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HomeShop at BookSurgeMathematicsGeneralShakespeare On Spirituality: Life-Changing Wisdom from Shakespeare's Plays |
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DEEPER LOOK AT SHAKESPEARE Dec 07, 2009
Shakespeare is multi-demensional in his outlook. There has already been writings on the Bible and other scriptural texts as a major source for Shakespeare. Now putting all of this into a perspective which is practical, and one which allows the reader to have a new appreciation for Shakespeare, is found in Craig Stephans work, SHAKESPEARE ON SPIRITUALITY.
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 I beg your pardon, Ms. Cheatham Feb 21, 2009
Contrary to your claim, Shakespeare did indeed "have the full benefit of the thinking of the Reformation." He was born during the reign of Protestant Queen Elizabeth. Relatives and others in his circle were tortured and executed for being Catholics.
Please check your facts before you opine.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 The Truth about Shakespeare's Spirtuality Oct 20, 2008
SHAKESPEARE ON SPIRITUALITY
My distinguished professor of Shakespeare told his classes that he disagreed with the popular idea that William Shakespeare translated much of the Bible into the King James Version. I never knew the major reasons why he made that statement. He simply told us that Shakespeare lacked the level of education to participate in the project and that Shakespeare was busy writing and producing plays and writing sonnets.
Reading Craig Stephans' SHAKESPEARE ON SPIRITUALITY after spending many years of my adult life away from the discipline of the scholarship of English literature, I clearly see that Shakespeare probably did not play an active part in translating the Bible.
For one thing, Shakespeare supported the doctrine of praying to angels, whereas the words of the Bible condemn this practice. Also Shakespeare, who did not have the full benefit of the thinking of the Reformation, presented a plot of a king who was not on good terms with God. Therefore the man had to go to some part of hell to do pittance for a time before going to heaven.
More significant is Shakespeare's profound belief in Christ. Craig Stephans presents eloquently Shakespeare's faith. Stephans' book is as fascinating to read as a novel. He writes about the philosophy of William Shakespeare and follows his comments with familiar passages from the tragedies and comedies of the greatest of all playwrights in a style that does not require scholarship or a scholarly background. He carefully draws a picture of the background of each point he makes.
SHAKESPEARE ON SPIRITUALILTY is full of what the subtitle says: LIFE-CHANGING WISDOM FROM SHAKESPEARE'S PLAYS. Stephans makes many observations based on Shakespeare's plays. Here are a few of his present-day applications:
"Through spiritual pursuits, we find and fulfill our true calling and destiny in life and find joy in the process."
"Each day we have choices to serve God and others or to serve our negative passions."
"Anxieties and fears can burden our minds so much that we cannot pray."
"We should examine ourselves for pride as if we are a surgeon searching for a cancerous cell, which if found, is cut out in full."
I recommend this book for enjoying Shakespeare and for edification.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Insights on Spirituality from Shakespeare's Plays Nov 10, 2007
From the back cover:
Shakespeare's plays remain as popular today as ever. The literary eloquence of his writing continues to be unmatched. Whether performed on a local stage or adapted to the big screen, his plays strike a chord in the human heart and ignite passionate feelings.
What makes the plays so enduring? Craig Stephans believes eternal truths permeate the plays. These truths touch us spiritually, emotionally and mentally and draw us into the experiences of the characters, because they provide glimpses of ourselves and people around us.
Shakespeare on Spirituality explores the many plays of Shakespeare and reveals treasures of spiritual, life-changing wisdom. Excerpts from the plays and commentary on 37 topics offer enlightening insights culled from Shakespeare's genius. Find out what Shakespeare's plays say about subjects such as attitude, religion, sin, marriage, loyalty, friendships, character, angels, cheerfulness, evil and many more intriguing topics related to the relationships we have with others, God, our world and ourselves. You will marvel at just how much Shakespeare's plays divulge about spirituality that is relevant to our lives.
If you enjoy Shakespeare or have an interest in spirituality, Shakespeare on Spirituality offers an innovative, creative presentation of themes of Shakespeare's writing. You will appreciate Stephans' style of writing and thinking on the spiritual topics he addresses.
7 of 8 found the following review helpful:
A Great Book on Spirituality from Shakespeare's Plays Jul 01, 2006
The author presents different themes on spirituality gathered from the many plays of Shakespeare. The chapters offer excerpts and situations from the plays highlighting a particular topic such as prayer, love, evil, character, etc. I think the author does a good job of sifting through the plays to find valuable lessons for readers.
You don't have to be an expert on Shakespeare to enjoy what comes out in this book, and you can certainly learn wisdom from it, as the title suggests.
It is helpful to have the wisdom and genius of Shakespeare presented in an organized way that is both well-written and insightful on spiritual-related topics.
If you have interest in spirituality or Shakespeare, you will enjoy and appreciate this book.
The previous reviewer seems to have missed the point entirely when it comes to the lessons of this book...it really brings out the best lessons from Shakespeare's plays successfully. The spiritual messages are taken right from the plays with good commentary added and are not "forced" at all. That reviewer seems more "impressed" with himself than anything.
This is a book that you will definitely learn from more than once.
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