In today’s world, where religious differences trigger incessant anger and violence, I have some good news. “The Purpose of Religion: Enlightenment, Meaning and Love in Jewish, Christian and Islamic Symbology” celebrates the underlying decency and spiritual unity of our western traditions.
The deepest purpose of religion is not merely to give an account of history or some lessons in morality, and it’s not a demand for blind faith in fantastic claims that defy all scientific logic. Rather, when religious legends and stories are read internally and symbolically, they describe and illustrate the soul’s psychological journey of transformation – from inner slavery to spiritual enlightenment. This journey has been called “The Return to the Promised Land”, “The Quest for the Holy Grail”, “Muhammad’s Journey to the Seven Heavens”, and many other metaphorical names.
The different ways these stories are told attests to the marvelous range of the human imagination, but what is most remarkable is that the common underlying purpose that unites them (and us) is infinitely more striking than any of the differences!
Here is what early Reviewers are saying:
“This fascinating book takes us to the inner sanctum of spiritual meaning. It demonstrates the senseless absurdity of religious hatred and bigotry, and is filled with amazing insights into scriptural passages that have perplexed generations of scholars. I was especially moved by Cort’s exploration of the Sacred Feminine.”
– Rev. Janet E. McKinstry
pastor, artist and author
“Metaphor and myth come alive and are full of wonder. Arcane ritual points beyond itself and disturbing Bible and Qur’an stories show a deeper, more mysterious, and profoundly inspirational meaning. I loved reading this book and letting its hopeful message sink in.”
– Louisa Gilder
author of “The Age of Entanglement: When Quantum Physics was Reborn”
“A journey through philosophy, theology, numbers, music and symbology that gives new life to ancient text.”
– Rabbi Ari Rosenberg
“Cort delves into the often murky waters of scriptural interpretation and comes out with this luminous gem.”
– Andrew Bowen
author of “Triune”
“A magnificent book, rich with new ideas and perspectives.”
– Stanley Krippner, PhD
Professor of Psychology, Saybrook University
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