A Religion of One’s Own, Review

January 11, 2014 — A Religion of One's Own, book review, Thomas Moore

A Religion of One’s Own

I just read A Religion of One’s Own by Thomas Moore, an author I admire. I met him in person last May when he had recently completed the book and was in the editing process. The workshop I took with him then was about soul, spirit, and the distinction between the two. This new book goes into detail on this subject. Like his other books I have enjoyed the subject matter is easily accessible although the reader becomes highly aware of Tom’s deep background and knowledge of world religions, art, music, history, and natural magic. He spent many years as a monk learning languages and music composition as he studied to be ordained as a priest. His knowledge of Greek and Latin always add depth to his concepts because he carefully traces true meanings in words.  The words I learn from him stay in a special memory bank of super charged, precious possessions.  They are magic words for me, with mystical value.

I read the book almost non stop on my Kindle paperwhite, a new gadget I now think is excellent.  One feature of Kindle reading is the ability to look up words within the device as you read.  The words you look up are added to your ongoing vocabulary list.  Since I learn new words every time I read his work, this was fabulously useful. Here is my new vocabulary from this book:

• pleroma
• pusillanimous
• constellate
• canonical
• inchoate
• detrius

Normally I would take the meaning from context and go on, but now I am a real vocabulary builder.  What Thomas Moore is asking us all to do is to develop a much broader vocabulary and understanding of religion.  The mystical and mysterious is essential to our fulfillment and happiness.  Without soul, spirit, and practices that maintain the health and vigor of both in our lives we can become dead to the pleasure of being alive.  Churches and formal religion have lost the leadership role they once maintained without question.  Now it is important not to discard the sacred and the meaningful, but to make a unique personal system that is true to our own natures.  Dogma and deterioration from institutions can be replaced by practices that feed our souls and our spirits, and nurture harmony in our communities.

I know all of Tom’s many fans will be happy to read this latest edition of his teaching.  If you have not had the pleasure of meeting him in person or in writing you are missing a very special treat.  He is a Renaissance Man in that he is honestly creating a renaissance vortex and map for his readers to follow.  He is asking no less than a rebirth and re-empowerment of our sacred traditions so as not to loose the beauty and significance of them.  He gives concrete suggestions and guidance to achieve this goal by treating all the religious traditions as one’s own.  Personal wisdom and satisfaction are essential to living a blissful, peaceful life.  Thomas Moore has once again created a meaningful and significant lesson we can all easily grasp.  The book is short, compelling, and will leave you in a new frame of mind.  It is worth reading, and even more worth practicing.