While many books exploring the connection between Christianity and Buddhism have appeared in recent years, O'Brien's study attempts to connect Christianity and the spiritual tradition of Hinduism, yoga. O'Brien seems frequently disingenuous in his discussions as he skates over the very great differences between Christ-centered spirituality and yogic spirituality. O'Brien pointedly develops a Gnostic model of Christianity in which personal discipline and study advance the spiritual practitioner. Yet, he de-emphasizes the Catholic tradition of Christian spirituality that recognizes Jesus Christ as the wellspring of spiritual transformation. Given the immense popularity of the Gnostic variety of Christianity that O'Brien draws into dialogue with yogic spirituality here, his often illuminating book may be useful and welcome to many students of Christian spirituality. (Sept.)
