An exploration of what it means to be in the “image of God,” using the Bible and ancient texts.
What does it mean to be made in the “image and likeness” of God? That’s the first-and defining—characteristic of our humanity, celebrated in the opening pages of the Bible. Western Christian tradition, however, has often led us to think of the body and soul as a separate element, with the soul good and the body evil. This profound and challenging book clears away centuries of misunderstanding and shame that have damaged the way we see ourselves—and the way we see God.
Author J. Philip Newell, acclaimed for his work on Celtic spirituality, goes back to our spiritual roots in the bible, and in mystical Celtic and Jewish writings, to weave together a deeper, more complete understanding of our bodies as an outward expression our spiritual selves.
J. Philip Newell is Scholar in Spirituality at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh. He is the author of numerous popular and influential books, including The Book of Creation: The Practice of Celtic Spirituality and Celtic Benediction: Morning and Night Prayer.
"His noble intent is to integrate the often divergent realms of the spiritual and the physical, and he does an admirable job. Like Jesus in the parables, he encourages discovering the truth about life, seeking origins, and seeing things in a new way. Echo of the Soul is rather a minor miracle." -Booklist
"One of the most praiseworthy aspects of the book is the easy way Newell makes use of material from teachers in the Celtic tradition, the Jewish Kabbalah, and riters such as William Blake, Edwin Muir, Martin Buber, and Abraham Joshua Heschel....This devotional resource is tailor-made for small groups in churches interested in a Christian overview of the sacredness of the body.” -Spirituality Health
"Newell's book is a true religious meditation - with a literary flavor - that takes up head, heart, legs, feet, and considers their symbolic power in the light of Christian scripture and experience." - Library Journal
"Any Christian who has been attracted to the Eastern Chakra system will be thankful to find a Gospel-friendly version of the same basic truths..." - Publishers Weekly
