What do you think?
Rate this book
Light in the Wilderness: Explorations in the Spiritual Life
Man's mind is the spiritual frontier. As we come to understand the difference between the experience in the Natural and the Spiritual Mind, we gain greater access to unseen spiritual realities. We find that the Light in our Wilderness is literal, and that it continually seeks access to our awareness. In this book, Catherine Thomas invites fellow seekers to search behind familiar gospel words and concepts to find a greater revelation.
366 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
November 15, 2009
Cannot recommend this book enough. Cathy is an amazing mix of studied and well-grounded professor of scripture as well as a mystic. That word (mystic) may be a turn-off to those who don't understand the definition of mystic, but once you begin reading Thomas' explication of the spiritual life while in mortality you begin to realize that everyone, and certainly every Mormon, should be seeking to become a mystic. I've added it to my very short list of books I give as gifts.
February 15, 2010
A bit "out there" at times, but overall, a fascinating read. I found it interesting that Thomas quotes often from Bruce R. McConkie, because I have a hard time imagining him ever endorsing some of the things (teachings from Eastern religions, for example) that Thomas also quotes from favorably. The parts of the book I enjoyed the most were when she focused on the human dimension; I liked the least some of the metaphysical speculations. Still in all, this is a fascinating read.
September 16, 2013
A gift from a friend, this book sat on the shelf for far too long before I picked it up. Once I started reading, I regretted having waited so long. It's rare for me to read so slowly a book that I'm enjoying, but this is definitely a book to savor and contemplate. I underlined passages throughout the book that I look forward to reviewing. The text is an incredibly interesting amalgamation of quotes from the likes of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Deepak Chopra, Kierkegaard, Joseph Campbell, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and William Blake, peppered among Thomas' own insights. I'll include here a few of the many quotes that I enjoyed:
"Language is two edged--it reveals and conceals. For all its usefulness in putting thought into communicable form, we have experienced that gospel language can with much use and reuse tend toward thinness. Even at best it can never fully express a concept, especially one that originates in Unseen realms. Words are pointers only, always shadows only, of the thing they represent. They can through familiarity actually reduce our awareness of that which lies beyond our senses."
Quoting Jacques Lusseyran, a Frenchman blinded at the age of 7 and later imprisoned in a Nazi prison camp: "One should not try to console either those who lost their eyes, or those who have suffered other losses--of money, health, or a loved one. It is necessary instead to show them what their loss brings them, to show them the gifts they receive in place of what they have lost. Because there are always gifts. God wills it so. Order is restored; nothing ever disappears completely."
"Dark and Light, Dark and Light in this world of high impact tutorials--but He's always there. He's always doing something with us, and He always knows what He is doing."
"We may realize after awhile that we've had it backwards if we look to another person to see if he provokes love in us. Waiting to be provoked into love, or its opposite, is not the way of the Spiritual Mind. No, we must first choose a way of being that affects our behavior to all, allowing each person to be as he or she is, since we find we have no power or authority to change another."
"To the Natural Mind this relationship of the complete subordination of one being's will to another is incomprehensible and smacks of authoritarianism and disempowerment. The Natural Man cannot comprehend a thoroughly benevolent and empowering Theocracy. He thinks he finds security in his individual identity and in his own will, even though he is often swayed by the opinions and fashions of others and has less freedom than he imagines."
"Language is two edged--it reveals and conceals. For all its usefulness in putting thought into communicable form, we have experienced that gospel language can with much use and reuse tend toward thinness. Even at best it can never fully express a concept, especially one that originates in Unseen realms. Words are pointers only, always shadows only, of the thing they represent. They can through familiarity actually reduce our awareness of that which lies beyond our senses."
Quoting Jacques Lusseyran, a Frenchman blinded at the age of 7 and later imprisoned in a Nazi prison camp: "One should not try to console either those who lost their eyes, or those who have suffered other losses--of money, health, or a loved one. It is necessary instead to show them what their loss brings them, to show them the gifts they receive in place of what they have lost. Because there are always gifts. God wills it so. Order is restored; nothing ever disappears completely."
