Keeping the Faith Without a Religion

In today’s culture, in which many view organized religion with suspicion, the spiritual but not religious have struck out on paths not yet taken, making it difficult for them to use religious tradition to relate to spiritual matters. Housden (Ten Poems to Change Your Life) offers a nuanced and well-rounded guide to having a faith while remaining detached from specific religious traditions. Rather than emphasizing positive thinking or focusing on suffering, Housden chooses to embrace the totality of the human experience. For him this includes transcendent knowing that is deeply connected to the dark corners of human nature; yet an individual cannot only be moved by the pain in the world but must also risk the surprise of joy. A nondenominational approach to life makes it easier to accept the impermanence and imperfections of all situations, and to let go of the idea of “practicing” faith, instead simply experiencing it. Housden is a gentle and moving guide, asking readers not only to bow down and accept the joy and darkness of their nature, but also to trust inner promptings and to be faithful to humanity. (Mar.)