The Spirituality of Imperfection

Storytelling and the Search for Meaning

By: Katherine Ketcham, Ernest Kurtz

Narrated by: David Drummond

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

I am not perfect is a simple statement of profound truth, the first step toward understanding the human condition, for to deny your essential imperfection is to deny yourself and your own humanity. The spirituality of imperfection, steeped in the rich traditions of the Hebrew prophets and Greek thinkers, Buddhist sages and Christian disciples, is a message as timeless as it is timely. This insightful work draws on the wisdom stories of the ages to provide an extraordinary wellspring of hope and inspiration to anyone thirsting for spiritual growth and guidance in these troubled times. Who are we? Why do we so often fall short of our goals for ourselves and others? By seeking to understand our limitations and accept the inevitably of failure and pain, we begin to ease the hurt and move toward a greater sense of serenity and self-awareness.

The Spirituality of Imperfection brings together stories from many spiritual and philosophical paths, weaving past traditions into a spirituality and a new way of thinking and living that works today. It speaks to anyone who yearns to find meaning within suffering. Beyond theory and technique, inside this remarkable audiobook you will find a new way of thinking, a way of living that enables a truly human existence.

©1992 Ernest Kurtz, PhD, and Katherine Ketcham (P)2014 Tantor

Love view of spirituality!

Being new to AA, I am working on 2nd step where I come to understand what my higher power will be. This book provided a view of spirituality I never heard of before. I started listening to it for a second time right away. Beautiful stories! Great connections between AA approach and other wisdom traditions. So much to gain from this book!

You better be a fan of Bill Wilson & AA

Maybe I missed it in the book summary before I purchased this book, but the constant fawning references to Bill W’s and AA’s spirituality was off- putting to me. Glad AA exists and helps many, but as a female and former heavy drinker, now alcohol free, their philosophy is heavily bent to affluent males. In my opinion, most women and disenfranchised people that use alcohol need to be “empowered” not become even more “powerless.”

I really tried to remain open-minded and learn something new about spiritual commonalities that would further my spiritual quest, but I kept hearing the same, tired views.

It read more like a student’s book report than offering any insights. Again, my opinion.

.Best Description of AA History & 12 Steps

Loved it. Very inspirational and I have a better understanding of the Spiritual descriptions. Motivating.

Amazing

Absolutely fantastic and healing. Buy now. A wonderful collection of stories and insights. A cult classic

Anecdotes galore!

I love this book. The stories are very engaging and the premise of imperfect spirituality as the true human condition resonates deeply. Due to the varied stories, the narration could have been more dynamic.

Wonderful

What made the experience of listening to The Spirituality of Imperfection the most enjoyable?

I got to fully enjoy and understand the true meaning of spirituality.

What other book might you compare The Spirituality of Imperfection to and why?

There is no book that can compare.

great book on spirituality

I loved every minute of it. It contains insight and wisdom I will not forget.

Really enjoyed it

Great listen, tons of wisdom. Looking forward to listening to it many times over. Can’t wait to see what they add every time I read it. ;)

the world needs more imperfections

this is an amazing book. really helped me get over myself and understand what peace can be. my struggles has never been just my own. now I see the power of sharing my stories.

Lots of great nuggets.

Do not read this as you would most books. I love just putting it on and hearing it over and over eventually the stories become ingrained in my memory and I find all manner of places to use them. Definitely one I’ll keep pulling out to give another listen.

Great book, badly read

A book full of profundity, read in an annoying voice which somewhat spoils the experience and shared wisdom. I bought a print copy because of this. The guy is only human and full of imperfections of course, like all of us. I'd like to think that was the reason behind the choice of narrator. Anyway, I forgive him 😂

Let's let go

As one who would describe himself as a follower of Bill & Bob I would heartily recommend like minded people to embrace this book gratefully .