"Dark and Light, Dark and Light in this world of high impact tutorials--but He's always there. He's always doing something with us, and He always knows what He is doing."
"We may realize after awhile that we've had it backwards if we look to another person to see if he provokes love in us. Waiting to be provoked into love, or its opposite, is not the way of the Spiritual Mind. No, we must first choose a way of being that affects our behavior to all, allowing each person to be as he or she is, since we find we have no power or authority to change another."
"To the Natural Mind this relationship of the complete subordination of one being's will to another is incomprehensible and smacks of authoritarianism and disempowerment. The Natural Man cannot comprehend a thoroughly benevolent and empowering Theocracy. He thinks he finds security in his individual identity and in his own will, even though he is often swayed by the opinions and fashions of others and has less freedom than he imagines."
October 4, 2009
This book is hands down one of the most interesting LDS books on doctrine and personal spiritual development I have read... ever. It is unconventional in its approach. I don't know any other way to put it. Cathy Thomas is a retired member of the Religious Education faculty at BYU, and I say that to imply that I believe she is doctrinally solid. A friend of mine recommended it to me. This friend was so persistent that I finally bought the book and slowly feasted. I would say it is not possible to devour this book. It is heavy, not light fare. Cathy introduces some very thought-provoking ideas that caused me to think. A lot. I typically get through a book in two or three days. A week at the most. I spent about three weeks wading through the deep end of this book. The whole book is the deep end. It changed the way I look at things, spiritually speaking, in my life. I have bought several copies of this book for some friends. They all come back with the same experience that I had. This is an excellent book. Read it.
May 27, 2009
This book is about light and personal spiritual experience. I found it full of depth, illuminating scriptures, and insight that has profoundly impacted my life for good. It's not an easy read, although pondering the author's explanation of numerous concepts proved beneficial for me. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of gospel concepts.
March 18, 2012
One of my favorite books of all time. I've read it through twice in two years and quote it all teh time. Taught me how to become a more spiritual being, how to connect, and how to receive light each and every day! I love M. Catherine Thomas!
February 15, 2019
My mother-in-law gave me this book several years ago and I finally got around to reading it. Wow! Exceptional book. Include quotes from authorities from the LDS church, but also from spiritual leaders of other religions and literary figures. There were multiple points that blew my mind. This is definitely a book I'll try to read every few years. Next time I read it, I will get a notebook to write quotes and my own notes because it is a lot to wrap your mind around (in the best way).
August 19, 2012
Some chapters in this book are very insightful and well-researched. Others seem to be way out there in speculative quasi-doctrine. The good stuff was good enough to keep, while ignoring the rest. All in all, I think that this book is worth reading.
November 9, 2009
I am highlighting almost every sentence in this amazing book!
July 28, 2011
Amazing insight into recommitment and rededication to living a more full spiritual life!
May 13, 2024
What an interesting author. Her life as she searches for truth and finally finds the Gospel is very interesting. Every Seeker as she calls herself travels a different road but I called myself a searcher and though the path is very different the guidance leading to the Gospel is always similar. Her contact with scholars within the Church and her studies have led to interesting insights within the Gospel. She is a talented author and a joy to read. She refers to the world as the wilderness. The journey through mortality and growth within the Gospel as part of our lives guided very much by the Spirit. A continuation of our pre mortal existence. I'm not saying this well, however she has a great deal of insight and knowledge and is well worth reading. I will definitely buy and reed her other books.
December 11, 2017
This book was very different than I was expecting. There were things in here that were really helpful to me like when she talks about the inner dialogue of the natural man, and other times I felt like I was a bit lost. However, I'm not sure if some of that is because it took me so long to read it (not the fault of the book, I was just limited on my reading time.) I think at some time in the future I may have to re-read it and try to read it in a shorter time frame.
