A Theology of Love

Reviews

“…Richard Smoley offers a vision for the future of spirituality that means we can perhaps return to the stories and lessons we recall from past times.” "If there is anything that can help humanity towards an age of the Holy Spirit (the subject of a wonderful discussion in chapter 17), it is surely radical forgiveness. For the vision of such love, and help along the way of living it, we can be grateful to both A Course in Miracles and Richard Smoley." “I literally cannot think of another scholar who could reasonably attempt what Richard Smoley not only attempts but succeeds in doing in A Theology of Love. Smoley constructs a new, mysterious, utterly practical, and broadly gnostic Christian-based approach to life; it is one of mysticism, questioning, critical belief, and personal change. Some contemporary scholars possess the intellect, some possess the inner experience--but none, other than Smoley, possess both, and in sufficient amounts, to achieve this unprecedented task. When you read A Theology of Love you will understand why Richard is our generation’s premier independent scholar of spirituality.” “In our increasingly secular world, people hunger for a way of harmonizing their actual spiritual experiences and their inner knowing with religious traditions that no longer affirm them. In A Theology of Love, Richard Smoley shows how this is possible. This is a powerful contribution, powerful because it is also simple and uncomplicated. To those who grieve that Christianity has lost its way because of its sellout to tawdry, unprincipled politicians, Smoley’s message is CPR for the soul.” “This book addresses some very important issues for the community that calls itself Christian. The author’s breadth of knowledge and his ability to talk the ecclesiastical talk should help his message reach many readers who know nothing about A Course in Miracles but would find that it speaks to them. And maybe it will help to dispel the glut of misinformation that’s out there, too.” “Far and away the most exciting examination of the core Christian promise and its continuing relevance for us today that I have read in years.” “No one gives a deeper and more balanced account of what he calls ‘inner Christianity’ than Richard Smoley. Historically erudite and theologically awake, he is that rare scholar who is a practitioner--well versed in the spiritual practices of all those currents of ‘true Christianity’ that recognize that to be a ‘Christian’ is to become a ‘Christ’ and embody his unconditional love of human beings (individually, as beings of infinite and absolute value) and humanity as such: the human project. Too much of contemporary Christian thought ignores this fundamental teaching--at its and our peril. A Theology of Love will perhaps deepen the understanding of those who seek a deeper, healthier Christian path.” "At the end of my first reading of the book, I did want to want to set it down, only partially tongue in cheek, with a satisfying hurrah of ‘Valentinus rides again’! Valentinus having been the most successful and purportedly eloquent of early Gnostic writers. Whether you are convinced or not, it is one of those books that wholly deserves to be seriously wrestled with to assure yourself as to why or why not? It, also, deserves to prompt more serious Christian theological reflection on the Course in Miracles itself (though on the likelihood of that, I expect I am as pessimistic as the author)!" Expand reviews