The Promise of Paradox: A Celebration of Contradictions in the Christian Life

It is unfortunate what's happened to the word Christian. Frothing nutcases have usurped it in the name of intolerance and bad theology. And, oh yeah, that whole inquisition thing too, and all those wars. Things humans seem to fall into. But if you have a sense that at its core, the term Christian could actually mean something very significant, that it can connote a very deep and liberating approach to life, read this book. As a meditation on the ideas of the contemplative monk and writer Thomas Merton, as well as poet R.M. Rilke, and his own original insights into paradox, community, and education, Parker Palmer brings it together in a synthesis that is not only profound, but perhaps even more timely now than it was when he first wrote it in 1980. There's a reason the publishers decided to re-release this book right now. Read it.

If you are ready for a book that takes you where truth lives in the area between positions which seem to be opposites, not as an average or middle ground, but in the living tension, buy this book fast. It is amazing.

The Promise of Paradox by Parker Palmer is a refreshing view of the traditional values and beliefs of Christian faith written 30 years ago and now in reprint. He writes his own introduction explaining the various changes in both his language and thought over the 30 year period. Henri Nouwen wrote the first introduction which is also included. To live a faith in honest integrity one needs to come to grips with the ambiquity in life or the"belly of paradox" as he often refers. The spirit moves in ways that are often not of conventional wisdom and it is the holding of the tension between seeming polarities where the spirit grows, ripens, and truly connects with God. His message is one of unitive thinking rather than dualistic thinking and Parker Palmer lifts the reader to new dimensions and challenges with his message of love and compassion for all living creatures while embracing their diversity. A book for all faiths and all spiritual paths that leads one into greater connection with self and the God within.

Congratulations (AGAIN...) to Jossey-Bass for a really smart strategic move --- originally published in 1980, Jossey-Bass (John-Wiley & Sons) purchased the rights, including the Introduction by Henri Nouwen and Voila!!! --- Like I said, another strategic masterpiece by Jossey-Bass. I needed to read this book. As an avowed Christian, I benefit from the struggles of others who claim the name of Christ regarding their preferred faith flavor. As Palmer says in his introduction to this volume, " I find it hard to name my beliefs using traditional Christian language because that vocabulary has been taken hostage by theological terrorists and tortured beyond recognition." (p. xxi). Palmer's treatise is truly captured early on in this volume when he writes, "Perhaps contradictions are not impediments to the spiritual life but an integral part of it. Through them we may learn that the power power for life comes from God, not from us." (p.2). For Palmer, "The paradox that we can win only by forgetting about winning is Christianity 101." (p. 23). This book must be savored like when a chef provides you with a teaspoon of warm broth to contemplate the care with which it has been created...with your eyes shut...slowly...allowing your soul to digest the essence of the delicacy you are savoring. An incredibly powerful treatise...filled with life-lessons pertinent for today and tomorrow. Well, I guess that how truth actually endures. Buy this book!!!

This is Parker Palmer's first book. A stunning approach to the central themes of Christian spirituality and introduces a new religious writer of major stature. This book, deeply rooted in the spiritual teaching of Thomas Merton, will have its greatest appeal for those wayfarers whose souls are thirsting for the fresh, living waters of quality spiritual writing.