Twelve Steps to Religionless Spirituality

"This book is a generous and accessible call to health and wholeness for individuals and society. Ward Ewing has graced it with honest anecdotes that help the reader identify the power of spirituality in their lives with or without religion. He doesn't pull any punches and there is no condescension. Twelve Steps to Religionless Spirituality is full of experience, strength, and hope."

--Clark Berge, SSF, former minister general for the Society of St. Francis



"Ward Ewing brings to us a lifetime of experience being attentive to human longing, angst, tenderness, and has seen again and again our capacity for transformation. One thing is clear: For all of our differences we seek and long for the same thing. To be seen, loved, accepted. . . . Ward draws our attention to the remarkable work of AA and its understanding of the human condition. Whether you know the twelve steps by heart or are unfamiliar with them and didn't think they applied to you this book is an important read. It reminds us of our capacity for honesty and trust, compassion and regard, love and reconciliation. That is the healing work of AA. That is our healing work together. Our hope is in us."

--Marianne W. Borg, widow of theologian Marcus J. Borg and retired Episcopal priest



"Dr. Ewing elegantly and engagingly gives us an insightful, sustainable, and practical guide to embracing religionless spirituality. A wonderful gift for all of us."

--John A. Fromson, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School



"In the training the Industrial Areas Foundation does with leaders of congregations, associations, unions, and other institutions, we often stress this theme: 'all organizing is a process of dis-organizing and reorganizing.' Ward Ewing writes with great feeling and unmatched insight about how that notion applies to a number of institutions in modern society. In his clear-eyed distinctions, his deep appreciation of the creative and spiritual qualities of AA, and his recognition of the work of citizen organizations like the IAF affiliate, South Bronx Churches, he agitates the reader in all the right ways. . . . Ewing demonstrates both range and depth in these pages--which should be read by all those who care about the quality of our societies, local and global, in the decades ahead."

--Mike Gecan, senior advisor, Industrial Areas Foundation