How to Talk About Spiritual Encounters

This book develops a new and innovative way of understanding how language is used when people describe their spiritual and mystical encounters. Early chapters provide overviews of the nature of spiritual encounters, how commonly they occur, and the role of language. The book then develops a unique way of understanding the dynamics of talking about spirituality, using original research to support this perspective. In particular, Peter J. Adams explores how this characteristically vague way of speaking can be viewed as an intentional and not an incidental aspect of such communications because certain types of vagueness have the capacity to engage the imaginative participation of receptive listeners. This expressive vagueness is achieved by embedding missing bits, or “gaps,” in the flow of what is described and these in turn provide sites for listeners to insert their own content. Later chapters focus on practical ways people (including helping professionals) can improve their skills in talking about their spiritual encounters. All content is situated in café conversations between four people each of whom is, in their own way, concerned with the challenges they face in converting the content of their encounters into words.

“Peter Adams has written an excellent, accessible, interesting, and evidence informed book on spiritual encounters. The central theme suggests that spiritual encounters are more common than most people think, and while we live in a world that is mostly spirituality illiterate, when we try, we can articulate and share these experiences producing positive outcomes for all. Peter has written a book that will draw readers into the conversation, into ‘spiritual talk,’ that is both everyday and transcendent. Highly recommended!”
—Richard Egan, Senior Lecturer, Co-Director, Social & Behavioural Research Unit, University of Otago, New Zealand

 

“This book offers an imaginative exploration of key themes in contemporary spiritual studies through a series of café conversations. The narrative approach allows flexibility, nuance and a sense of process, inviting the reader to participate as a further contributor to the conversation. The content is accessible, but thoroughly grounded in critical sources.”
—Bruce Rumbold OAM, Director, Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Australia

 

“Spirituality is a topic on many people’s minds at the moment but we find it difficult, awkward or embarrassing to discuss it. How to put in words what is often regarded as beyond expression? How to Talk About Spiritual Encounters explores this problem in an informal setting, using colloquial language. It is an ingenious work that should interest a wide range of readers, and many will find their own experiences reflected in these pages.”
—David Tacey, Emeritus Professor of Humanities,  La Trobe University, Australia

Peter J. Adams practiced for many years as a clinical psychologist working with adults facing mental health, addictions, violence and life-change issues. He is currently a professor of population health at the University of Auckland in New Zealand..