The Great Doubt: Spirituality Beyond Dogma

The Great Doubt is is a book about letting go - surrendering our constant strivings for more knowledge, more ideas about right and wrong, and more tools by which we can judge ourselves and others. Drawing from biblical traditions, Buddhism, Taoism, 12-step recovery wisdom, New Age/New Thought teachings, and the author's experience in the academic study of religion, it offers a spirituality aimed toward becoming authentically human. It asserts that alternative ways of knowing - namely, love and meditative awareness - are necessary to help individuals and communities transcend the limiting and limited capacities of their thinking minds. These ways of knowing are essential aspects of walking a pathway not based on dogmatism, rigidity, or static ideas of truth - one that is instead open to change, questioning, and continual transformation. The Great Doubt is more than just a book; it is a journey. Throughout, it not only posits ideas ("normal" book writing), but also intersperses personal reflections on the writing process itself. These reflections allow the reader to journey with the author as a real human being engaged in real human experiences - hope, fear, doubt, uncertainty. The goal of these reflections is to embody something of the spiritual path to which the book invites its readers - a path of authenticity, self-acceptance, love, and surrender.

Jonathan graduated in May of 2004 from Azusa Pacific University, with a B.A. in Biblical Studies. After graduating, he began to explore eastern and contemporary spiritual traditions, which greatly enhanced his understandings of life, truth, and spirituality. His first book, The Great Doubt, explores the world of spirituality outside of religious dogma. It presents a spiritual pathway that is authentic, human, compassionate, and open-hearted. Jonathan holds a Master of Arts degree from Claremont School of Theology. He loves reading, writing, food, sports, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and friendship - not necessarily in that order. He currently lives in Pasadena, California.