ARA Review by Yardgirl1 of In It Together
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Yardgirl1
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ARA Review by Yardgirl1 of In It Together
[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, In It Together.]
I started reading this book but had to take a break before finishing. I am hesitant to post a review that is not over the moon positive. I totally agree with the distinction the author makes between the body’s natural urges and cravings and the conscious self. He points out the fact that we are never satisfied, always grasping for more, that no matter how green the current grass, the grass on the other side always seems greener and something to be acquired. Because of this constant craving for more, we are never satisfied. This is the struggle that is common to all of us. Yes, we are ”In It Together.” Hughes points out that without the true contentment of inner peace, which he calls “spiritual freedom”, we are never satisfied. The desires of the body and ego keep us trapped in various addictive behaviors.
To be honest, although I was first tracking with the description of the turmoil, division and conflict within us, between the real self and the one we project to others, I soon got lost. For one thing, I wouldn't call this spiritual discord beautiful. It is anything but pleasant or commendable. It is the nightmare of human existence.
After a while, I found the book overwhelmingly redundant and confusing to follow. While I agree with Hughes' description of the struggle for authenticity we human beings find ourselves in, I do not agree with the solution offered here.
From an ontological point of view, I believe that the conflict within us stems from our separation from and rebellion against a superior being–God–in whom and through whom we can find the answer to our struggles. In the biblical record of creation, it is made quite clear that we were created in is image and therefore set apart from the animals and from the rest of creation. We were created to be God’s image bearers and that image in us has been marred by our rebellion against our Creator. It is because we fail to fulfill the reason for which we were created that this inner conflict and disillusionment persists. We will always be reaching for more and will never be satisfied until that rift is healed. I believe that our resolution to this conflict, and therefore our ultimate fulfillment, will only come when we align ourselves with our creator rather than with the “universe” which is simply a created thing. If the answer can be found in us, why does the world grow increasingly evil?
It was difficult for me to finish reading this book. I found it overwhelming and was concerned at what is presented here as the answer to our human dilemma. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars because I think the author gave a very accurate and vivid description of the human struggle. I couldn't give 5 stars because I found it redundant and difficult to follow as I got further into the book.
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I started reading this book but had to take a break before finishing. I am hesitant to post a review that is not over the moon positive. I totally agree with the distinction the author makes between the body’s natural urges and cravings and the conscious self. He points out the fact that we are never satisfied, always grasping for more, that no matter how green the current grass, the grass on the other side always seems greener and something to be acquired. Because of this constant craving for more, we are never satisfied. This is the struggle that is common to all of us. Yes, we are ”In It Together.” Hughes points out that without the true contentment of inner peace, which he calls “spiritual freedom”, we are never satisfied. The desires of the body and ego keep us trapped in various addictive behaviors.
To be honest, although I was first tracking with the description of the turmoil, division and conflict within us, between the real self and the one we project to others, I soon got lost. For one thing, I wouldn't call this spiritual discord beautiful. It is anything but pleasant or commendable. It is the nightmare of human existence.
After a while, I found the book overwhelmingly redundant and confusing to follow. While I agree with Hughes' description of the struggle for authenticity we human beings find ourselves in, I do not agree with the solution offered here.
From an ontological point of view, I believe that the conflict within us stems from our separation from and rebellion against a superior being–God–in whom and through whom we can find the answer to our struggles. In the biblical record of creation, it is made quite clear that we were created in is image and therefore set apart from the animals and from the rest of creation. We were created to be God’s image bearers and that image in us has been marred by our rebellion against our Creator. It is because we fail to fulfill the reason for which we were created that this inner conflict and disillusionment persists. We will always be reaching for more and will never be satisfied until that rift is healed. I believe that our resolution to this conflict, and therefore our ultimate fulfillment, will only come when we align ourselves with our creator rather than with the “universe” which is simply a created thing. If the answer can be found in us, why does the world grow increasingly evil?
It was difficult for me to finish reading this book. I found it overwhelming and was concerned at what is presented here as the answer to our human dilemma. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars because I think the author gave a very accurate and vivid description of the human struggle. I couldn't give 5 stars because I found it redundant and difficult to follow as I got further into the book.
***
View In It Together on Bookshelves