October 29, 2021
Wow! I loved the first part of this book so much. It felt like so many Ah-ha moments one after the other. I underlined and mused over so many different thoughts, scriptures, etc. I love the way she thinks about things and how she explained concepts just really resonated with me. I devoured the first part of the book and felt a bit less enthusiastic towards the end of the book. It didn't keep the fire throughout but still held some worthy insights.
May 13, 2017
I am finding this book a slow read because it is so deep and densely filled with incredible insight!
August 13, 2017
Love this book. Especially chapter 3. It's life changing.
February 11, 2019
One of my all-time favorite books.
February 28, 2022
Undoubtedly the best LDS theological work I've ever read.
July 29, 2022
It took me a long time to get through this book because of the depth of research I needed to take time to process it all. Absolutely loved it and will read it again and again.
July 19, 2010
So I am about to finish this book, and need to update the review that I wrote previously. I will leave that up, as those feelings are still how I resonated with Chapter 3 of this book. However, the more that I read, the more that I loved this book. The author did a beautiful job synthesizing truth from multiple sources, showing universal principles that people could then apply to increase light and connection.
However, there were three distinct areas where my resonating turned off completely. They were chapters 3, 8, and the small section on trauma in one of the Zion chapters. In these sections, I felt there was an oversimplification of thought that led to contradictions, and language, which subtly confirmed certain aspects of Western socialization that are harmful to certain demographics. For example of contradiction, Chapter 3 (see explanation below), relied heavily on the words used in Judeo-Christian thinking, such as "natural man"/innate nature being "bad", yet in Chapter 4 (which I loved) emphasized our innate nature as love. I just feel with a little more connection and explanation, this seeming contradiction could be addressed.
Another example is the oversimplification of trauma. Yes, forgiveness is essential. And yes, no matter what happens to an individual, that individual does still have the agency and power to change and move forward. I have seen that process in the work that I do. However, oversimplifying trauma recovery to light and dark/good spirits and bad spirits seemed to dismiss the excruciating process of an individual's life that occurs in their re-exertion of control in their life.
Finally, I would have loved to have seen this book placed in the context of relationships. The paradox of life is that we need to awaken ourselves, and are responsible for ourselves; however, this process can only really happen in the context of safe relationships (especially with God) that empowers us to release the "ego-mind."
In the end, it may appear that I did not like the book. I did. The other chapters resonated with me and helped me to continue on the path that I am on....searching for truth in a variety of areas, making sure that I have the light of Christ/Spirit with me, confirming things along the way. I loved the chapters on connecting with the one-ness that is around me and jumped for joy for the explanation of the energies everything and everyone puts off. I LOVED THAT!
Chapter 3 Review:
I really liked this book as it synthesized truth from a lot of different sources: the gospel, Buddhism, yoga, literature, etc. Many of the truths synthesized I had gleamed from other readings, which allowed me to feel comforted, knowing that my personal journey and epiphanies were being experienced by others as well.
The one thing that constantly grated on me throughout Chapter 3 was this foundation of language and theory that seemed almost Puritanical when it came to the body. There still seemed to be this need to become spiritual through the releasing/separating from the body or natural man. Instead, I have come to see this world as a time of integration: learning to integrate body and soul, becoming one with self, as well as with God and others. There were moments when this came through, but mostly, I felt a slight degrading tone when the body was brought up. As if the body and natural man will lead us to do evil if we don't constrain and disciple it (aka-the western mind over matter). Instead, I tend to side more with Carl Rogers in that people are born with body and soul and are good. The ego-mind, or natural mind, is developed through conditional relationships that force us to protect ourselves through walls, defenses, and unhealthy coping skills. Thus safe relationships and other modes of self-awareness (which she talks about in later chapters brilliantly) will bring us back to our true and good organism, more so than mind over matter.
However, there were three distinct areas where my resonating turned off completely. They were chapters 3, 8, and the small section on trauma in one of the Zion chapters. In these sections, I felt there was an oversimplification of thought that led to contradictions, and language, which subtly confirmed certain aspects of Western socialization that are harmful to certain demographics. For example of contradiction, Chapter 3 (see explanation below), relied heavily on the words used in Judeo-Christian thinking, such as "natural man"/innate nature being "bad", yet in Chapter 4 (which I loved) emphasized our innate nature as love. I just feel with a little more connection and explanation, this seeming contradiction could be addressed.
