The Light of the Self: A Memoir of Spiritual Awakening

Rose, a Senior Research Fellow at The Graduate Theological Union, recounts his metaphysical and spiritual journey in his sensuous if pedestrian debut. Raised Catholic in Brooklyn, Rose’s mystical thinking begins with an otherworldly command to “look to God” at the age of 19. Several spiritual epiphanies followed after this calling (“[religion] is a contingent, historical phenomenon, and whatever it is that we in English label God is not in itself bound by religion’s often oppressive social and intellectual forms”) and led him to engage with the Hare Krishna movement, evangelicalism, and Pentecostalism. He eventually found a spiritual home in the writings of Thomas Merton, Saint Augustine, and Alan Watts, and practices of meditation. While devoted to a Christian God for most of life, throughout the book he remains unconvinced about the true nature of the spiritual power he feels. While his story will resonate with readers who are interested in and struggle with the search for divinity, Rose’s strict inward focus and flat narrative will turn off many readers. However, fans of Thomas Merton and Alan Watts might enjoy Rose’s tussle with multiple religious traditions and intense spiritual episodes. (BookLife)