Beyond Denial Essays on Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Social Repair

Beyond Denial is an essay collection that sketches a spirituality for our time that is life-affirming and inclusive, intellectually viable and socially responsible. The author, an ordained minister, integrates Judeo-Christian insights with the rich resources of the world’s other religions and wisdom-streams. He emphasizes the centrality of consciousness in spiritual practice. Such awareness comes, first, through fostering experiential awareness of our inherent inner Divinity; and then also, through consciously perceiving—and moving beyond denial of—whatever dysfunctional patterns may plague us both individually and collectively. Rev. Acheson invites his readers to look at a wide range of topics with curiosity, questioning and compassion. This book offers many rich insights and practices that can help guide us toward a more hopeful human future, even in a time of great fear and confusion.

After growing up near New York City, Anthony Acheson earned a BA from Harvard College and a Master of Divinity from the Episcopal Divinity School. He was ordained in the United Church of Christ, a liberal Protestant denomination, in 1977, and has led several UCC congregations (and one Unitarian-Universalist church) in the Midwest and New England. He is also a lifelong musician who has recorded a CD of original compositions. Rev. Acheson is active as a speaker, workshop leader, and writer. He and his partner Nancy live in Vermont and have a daughter and three granddaughters.