Another example is the oversimplification of trauma. Yes, forgiveness is essential. And yes, no matter what happens to an individual, that individual does still have the agency and power to change and move forward. I have seen that process in the work that I do. However, oversimplifying trauma recovery to light and dark/good spirits and bad spirits seemed to dismiss the excruciating process of an individual's life that occurs in their re-exertion of control in their life.
Finally, I would have loved to have seen this book placed in the context of relationships. The paradox of life is that we need to awaken ourselves, and are responsible for ourselves; however, this process can only really happen in the context of safe relationships (especially with God) that empowers us to release the "ego-mind."
In the end, it may appear that I did not like the book. I did. The other chapters resonated with me and helped me to continue on the path that I am on....searching for truth in a variety of areas, making sure that I have the light of Christ/Spirit with me, confirming things along the way. I loved the chapters on connecting with the one-ness that is around me and jumped for joy for the explanation of the energies everything and everyone puts off. I LOVED THAT!
Chapter 3 Review:
I really liked this book as it synthesized truth from a lot of different sources: the gospel, Buddhism, yoga, literature, etc. Many of the truths synthesized I had gleamed from other readings, which allowed me to feel comforted, knowing that my personal journey and epiphanies were being experienced by others as well.
The one thing that constantly grated on me throughout Chapter 3 was this foundation of language and theory that seemed almost Puritanical when it came to the body. There still seemed to be this need to become spiritual through the releasing/separating from the body or natural man. Instead, I have come to see this world as a time of integration: learning to integrate body and soul, becoming one with self, as well as with God and others. There were moments when this came through, but mostly, I felt a slight degrading tone when the body was brought up. As if the body and natural man will lead us to do evil if we don't constrain and disciple it (aka-the western mind over matter). Instead, I tend to side more with Carl Rogers in that people are born with body and soul and are good. The ego-mind, or natural mind, is developed through conditional relationships that force us to protect ourselves through walls, defenses, and unhealthy coping skills. Thus safe relationships and other modes of self-awareness (which she talks about in later chapters brilliantly) will bring us back to our true and good organism, more so than mind over matter.
January 7, 2012
Reading Notes:
"Repent of all your present shallowness and silliness; wash off everything of this world in the waters of baptism, and be reborn… to a course of action requiring perpetual, progressive repentance… until you are full of grace and truth… " Hugh Nibley
"He who gives that laws perfect, and reduces it to the capacity of finite beings in order that they may understand it and then receive more: thus the infinite being gives line upon line, reveals principle after principle, as the mind of the finite being expands, and when he has learned all his life he will then begin to see, that he has not yet entered upon the threshold of eternal things. Brigham Young
There are three grand secrets lying in this chapter (2 Peter 1) which no man can dig out unless by the light of revelation… which unlocks the whole chapter - as the things that are written are only hints of things which existed in the prophet's mind. Joseph Smith
What once was compelling becomes more familiar, commonplace, even cliché.
The words of scripture do not define, but only point to the tips of truths.
Language is two edged - it reveals and conceals. Words are pointers only, always shadows only, of the thing they represent. The words can stimulate inquiry to which the Holy Ghost can then respond with an expanding vision that transcends language. The antidote to the problems of language is personal spiritual experience. Joseph Smith said "Reading the experience of others, or the revelation given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relation to God. Knowledge of these things can only be obtained by experience… Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject…"
Our only hope for a life in Christ is to keep searching diligently in the Light of Christ, integrating more and more of it, so as to be able to bear yet more.
The mind needs to be engaged spiritually in order to stay with spiritual development. The eternal spirit has an appetite for spiritual things. To flourish, it has to be fed with things that stimulate the faith that one can indeed continually interact with the miraculous. We languish in the ordinary world with its ordinary thoughts.
Joseph Smith learned early on that he had to fix his mind on God if he was going to survive spiritually.
