The Spiritual Chicks Question Everything: Learn to Risk, Release, and SoarAuthor: Coyne, Tami and Weissman, KarenGenre: Philosophy Publisher: Red Wheel Released: 2002 |
A Review by Rian Montgomery
01/28/2003
The Spiritual Chicks Question Everything is written by Tami Coyne and Karen Weissman, two self-confirmed “Spiritual Chicks." They are two sorts of different people—Tami is a passionate and highly motivated woman, while Karen is analytical and tends to think about things a lot more. The two of them, however, are very good friends and tend to think of spirituality the same way: that it's an awareness that we are connected to Life and Living in a special way and that Spirituality is a mindset that allows one to participate in life and realize that one has everything they need in this world to succeed.
That is how the idea for this book was conceived. The Spiritual Chicks Question Everything is packed full of questions and answers (sixty to be exact) and real-life essays that are thrown in here or there to further explain the answer to certain questions. Here are some examples of questions asked throughout this book: Do I need to go to church to be spiritual? Am I doomed because of bad karma? Do I need God's approval to do certain things? Do I need to suffer? Is there sex after death? There are also personal essays which one or the other of the authors write to further drive a point or answer home.
The Spiritual Chicks Question Everything is written in an easily-understandable fashion and is short enough that most people will be able to finish it. It is 204 pages long, and is a little blue paperback book that can be carried most anywhere.
Tami and Karen convey effectively the concept that Spirituality is just living life to the fullest, not analyzing every little thing, and that we truly live in “heaven” here, that we have all the necessary tools right here on earth and within us to live happy, fulfilling lives. This book teaches that most of the old stodgy beliefs of century-old religions don't need to be taken seriously in all their aspects in order for one to gain true meaning and happiness in life. However, God is not completely thrown out in this book; many times the bible is referenced, or God is talked about in certain ways that shows that the authors do in fact believe in God, but just have different beliefs and understandings of Him.
Interesting though some of the concepts are, I did not find this book very helpful in my own quest for spirituality. For the most part, it seems these authors are taking what they want out of different religions (particularly Christianity and Buddism) and applying it like a thin veneer of faith to their own beliefs of spirituality. Sure, we are all spiritual beings and should live life to its fullest potential and not constantly worry. Had the book only gone that far, it would be difficult to argue with it, but many of the questions and answers and essays seemed to tell us to “Live for yourself” and “Don't worry about what age-old beliefs and customs and religions say; do what you feel is right and good.” However, that may be just me; I'm a down-to-earth girl who was raised in Christianity and still believe it to this day (and always will).
Which brings me to wonder, who will like this book? Who will truly benefit from The Spiritual Chicks Question Everything? What messages are its authors are trying to get across? Born-again Christians and Atheists most likely will not agree with this book, Christians because of the many times the authors change something from the bible and basically throw out many of the age-old beliefs and truths of Christianity, and atheists won't because of its many references to “God” and an “All-Powerful One." Buddhists might because this book does actually reflect many beliefs and thoughts of Buddhism. For people who are not religious in any way or are undecided, The Spiritual Chicks Question Everything might be a good tool for them to begin to get in touch with spirituality and living life to its fullest.
Don't get me wrong—I liked about some of the ideas presented in The Spiritual Chicks Question Everything. We should live life to its fullest, not worry constantly day after day, that we should treat others in a reflection of a way we wish to be treated, and that we shouldn't be so judgmental of others. Pretty classic semi-religious stuff, isn't it? This book does offer some very good advice and questions/answers and explanations about general ways we can live in fulfillment of our desires. The authors many times reference Spirituality as Power, and that we can embrace Power in our day to day lives for a more fulfilling life. I did like the many positive things and ideas that the book presented and explained.
Only...There's that grating pick-and-choose faith again; the authors just took what they wanted from whatever religion and used it as the foundation for their own beliefs of “Spirituality”. Certainly here's nothing wrong with taking what you need from whatever there is out there and using it to better yourself and your perception of life and living? However, for people who believe certain truths and in certain religions, they will have some problems with this book. In many places, the authors offer their understanding of certain things in the Bible and tell about how they don't think it is true, or that it really means something else. I don't understand; if someone doesn't believe the Bible, how can they take what they want out of it and believe it, and take other things out of it and change/twist the meaning into something different? Why would some things be true and some not?
Overall, If you're looking for a book that answers many questions about Spirituality, want a better perspective of living life to its fullest, and want to see how you can perceive the world as all you need to succeed in life, pick up The Spiritual Chicks Question Everything. It does contain some thought-provoking material that can be enjoyed and appreciated by most. Are you wondering what Spirituality is, and would you like to know how you can use it in your life? Read this. Are you looking for something deep and sensible (given the confines of faith) that will give you the meaning of life? Honestly, I wouldn't advise that you read this book; you will be disappointed.
© Copyright CultureCartel.com 01/28/2003
