Burning Religion: Navigating the Impossible Space Between Religion and Secular Society

Burning Religion is a multi-genre book covering elements of philosophy, theology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, autobiography, poetry, and Carnivalesque tall tales in a thesis suggesting that making peace between disparate worldviews is not possible in any permanent manner through typical moderate or third-way approaches. So-called "radical" approaches are not radical enough. Finding lasting peace requires something wild. Burning Religion is the first of a series suggesting that the wildness of the Carnival just might hold a key to peacemaking. Phil Wyman a pastor, writer, editor, musician, songwriter, poet, wannabe philosopher-artist, and creator of interactive "blank canvas social art," and is looking for people to join him in a revolution of relationship building across polarized and clashing communities. Phil's pioneering work in developing peaceful relationships between Christians and Neo-Pagans appeared the Front Page of the Wall Street Journal in 2006, in a story highlighting institutional obstructions to lovingly embracing the radical "Other." This book is an adventurous journey into the intellectual, emotional and physical places where uncommon friends are made and true listening begins.

Phil Wyman is a Christian pastor with a rich history of relationship building with people from other religions and worldviews. Originally pastoring close to home in Carlsbad, CA, he moved to Salem, MA 1999 to start a church. Here he began working with the Witches and Neo-Pagans of Salem to break down the barriers of mistrust, which had developed over many years between Christians and Witches. His work with Neo-Pagans and atheists, and his forays into places like Burning Man has been highlighted on the Front page of the Wall Street Journal, in the Christian Science Monitor, Christianity Today, and numerous local papers and radio programs around the world. Phil is a writer, editor, musician, songwriter, poet, wanna-be philosopher, pastor, creator of interactive ＂blank canvas social art＂, and a general instigator looking for people to join him in a revolution.