The mind of man is easily turned if it is not held by the power of God through prayer.
An evil spirit will try to crowd your mind with every evil and wicked thing to keep every good thought and feeling out of your mind, but you must keep your mind always staid upon God, that no evil may come into your heart.
"Repent of all your present shallowness and silliness; wash off everything of this world in the waters of baptism, and be reborn… to a course of action requiring perpetual, progressive repentance… until you are full of grace and truth… " Hugh Nibley
"He who gives that laws perfect, and reduces it to the capacity of finite beings in order that they may understand it and then receive more: thus the infinite being gives line upon line, reveals principle after principle, as the mind of the finite being expands, and when he has learned all his life he will then begin to see, that he has not yet entered upon the threshold of eternal things. Brigham Young
There are three grand secrets lying in this chapter (2 Peter 1) which no man can dig out unless by the light of revelation… which unlocks the whole chapter - as the things that are written are only hints of things which existed in the prophet's mind. Joseph Smith
What once was compelling becomes more familiar, commonplace, even cliché.
The words of scripture do not define, but only point to the tips of truths.
Language is two edged - it reveals and conceals. Words are pointers only, always shadows only, of the thing they represent. The words can stimulate inquiry to which the Holy Ghost can then respond with an expanding vision that transcends language. The antidote to the problems of language is personal spiritual experience. Joseph Smith said "Reading the experience of others, or the revelation given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relation to God. Knowledge of these things can only be obtained by experience… Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject…"
Our only hope for a life in Christ is to keep searching diligently in the Light of Christ, integrating more and more of it, so as to be able to bear yet more.
The mind needs to be engaged spiritually in order to stay with spiritual development. The eternal spirit has an appetite for spiritual things. To flourish, it has to be fed with things that stimulate the faith that one can indeed continually interact with the miraculous. We languish in the ordinary world with its ordinary thoughts.
Joseph Smith learned early on that he had to fix his mind on God if he was going to survive spiritually.
The mind of man is easily turned if it is not held by the power of God through prayer.
An evil spirit will try to crowd your mind with every evil and wicked thing to keep every good thought and feeling out of your mind, but you must keep your mind always staid upon God, that no evil may come into your heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2010
Somehow my review disappeared. So I will share my thoughts again about this remarkable book. First of all the new publisher is Digital Legend. I first discovered Cathy Thomas's FARMS talks and felt so connected to what she said that I read everything she wrote. That included other talks, and two books. When I came upon this my first reactions was- "This is her masterpiece." Reading it 7 times and even reviewing chapters has done so much for me. It has helped me to grow spiritually, to see new things in the scriptures, to draw closer to Christ, and to learn some techniques for handling some difficult challenges I have. Besides that, I just love the way she writes and the subjects she choses, as I am a metaphoric thinker and am very visual, and seem to like the same stories in scriptures that she writes about.
Cathy's husband is a Wordsworth scholar. Since Wordsworth is my favorite poet, and her husband converted her to Wordsworth, I decided to read one of his books on the poet. I felt such congruity between the three of them! She is just exceptionally masterful in using literary techniques such as imagery, as is Wordsworth, and I love that style of writing.
This book is challenging and everyone I have shared it with loves it and finds help for their lives. I recently heard the author speak, and truly she is a remarkable woman and writer with great insight and courage to pioneer in writing about untouchable subjects. I am grateful for the work and effort she makes to share her insights with us all.
Cathy's husband is a Wordsworth scholar. Since Wordsworth is my favorite poet, and her husband converted her to Wordsworth, I decided to read one of his books on the poet. I felt such congruity between the three of them! She is just exceptionally masterful in using literary techniques such as imagery, as is Wordsworth, and I love that style of writing.
This book is challenging and everyone I have shared it with loves it and finds help for their lives. I recently heard the author speak, and truly she is a remarkable woman and writer with great insight and courage to pioneer in writing about untouchable subjects. I am grateful for the work and effort she makes to share her insights with us all.
