First Awakening: A Spiritual Memoir - Softcover

Barrie, John Roger

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798990883437

Publisher: Sky Parlor Publications, 2024

Synopsis

In this true story, a teen overturns his car on Sunset Boulevard in front of a statue of Jesus. Three months later, his life is forever changed.

One young man’s mystical journey in the autumn of 1974 turned his world upside down. In this riveting narrative, John Roger Barrie recounts a ninety-day transformational spiritual experience. His fascinating quest, filled with inner discoveries, insights, and revelations, unfolds as he searches for his soul.

Fifty years ago, Barrie underwent a profound Jesus-oriented spiritual experience that transformed his life. First Awakening: A Spiritual Memoir is a greatly expanded nonfiction account of this experience, which first appeared in his novel Dialogues With the Lord of Time. Barrie writes that the pivotal point in his spiritual life “is fondly recalled in this memoir, which details a three-month spiritual unfolding that occurred in autumn 1974—my First Awakening.”

Colorful descriptions are given of Barrie’s sometimes unconventional approaches to discover God, as well as his struggles and the conflicts he faced, and the inner states he experienced. While maintaining his Christian roots, he also became an authorized lay instructor in the respected, interfaith-oriented Ramakrishna–Vedanta tradition later in his life. However, First Awakening: A Spiritual Memoir focuses on his life-changing encounter with Jesus at age 17, which infused his soul with God and brought about profound inner transformations. Many time-tested spiritual practices are described, such as heartfelt prayer, undivided faith, routine meditation, complete surrender, and one-pointed dedication, as well as the need for divine grace.

First Awakening: A Spiritual Memoir is an unforgettable excursion into the very heart of God.

About this title

About the Authors

Gerald Heard (1889-1971) was a well-known author, philosopher, and lecturer. Trained as a historian at Cambridge, he served as the BBC's first science commentator. Later in California, he founded and directed Trabuco College, which advanced comparative religious studies. His broad philosophical themes and scintillating oratorical style influenced many people. Heard wrote thirty-eight books, including his pioneering academic works, several popular devotional books, and a number of mysteries.

Thomas Armstrong, PhD, is the executive director of the California-based American Institute for Learning and Human Development, and an award-winning author and speaker. He has been an educator for nearly 50 years. He is the author of 20 books, and more than 1.4 million copies of his books are in print in English on issues related to learning and human development.

John Roger Barrie has served since 2001 as literary executor of influential author, historian, and philosopher Gerald Heard (1889-1971). He has overseen reissues of 18 classic Gerald Heard titles.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sky Parlor Publications
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798990883437
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 107