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10 of 11 found the following review helpful:
 Craig Stephans Hits a Homerun Apr 22, 2004
By Jason Gantt
Author Craig Stephans offers something here that is not only a pleasure to read because of the books entertaining value, but also a work that is enlightening-which is quite an accomplishment when one realizes that Shakespeare has been written about so copiously over the centuries. There is a colossal amount of critical texts available to fans of the playwright, but what is not abundant, except for in this refreshing and innovative work, is the topic of Shakespeare and spirituality. Perhaps this is because most critics tend to focus on the dramatic and historical aspects to Shakespeare, and what is overlooked is the seemingly endless amount of possibilities that can and should be explored in analyzing Shakespeare's morally exploited plots and characters. Stephans not only steps up to the plate and swings hard and strong at this previously explored topic-he hits a home run. When I first read this work, I was skeptical of its ability to offer new insight. But the topics here are personal and comforting to both the author and the reader, and while reading it I could not help but to feel that the author's easy tone and reassuring advice were taking me to a place in Shakespeare scholarship that, for me, had been previously un-chartered. Further, what is great about this work is that it not only quite candidly points out moral problems regarding the particular actions of Shakespeare's characters and plots, it offers advice on how these all-to universal conundrums can be relevant to today's modern ethical problems. And, the various advice offered by the author is delivered with a touchingly non-dogmatic tone. There is no militant narrative here-but rather graceful assertions as to how Shakespeare's dramatic genius is best demonstrated by his exploring of evil and righteousness, and how the modern reader might examine and extract from these complexities lessons for life. Once again, in my mind this is quite an accomplishment-that of the author having the reader look at a master in a way that has rarely been looked at before. This is not only a work that can be enjoyed by anyone searching for an alternative piece on a timeless playwright, but also by someone only remotely familiar with Shakespeare's tales. To the Shakespeare scholar, this book is a must read. To the layman, this book is a wonderful supplement that will bring both guidance and informative counsel from a much needed morally concerned author.
10 of 11 found the following review helpful:
Shakespeare On Spirituality Apr 19, 2004
By Billie M. Bacon
I just finished reading Shakespeare On Spirituality. Wow! After years of trying to understand and capture the essence of Shakespeare, I finally "get it" after reading this book. In addition to re-introducing me to Shakespeare in such a clear and friendly manner, Mr. Stephans also left me with a renewed sense of my own spirituality. The wisdom of Shakespeare is coupled with the inspiring and reflective words of the author to produce an entertaining, thought-provoking and motivational book. Stephans skillfully plucks life-lessons from Shakespeare's 16th century plays and applies them to living a spiritual life in the 21st century. This is a book you will want to keep on your nightstand to read again and again, highlighting the many profound truths and life-changing pearls of wisdom within its pages. I highly recommend Shakespeare On Spirituality as a must read!
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
The Truth about Shakespeare's Spirtuality Oct 20, 2008
By 'MaryLou Cheatham
"The Collard Patch"
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.
8 of 9 found the following review helpful:
A Great Book on Spirituality from Shakespeare's Plays Jul 01, 2006
By jky
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.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Insights on Spirituality from Shakespeare's Plays Nov 10, 2007
By C. Stephans
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.
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