November 11, 2017
Light in the Wilderness is a revelation!
It's impossible to find another writer like Catherine Thomas in Mormondom. I celebrate her wonderous gifts. Such an original thinker, she see's with new eyes looking beyond the obvious. And challenging us to see light, ourselves, and our possibilities in new ways. That is a most valuable ability! I am most grateful she takes time to share her discoveries with us through her books.
I have long been a fan of her work. I most appreciate the way she embraces truth wherever she finds it in the universe and spins it around like a rubic's cube puzzle finding how we can apply it to our own truthes within our Mormon faith. Though she has written several books, and I believe "Godseed" goes hand in hand with this volume. This is her very best work. A priceless gift for me. A book that has honestly changed my life and the way I interact and think.
I have to re-visit this book every so often. Recently my pages began falling out and I had to go buy a second copy. When I looked at the daunting task of having to copy all the notes in the margins, I realized just how much this book has meant to me through the years. And though I gave this book 5 stars when I first read it, I noticed I had never reviewed it on Goodreads. I felt it was time I did so.
When the book was first published it was a bit difficult to find. It has now been available at Deseret Book for many years, and when you cannot find it on the shelf it is simply because they keep selling out! So ask them to special order it for you.
It's impossible to find another writer like Catherine Thomas in Mormondom. I celebrate her wonderous gifts. Such an original thinker, she see's with new eyes looking beyond the obvious. And challenging us to see light, ourselves, and our possibilities in new ways. That is a most valuable ability! I am most grateful she takes time to share her discoveries with us through her books.
I have long been a fan of her work. I most appreciate the way she embraces truth wherever she finds it in the universe and spins it around like a rubic's cube puzzle finding how we can apply it to our own truthes within our Mormon faith. Though she has written several books, and I believe "Godseed" goes hand in hand with this volume. This is her very best work. A priceless gift for me. A book that has honestly changed my life and the way I interact and think.
I have to re-visit this book every so often. Recently my pages began falling out and I had to go buy a second copy. When I looked at the daunting task of having to copy all the notes in the margins, I realized just how much this book has meant to me through the years. And though I gave this book 5 stars when I first read it, I noticed I had never reviewed it on Goodreads. I felt it was time I did so.
When the book was first published it was a bit difficult to find. It has now been available at Deseret Book for many years, and when you cannot find it on the shelf it is simply because they keep selling out! So ask them to special order it for you.
July 8, 2010
I recall the day when pouring yet again through 2 Nephi when I realized that the wilderness mentioned in the story was really but a type and shadow of our life journey. After years of putting pieces together, I am so grateful to find a book, so packed with ideas that expand upon those I have recorded in my own journey as a spiritual seeker. As Truman Madsen wrote, "this remarkable and penetrating book deals with some of the toughest spiritual issues of our time." I just wish I had discovered it earlier.
This book will be received as unconventional by some, but Thomas, a retired professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU has written a masterpiece on the spiritual journey. See Richard Cracroft's review in BYU Magazine:
http://magazine.byu.edu/?act=view&...
"To explore the challenging route to spiritual reality Thomas draws freshly and deeply on scripture and on the sermons of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, Parley P. Pratt, Charles W. Penrose, F. Enzio Busche, and Hugh Nibley, among others. She opens to readers the experiences of such various light seekers and bearers as Jacques Lusseyran, Deepak Chopra, Sakyong Mipham, and Cardinal John Henry Newman and shares the poetry of John Milton, William Wordsworth, and William Blake. For, as Joseph Smith insisted, “one of the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism is to receive truth—let it come from where it may” (quoted in Thomas, p. xi)."
This book will be received as unconventional by some, but Thomas, a retired professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU has written a masterpiece on the spiritual journey. See Richard Cracroft's review in BYU Magazine:
http://magazine.byu.edu/?act=view&...
