Second Wave Spirituality: Passion for Peace, Passion for Justice

Description

In his work as a spiritual teacher interacting with seekers and activists from around the world, Chris Saade has witnessed a remarkable recent phenomenon- a new wave of spirituality that is socially and globally engaged in the pursuit of justice, earth care, and solidarity. Saade calls this movement "second wave spirituality," and in this book he maps out the cutting-edge ideas that are fueling this new wave of engaged spirituality. He challenges us to rise to our spiritual task and join the millions of all faiths who are awakening to the suffering and social struggles of all living beings. According to Saade, new wave spirituality holds a vision of the intrinsic values of love- justice, global peace, solidarity, inclusion, democratic freedom, compassion, and reconciliation. Saade explores current trends of thought that are shaking the foundations of our belief systems and propelling us toward an evolutionary leap. We are in the midst of a spiritual renaissance, Saade asserts, a universal reawakening that will steer us away from the abysmal global dangers we are facing. The book also includes a collection of quotations as a resource for those working for peace, justice, and inclusion. By dividing the selections into theme-specific chapters, Saade helps us easily access the wisdom and companionship of other souls committed to our diversity, our oneness, and our pursuit of justice. Contents Foreword by Andrew Harvey Introduction 1. The Emergence of Second Wave Spirituality 2. A Brief Historical Overview of "First Wave" Spirituality 3. Crossing the Threshold 4. The Flowering of the Feminine in Theological and Spiritual Thinking 5. The Great Convergence of Spiritual Development and Action for Peace and Justice 6. The Six Crucial Ideas that Converged and Generated the Global Awakening of Second Wave Spirituality 7. Fourteen Additional Characteristics Essential to Second Wave Spirituality 8. A Response to the Escalating Global Crisis- Love in Action 9. Implications of Second Wave Spirituality for the Individual 10. Practical Suggestions for Spiritual Activism 11. Summary and A Blessing for the Reader 12. Engaged Spirituality and Sacred Activism- Writings and Quotes

Born into a Christian family in Lebanon, CHRIS SAADE experienced firsthand the devastation of the Lebanese war, which led him to develop respect for diversity and passion for peacemaking. As codirector of the Olive Branch Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife, Jessie Thompson, Saade teaches courses on engaged spirituality and the mysticism of inclusion. He is the founder of the Institute for Life-Leadership and Coaching, where he is the senior trainer for heart-centered psychological and spiritual leadership programs. The author lives in Charlotte, NC.

"Beautiful and hope affirming... Saade is a prophet of spiritual progressive consciousness." -Tikkun "With passion, conviction, and experience Chris Saade speaks to the vital need for engaged spirituality, a way to live the heart's love in service to humanity and the planet. Read these words and be inspired, be called to spiritual action-our deepest shared purpose." -Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, PhD, Sufi teacher and author of Spiritual Ecology: The Cry of the Earth "A profoundly inspiring synthesis that deserves extensive recognition." -Diarmuid O'Murchu "Second Wave Spirituality is a compelling compendium of the author's keen insights, along with a treasure-filled collection of the wisest wisdom from a broad range of spiritual titans. I highly recommend it." -Gerard Thomas Straub, founder and president of Pax et Bonum Communications and author of Thoughts of a Blind Beggar "Second Wave Spirituality suggests we're embarking on a new stage in our evolutionary journey, and I agree. 'Love-in-action' is exactly what's happening, and exactly what we need." -Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles "Second Wave Spirituality is a masterpiece that opens hearts and gives courage to those who want to stand up for truth. With grace and intellect Chris Saade infuses the movement for social justice with a poetic yet fierce longing for a better world." -Adam Bucko, coauthor of Occupy Spirituality and cofounder of the Reciprocity Foundation for Homeless Youth "With a host of examples of persons and situations from all over the world, Chris Saade challenges readers to recognize that 'love can only be full and real when embodied in the passionate pursuit of peace and justice.'" -Elaine Prevallet S.L., Sister of Loretto and author of In the Service of Life, and Toward a Spirituality for Global Justice "Chris Saade brings a dignified and noble perspective on human suffering; that through both our great joy and our great losses we are given the privilege to serve." -Mandy Eppley, cofounder and director of The Respite: A Centre for Grief & Hope