The beliefs and values of the wider culture have changed the way people think about spirituality. As this century ends, spirituality has become a vastly complex quest in which Americans piece together their faith like a patchwork quilt. Beliefs are more eclectic and commitments more private. Americans say they are spiritual but not religious. How is this possible? Does it suggest that spirituality is becoming anything individuals want it to be? How is a private spirituality developed without the guidance of religious institutions? Does this mean that spirituality is a quest for personal identity? Are the clergy losing their influence?

In response to changes in the American culture, the deeper meaning of spirituality is changing. Changes in thinking about spirituality have brought about changes in the meaning of spiritual words resulting in a kind of spiritual language barrier. This book provides a kind of up-to-date spiritual dictionary which will equip those who have experienced the frustrations of this language barrier, enabling them to listen with greater understanding and communicate with greater effectiveness.

The information in this book would be extremely helpful for those younger pastors with a congregation full of older people (or vice-versa) frustrated because of parishioners who seem to be so set-in-their-ways. The author explains that a spirituality of dwelling characterizes some people while a spirituality of seeking characterizes others. These two different ways of thinking is often the cause of what seems to be an uncrossable spiritual generation-gap. When we understand why people think differently about spirituality, our capacity to serve increases. This understanding opens the eyes of our hearts, enabling us to see through and beyond those differences, and to see instead the people we are called to serve.

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