"To explore the challenging route to spiritual reality Thomas draws freshly and deeply on scripture and on the sermons of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, Parley P. Pratt, Charles W. Penrose, F. Enzio Busche, and Hugh Nibley, among others. She opens to readers the experiences of such various light seekers and bearers as Jacques Lusseyran, Deepak Chopra, Sakyong Mipham, and Cardinal John Henry Newman and shares the poetry of John Milton, William Wordsworth, and William Blake. For, as Joseph Smith insisted, “one of the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism is to receive truth—let it come from where it may” (quoted in Thomas, p. xi)."
November 5, 2011
This book is now available through www.digitalegend.com/catalogue. It is the best spiritual book I have ever read, and I have read it 6 times and refer to it many days during the week. It is written for LDS Christians who want to go deeper, and is a beautiful description of the journey from the Natural to the Spiritual Man and beyond that.
It is full of tremendous quotes, poetry, metaphor, practical application, all written in truly beautiful writing within an understandable, step by step process- but it does take some pondering and thinking. It is packed with treasures, and also quotes other seekers of Light such as Jacques Lusseyran, Deepak Chropra, and other well known individuals.
The well know critic, Richard Cracroft, has a stunning review of it, and says it is the most challening and thought provoking books he has read in a long while.
The author is a lovely and highly talented woman, who has depth of insight that is incredible. To see Cracroft's review, go to
http://magazine.byu.edu/print.php?a=2553
You can also read about him on the net- a fascinating critic and author. Sue
It is full of tremendous quotes, poetry, metaphor, practical application, all written in truly beautiful writing within an understandable, step by step process- but it does take some pondering and thinking. It is packed with treasures, and also quotes other seekers of Light such as Jacques Lusseyran, Deepak Chropra, and other well known individuals.
The well know critic, Richard Cracroft, has a stunning review of it, and says it is the most challening and thought provoking books he has read in a long while.
The author is a lovely and highly talented woman, who has depth of insight that is incredible. To see Cracroft's review, go to
http://magazine.byu.edu/print.php?a=2553
You can also read about him on the net- a fascinating critic and author. Sue
August 2, 2011
Catherine Thomas narrates Latter-Day Saint doctrines with personal experiences, scripture and quotes from prophets, authors and poets.
It's not a "light read." In each chapter there is bound to be some phrase or expression that stays with the reader; helping to personalize each one's relationship with the Lord.
One of my favorites is in Chapter 6 where the author talks about the divine role of nature.
"Nature's role is to arrest Man's attention so he can hear that Voice from Heaven...Attention to Nature's message then can open the Spiritual Mind, where not only the truth about Nature is revealed, but also our own true nature is stirred into wakening...The inarticulate but vivid impressions lead us to peace and awareness of an attentive Creator and to a desire to love all creations, including Man. But we find that if we live too superficially, too speedily, and too negatively we will not uncover the treasures. All things testify of Him, but we must become aware." (p. 119)
Instinctively, I believe, every man feels the divine in nature but can't always articulate it as Ms. Thomas does.
It's not a "light read." In each chapter there is bound to be some phrase or expression that stays with the reader; helping to personalize each one's relationship with the Lord.
One of my favorites is in Chapter 6 where the author talks about the divine role of nature.
"Nature's role is to arrest Man's attention so he can hear that Voice from Heaven...Attention to Nature's message then can open the Spiritual Mind, where not only the truth about Nature is revealed, but also our own true nature is stirred into wakening...The inarticulate but vivid impressions lead us to peace and awareness of an attentive Creator and to a desire to love all creations, including Man. But we find that if we live too superficially, too speedily, and too negatively we will not uncover the treasures. All things testify of Him, but we must become aware." (p. 119)
Instinctively, I believe, every man feels the divine in nature but can't always articulate it as Ms. Thomas does.
September 15, 2014
Simply amazing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is truly wanting to understand the Gospel at a level that transforms their inner reality to cause them to really see "things as they really are". She brilliantly dovetails truths from other cultures and great thinkers with the sacred writings of scripture and other prophets. She brings a bridge to the mind to allow the ideas of the great thinkers that are not LDS to be related to Gospel truths in a manner that truly shows "all truth can be circumscribed to one great whole". This book has been a cornerstone to my understanding of the nature of the spiritual and emotional battle we all engage in as we try to overcome the "natural" man. The writing gives words to the reality of the battle and helps provide rich thought to ponder while reading the scriptures. I'm so grateful for this author's insights. As convert to the LDS church it has helped me to put to words the nature of the spiritual struggle that I have overcome in learning to live by the law of the spirit.
