Much Ado about Something

It was arresting to read on the inside cover of Larry's new book that it embodied the goals of the SMN in integrating intuitive insights with rational analysis, which I think is true. Larry's previous work has been devoted to happiness and psychology and spirituality, but here is expresses his deepest concerns as a Christian with a mature and sympathetic vision like one of his spiritual mentors, Thomas Merton. In the Afterword, which some readers may like to read first, he shares his spiritual autobiography that has given him the experience to write this searching and helpful book. He describes his early days, the influence of his grandfather, his travels and work in New Zealand and Australia, his encounters with Buddhist monks and the work of Thomas Merton, and how he returned to the UK as a psychiatrist. The reader gains a strong impression of his connection with the Holy Spirit and the love of God, which he has expressed in his work and friendships.

He sees five seamless dimensions in human life: physical, biological, psychological, social and spiritual, which he places at the centre. He explains the importance of Iain McGilchrist's work on brain hemispheres, illustrating it with different levels of understanding of Jesus's parables. Through his own experience and that of others he has come to believe that we grow through adversity not by avoiding it – as we learn the importance of combining wisdom with compassion. Larry takes us through Fowler's stages of faith and spiritual development through the arc of life. He has a chapters on childhood spirituality and adolescent religion as we journey towards maturity and universality. This often entails a turnaround, a radical shift, perhaps in response to an existential challenge. Here he draws on the experience of Merton as we find a new centre beyond ourselves and begin to embody a life of loving service. He also describes various forms of worship and spiritual practice, especially meditation – but also sacred music, and as it happens I am listening to Handel's Messiah as I write this on a Sunday morning. Readers will find themselves resonating with many aspects of Larry's journey to spiritual maturity – especially his wide sympathy – and he also enables non-Christians to appreciate the depth of the Christian path and practice and its embodiment in service to others.