Jesus Through Pagan Eyes: Bridging Neopagan Perspectives with a Progressive Vision of Christ
For Pagans and Christians alike, Jesus Through Pagan Eyes offers a provocative portrait ofJesus--as a compassionate, life-affirming, nature-inspired spiritual teacher, freed from the limiting ideology of the Church. Rev. Mark Townsend sets the stage by exploring the historical evidence of who Jesus was as a human being before delving into the realm of metaphor and mythology, the notion of Christ, and the Church's conception of Jesus as Christ.
The heart of this unique book lies in the thoughtful and deeply moving collection of stories, essays, and interviews about Jesus from today's most respected Pagan, Wiccan, and Druidic leaders. Contributors such as Maxine Sanders, Christopher Penczak, Janet Farrar, Diana Paxson, Philip Carr-Gomm, Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, John Michael Greer, Selena Fox, and Raven Grimassi explore the historical figure of Jesus in relation to Witchcraft, the tarot, goddess worship, and shamanism--while illustrating how this god of the Christian church blesses and inspires those who embrace non-traditional spiritual paths.
Whether you envision Jesus as an ascended master, a human teacher, or a mythic god-man, this remarkable book will introduce you to a Jesus who fits fully into the Pagan imagination.
Praise:
"Townsend uses Jesus to initiate dialogue, and he does so in way that is accepting and inclusive of many understandings and interpretations of Jesus, his purpose, and his relevance (or irrelevance) in the religious practices of contemporary Pagans."--Huffington Post
"This work admirably promotes understanding between belief systems that have a sometimes uneasy relationship."--Publishers Weekly
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A former clergyman in the Church of England, Reverend Mark Townsend now leads his own inclusive and ecumenical ministry that nourishes a strong appreciation for the diversity of faith beyond Christianity, and which strives to honor the divine in all people, regardless of their faith, culture, sexuality or background.
A priest of the Open Episcopal Church and member of the Progressive Christian Alliance, in addition to being a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, the author has been featured on the BBC and several other news programs throughout Britain. He is the author of The Gospel of Falling Down, and Jesus Outside the Box (O Books). He lives in Hereford, England.
Find out more at: http: //www.marktownsendministry.co.uk.
"Townsend uses Jesus to initiate dialogue, and he does so in way that is accepting and inclusive of many understandings and interpretations of Jesus, his purpose, and his relevance (or irrelevance) in the religious practices of contemporary Pagans."--Huffington Post
"This work admirably promotes understanding between belief systems that have a sometimes uneasy relationship."--Publishers Weekly
"Compelling and provocative...a major contribution to freeing Christianity to live in the world that is emerging."--John Shelby Spong, author of Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism
"Whether Pagan, Jewish, Christian or other you will be amazed and inspired by this book."--Uri Gellar
"A truly remarkable work...I found myself asking 'Why did I never see this before?'"--Rev. Roger McLellan, Co-founder & Moderator of the Progressive Christian Alliance
"A must read for any Christian who is open to discovering the pagan mysteries that inform so much of the Christian myth."--Rev. Bruce Sanguin, author of If Darwin Prayed
"This is a quite remarkable work, which reveals the figure of Jesus from most unusual and fascinating perspectives, and it is likely to have value to convinced Christians, Pagans, and agnostics alike."--Prof. Ronald Hutton, author of Triumph of the Moon
"There are knowledge transmitters--and then there are knowledge makers who have the courage, skill, and experience to put things together in new and revelatory ways. Knowledge makers reconfigure our minds, our eyes, and our ears to receive bigger and better things. Mark Townsend is doing just that."--Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., founding director of the Center for Action and Contemplation