October 2, 2014
I suspect that a book like this will be more enjoyable and meaningful if you're already fond of and familiar with new age type of ideas. For me, I wasn't getting a lot out of it most of the time. I felt like the first half of the book could be summarized as saying "think positively and harness good energy." I wanted more than that, but perhaps I'm just not immersed enough in this stuff to appreciate it beyond the very basics. There were no profound revelations or insights associated with my reading this work.
The second half the book was much better. Admittedly, I was frequently pensive while reading—productively pensive, which is good. I walk away feeling a wee bit more determined to be at peace with and present in the now, and to radiate and be full of love. Again, I don't think it was anything profound in the book that brought this about. Rather, it was simply the product of musing on these types of ideas and being more mindful of them in a very general sense, an unavoidable consequence of reading any book devoted to such matters.
The second half the book was much better. Admittedly, I was frequently pensive while reading—productively pensive, which is good. I walk away feeling a wee bit more determined to be at peace with and present in the now, and to radiate and be full of love. Again, I don't think it was anything profound in the book that brought this about. Rather, it was simply the product of musing on these types of ideas and being more mindful of them in a very general sense, an unavoidable consequence of reading any book devoted to such matters.
August 30, 2011
This is definitely not a light read! It has taken me several weeks to read this book -- at times I had to take a break to process what I had read. I look forward to reading this book again and again to really appreciate the depth of all the teachings in it.
I love how she brings in the teachings of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and other early church leaders, as well as some of our leaders today. She references a lot of scriptures (I love the Scripture Index she includes at the very end of the book that shows all the scriptures she uses and the page where you will find the reference in the book). She also brings in some Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, and Byron Katie.
I have felt more aware of God's hand (and light) in my life as I have studied this book. I have a greater desire to shed the natural man and get closer to God. As a result of reading this book, I have been working hard to act more in love - which in turn has helped me feel the Spirit more in my life!
I love how she brings in the teachings of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and other early church leaders, as well as some of our leaders today. She references a lot of scriptures (I love the Scripture Index she includes at the very end of the book that shows all the scriptures she uses and the page where you will find the reference in the book). She also brings in some Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, and Byron Katie.
I have felt more aware of God's hand (and light) in my life as I have studied this book. I have a greater desire to shed the natural man and get closer to God. As a result of reading this book, I have been working hard to act more in love - which in turn has helped me feel the Spirit more in my life!
February 14, 2020
This is a really interesting book. Some parts have higher value than others; but most of it so far has been excellent - very insightful, enlightening, and relating to experiences and understandings I've had. I tried to read it a few years ago, but found it tedious and pretentious. Then I tried again this year, and find it amazing. Perhaps I've had experiences in the meantime which have shown me the truth of what she writes about, and have given me increased insight or understanding about these things. Her major theme is light and Spirit - awareness of them, and how to use them to help us see truth and develop into the beings we want to be and are made to be.
Final:
So good! So glad someone gave this to my mother - although she never got properly into it, I've been benefited by it. One I'll need to reread parts of over time as needed.
Final:
So good! So glad someone gave this to my mother - although she never got properly into it, I've been benefited by it. One I'll need to reread parts of over time as needed.
February 7, 2011
I love each book I've read by Catherine Thomas. I love how deeply and broadly she thinks and researches the scriptures, the words of prophets, and wise men throughout the ages. This book is no exception. She writes of our minds and how our thinking controls bringing us out of the world and into the light of truth...truth that will change us. She teaches there is always more to a gospel concept than we can obtain by simple reading. She motivates me to find more through study, action, and personal revelation. She points me to a higher place and gives me hope that I can actually get there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews