PRAISE FOR SOUL JOURNEYS
“Since the emergence in 2000 of the first book in a trilogy that became a publishing phenomenon by Philip Pullman, the His Dark Materials series, the idea of a daemon, a manifestation of a person’s soul in the form of an animal, has gripped the imagination of millions of readers, young and old. Now authors Dan Prechtel, John Mabry, and Katrina Leathers have given us the gift of an exploration of the intersection of shamanic worlds, where spirit guides, often in animal
forms, are prominent, and the world of Christian theology and practice. In their new book, Soul Journeys: Christian Spirituality and Shamanism as Pathways to Wholeness and Understanding,
Prechtel, Mabry and Leathers bring these two venerable and vital spiritual paths together to create a synergy that will help the reader chart a new way to a whole and sustainable life.
It is possible that readers who are committed to either path—shamanism or Christianity—may be hesitant about the encounter opened by this book. I want to assure the readers that the authors tread with great respect for both traditions. There is risk in reading this book, but it is the golden risk of opening our lives to new possibilities. I encourage you to read Soul Journeys.”
—The Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, PhD, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California
“Soul Journeys invites us into the dynamic, expansive horizons of spiritual possibilities. Through personal, historical, scriptural, and literary threads, the authors creatively weave together
Christian spirituality and core shamanism, with a call to commune with ourselves and the cosmos with greater intimacy.”
—Cynthia Li, MD, integrative doctor and author of Brave New Medicine
“Both fascinating and informative, I believe this book will inspire people of the Christian and various faith traditions who are longing for their own direct spiritual experiences. It challenges us to go beyond the reductionist, intellectual and doctrinal limitations of Christianity. I have found it to offer new and highly personal ways to live out my faith. I hope that many will find it to be food for their spiritual growth.”
—The Rev. Dr. Bradley Hauff, psychotherapist, Indigenous Ministries Missioner for The Episcopal Church
“What spiritualities will emerge to slake our thirst for authentic spiritual practice as institutional, hierarchical Christianity continues its fast fade in the West? Jung recommended alchemy
and gnosis. Zen and other Buddhist forms have helped many. Others have advocated for various liberation spiritualities, a Wisdom Jesus, the cosmic Christ, and more. In this humble, practical, thoughtful book, Prechtel, Mabry, and Leathers make a compelling case for shamanism being another arrow that belongs in our emerging, post-Christian spiritual quiver. I found their work—especially their experienced, collaborative voices—consistently engaged me.”
—The Rev. Stephen Martz, DMin, Episcopal priest and psychotherapist, past president of the Chicago Society of Jungian Analysts
“Soul Journeys provides a profound conversation between shamanic practice and experiences of Christian prayer. We are guided by seasoned practitioners, with deep theological under‐
standing. Ancient practices of Christian life are animated in fresh ways through this conversation. The energies of the earth, often neglected in Christian practice, are given voice through Shamanic understanding. We are encouraged to embrace the interior life through the prayer of the imagination of St. Ignatius of Loyola and claim again the interface between ordi‐
nary human experience and the Divine eternal realm. We are invited to receive Holy Communion as the “medicine of immortality,” participate in Liturgies of Healing Prayer, and seek out Shamanic healers in our personal journey toward wholeness.”
—Rev. Dwight H. Judy, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Formation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL, author of Embracing God: Praying with Teresa of Avila
"Christianity has a rich history of mysticism, but the authors of Soul Journeys open the doors to a perhaps lessor known mystical practice of Shamanism. Practicing Shamans (in addition to being Christian pastors), the authors share stories of their experiences with Shamanic practices while staying faithful to their Christian roots. The book is very accessible and the stories the authors tell are fascinating. It’s a journey worth taking."
—Stephen Southern, Episcopal Layperson
"I loved this book because of its project: a dialogue between a Progressive Christian minister, a Christian minister practicing shamanism and a shaman. They are clever, respectful, open and give a fascinating perspective, while sharing stories that make look shamanic journeys almost normal and part of everyday reality. I received it as a contribution to interfaith dialogue, to an open way of considering Christian faith and spirituality, and as an invitation to more imagination and to more creativity in our inner lives and spiritual practices."
Marc-Henri Paradella, review in Goodreads
