Customer Reviews:
 Comments by Michael Calum Jacques, author of '1st Century Radical'. December 4, 2008
Michael Calum Jacques (UK)
13 out of 16 found this review helpful
This reviewer found the reading and poring over of this book to be rewarding experiences. The reader may or may not be familiar with the author, Christopher Jamison, who is the Abbot of Worth Abbey and known beyond the cloisters through various radio interviews and dialogues, as well as through the BBC's innovative television series entitled 'The Monastery'.
It may seem to be a strange thing to say, but - despite the fact that the book's theses rest upon ancient Christian rules and doctrines - this thinking itself, evident within its pages, did not strike this reviewer as being overtly or intensely 'religious' in its general tenor. I am pleased to say that a former Cistercian monk, and a personal friend of mine, agreed that this appeared to be the case to him also.
At the most, we supposed that the approach in this book may be said to be 'ecumenical', but it contains a good deal of extra-biblical contributions and thoughts, too. As Karen Robinson (Times Online, 16 November)so succinctly described it, "Full of a wisdom that transcends religious dogma".
There are unquestionably one or two aspects of the author's presentation which will collide with the more materially minded and centred amongst us, but this book is designed to advise and ever-so-gently palliate our beings, souls, psyches (or whichever nomenclature we feel comfortable with) into an altogether better, wholesome and healthy frame. If that is kept in mind, it is this reviewer's opinion that this book can be of genuine assistance for the person struggling with the problems of modern day living with all of its complexities, hurdles, and dangers to peace of mind which threaten that elusive bluebird of 'happiness'.
Michael Calum Jacques (author of 1st Century Radical: the shadowy origins of the man who became known as Jesus Christ)
An Antidote to Modern Life! November 1, 2008
Andy Turner (UK)
44 out of 49 found this review helpful
Finding Happiness is one of those rare gems of a book that serenely guides you through the trials of modern day life. Father Jamison takes the reader hand in hand to genuine inner joy. "Are monks happy?" His reply, "They are not unhappy." That grabbed me straight away, along with his question about having a happy death! Having never thought about death being happy, on the rare occasions I think about death. I realised that to have a happy death, equates to having a happy and fulfilled life.
With his profound insights, and effective communication, this book remarkably mirrors humanities embedded condition. With such elegance, we're guided through many of the reasons that make us unhappy.
Ultimately the dark clouds dissipate, opening the door to inner happiness, if you so choose..
This book is of a solid foundation to make a significant change in your life. Its timing in this troubled era is perfect.
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