Homegrown Mystics

These days, politicians, preachers, and ordinary citizens alike speak of healing the soul of America. If the United States is to survive and flourish, the nation must reclaim a common spirit and calm the voices of hate and incivility. This is a spiritual task, taking us beyond the parochialism of creed, political party, and belief systems to affirm our essential oneness as humans and Americans. “In his first inaugural address, Lincoln implored his fellow citizens to awaken and embrace the better angels of their nature. In our own troubled times, we desperately need to do likewise. Bruce Epperly’s beautiful book can help us do precisely that. His profiles of thirteen people whose spirituality reflects the best of the American tradition are both informative and inspirational. We all need role models to help us be better people and worthier citizens-Epperly’s thirteen admirably serve that purpose.” -Kerry Walters, priest and author of Blessed Peacemakers and Let Justice Be Done “Wow! The book is amazing! I am an American, and I love my country, but I must admit I’ve been increasingly heartbroken about the state of my country over recent years. Bruce Epperly’s new book brought my American heart more healing than anything else has . . . ever. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It is a gift to the soul of our nation and the soul of each citizen. Enthusiastically recommended!” -Brian D. McLaren, author of Faith After Doubt and Life After Doom From Ralph Waldo Emerson to Maya Angelou and Emily Dickinson to Howard Thurman, America’s large-spirited mystics can lead us through the challenges of pluralism and polarization!