Spirituality and Health International
Volume 5 Number 1 2004
ISSN 1743-1867 Whurr Publishers, UK. Email: info@whurr.co.uk


The Hidden Gospel: Decoding the Spiritual Message of the Aramaic Jesus

By Neil Douglas- Klotz

Wheaton: Quest. 1997 ISBN 0- 8356- 0780- 1, US$24.95

The Genesis Meditations: A Shared Practice of Peace for Christians, Jews and Muslims

By Neil Douglas- Klotz

Wheaton: Quest, 2003 ISBN 0- 8356- 0824- 7, US$24.95

The author of both these books is featured in Conversation' in this issue of Spirituality and Health International, and there are shared threads and patterns in the author's thinking and approach that make these books feel like companion volumes. Both are written in a scholarly and authoritative way, yet are readily accessible and deeply practical. The powerful insights into biblical stories and prayers are brought to the surface through Douglas-Klotz's unravelling in The Hidden Gospel of the language to expose the original Aramaic--a language that seems born to express the mystical teachings of Jesus. Modern- day English and the many other attempts at translation of the Bible seem somehow more impoverished by comparison, skimming the surface of meaning and intentions of Jesus' words and actions. In modern parlance the words 'dumbing down' come to mind, which, in a sense, is what attempts to capture the teachings of Jesus become. In the move from Aramaic into, say, Greek or English, then some of the essence can be lost. Douglas-Klotz restores this essence. Biblical words are not disparaged as a result, but are, rather, enhanced and enriched. I was particularly drawn to the sections on sacred space and on the healing work of Jesus, but there is not a page of this book that is not replete with rich teachings. Douglas-Klotz offers some stunning interpretations and illuminations that take your breath away - the Bible and the Jesus story have never been the same to me since reading this book. The shift of perception comes not in an iconoclastic way, not in a reductive manner, but in a gentle unfolding of ever deeper possibilities that seem to have been lurking, waiting there to be discovered.

This book is one of the most powerful expositions of the meanings in the Gospel and the timeless and cross- religious elements that bind all faiths together. This mystical text is strengthened by the many meditation exercises, which lift it out of the airy world of lofty theological debate and ground it in practice in this reality. The combination of the mystical, the theological and the practical is a potent one Douglas-Klotz has produced a handbook for all those who wish to pursue the healing and wholing power of Jesus' teachings, for those who wish to escape the bounds of religious dogma and really seek the truth of what Jesus had to say (and what he did). This is a wonderful and hugely enriching book highly recommended.

The Genesis Meditations is the most recent publication by Douglas-Klotz and once again there is a mixture of scholarly exploration married to practical application. The book is enhanced by the availability of a CD companion which is particularly useful in helping the reader to learn to say and chant the words to 1 4 chants in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Arabic related to the shared cosmic creation stories. Each word or phrase is repeated several times with space for the listener to repeat it, which allows for easy memorization and use in conjunction with the meditations in the book. Douglas- Kiota provides singing and unobtrusive instrumental accompaniment, and I have already found this CD great to listen to and chant with on my own as well as with groups. The book 'investigates and proposes to revive an ancient form of prayer and mediation that grew from the common ground of the three religions of the Middle East - Christianity, Islam and Judaism'. The book teaches how early mystics, including Jesus, may have meditated upon the shared story of creation and sacred beginnings. He argues that, over the centuries, westerners have lost this sense, focusing instead on the apocalyptic endings instead of the 'original meditation'. Original meditation lies behind,
the Christians' awe at the rebirth of the Christ Child each midwinter. It fuels the heartfelt hopes of Jews in the New Year celebrations of Rash Hashana. And it roots the devotion of Muslims each year during the fast of Romadan. These are celebrations of hope, not fear, of love, not hatred.

Each chapter is a marvellous sweep across faiths, history and spiritual exploration and, as in The Hidden Gospel, is embellished by numerous offerings of prayers and meditation. It is this that I like best about Douglas- Klotz's work--the marriage of theory and practice in an accessible piece of work. The depth and breadth is challenging, stimulating, inspiring and transforming, and it also conveys something of the author's humility and compassion. It is light years away from fluffy new age texts to comfort the ego, and equally remote from dogma and fundamentalism. Douglas-Klotz is offering a real service to humanity in his work, which is in essence healing work. Again he is to be congratulated on producing such an intelligent, heartfelt and practical guide. Both of these books are the type you can dip into time and time again, and find new insights and teachings when you do.

--Prof. Steve Wright, Editor