"Christianity should be more centered on practice and experience than on belief," writes James W. Jones, a professor of Religion and Psychology at Rutgers University. Although the Desert Fathers and Mothers in early Christian tradition explored many rigorous spiritual disciplines in order to draw closer to God, correct belief has been the emphasis in the faith for centuries. In this visionary work, Jones explores the multidimensional benefits of spiritual practice. The author is an Episcopalian whose life has been enriched by karate and the study of Tibetan Buddhism.

Jones believes that the "mighty pluralism" makes it possible for anyone to consider other religions. Some Christians have realized the embodied dimension of spiritual practice by trying yoga or Tai Chi. Jones shares what he has learned from his practice of karate. However, he cautions against getting too caught up in jumping from one practice to another. He thinks it is still best to stay grounded in one's own religious tradition. As an illustration, he points out that Christians can think of communal worship as a spiritual practice that requires consistency, attentiveness, and active participation.

Jones discusses the merits of Buddhism and Christianity. Both have sought to diminish egotism and replace it with compassion. In one, the path is mindfulness training whereas in the other, the emphasis is upon a relationship with God that brings about a changed behavior. For the author, both Buddha (the Awakened One) and Jesus (the Annointed One) are teachers of wisdom. Both religions have demonstrably positive effects on practitioners in terms of healthy behaviors, social support, coherence, and meaningfulness.

Americans who regularly do a spiritual practice are involved in an act of resistance against contemporary society. According to Jones, they are challenging the shibboleths of scientific and technical rationality as the only way to understand the world and the idea that an abundance of material possessions is the path to happiness. Spiritual practice also offers what many people have sought through psychotherapy — a reduction of stress, a different way of thinking about everyday situations, and personal transformation.

Jones uses his love for white-water canoeing as a model for approaching life. Here the accent is on going with the flow and encountering obstacles as they come.