Jacob Needleman is professor of philosophy at San Francisco State University and the author of Money and the Meaning of Life, A Little Book of Love, and many other books. He has always sought to relate the abundant ideas and ideals of perennial religion to the contemporary scene.

On this hour-long interview with Michael Toms of New Dimensions Radio, Needleman discusses some of the main themes in his latest book The American Soul: Rediscovering The Wisdom of the Fathers. He contends that the Constitution is "our cathedral" and that spiritual vision is needed to create political meaning in our times. He salutes the noble contributions of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin to the founding principles of the nation.

For Needleman, no exploration of the American soul is authentic unless it acknowledges and viscerally feels the destructive force of the annihilation of native peoples and the terrible toxicity of slavery. He also points out the paradox that Native American spirituality cherishes the same ideals that were esteemed by the founders of the republic. This interview will open many new doors for those interested in the links between politics and spirituality.