Dancing in God's Earthquake: The Coming Transformation of Religion - by Arthur Ocean Waskow (Paperback)

About the Book

"In a time of great changes in culture and consciousness, ancient biblical wisdom may reveal new meanings and points the way toward spiritual and social renewal"--

Book Synopsis

"A wonderful book! Before the hierarchies and divisions of religions, there was the all-inclusive circle of spirituality. In Dancing in Gods Earthquake, Rabbi Arthur Waskow helps us trace our path back to our spiritual home." --Gloria Steinem

This book, written prior to the pandemic, reflects on the role of earthquakes literal and metaphorical: times like the present when history trembles beneath our feet. Such times may overturn empires, structures of power, and the stability of our personal lives. Yet, as Rabbi Waskow writes in a special preface, this specific earthquake among all the earthquakes in our lives . . . is ever-present, even if invisible and inaudible. These earthquakes may yet become the fertile ground from which renewal and new life come, especially if we can learn to dance to imagine and live out new possibilities in the midst of disruption.

Review Quotes

"A wonderful book! Before the hierarchies and divisions of religions, there was the all-inclusive circle of spirituality. In Dancing in Gods Earthquake, Rabbi Arthur Waskow helps us trace our path back to our spiritual home." --Gloria Steinem

"Rabbi Waskow calls each of us to reach down deep in our moral and religious traditions and have a grownup conversation about the response our present crisis requires. I'm glad to lift up this invitation for all to join the divine dance of love and justice."--William J. Barber, II, President of Repairers of the Breach and Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign

"Like poetry on a cold day, this book warms the heart and mind both. A fierce look at religion, a willingness to question history, to see the connections between the worlds faiths, to suggest how we might move forward from todays hard times." --Ruth Messinger, American Jewish World Service

"We are in a moment of great crises and gathering travail, and so one thing we need to learn is how to steadily, joyfully, determinedly pass through these trials, not just intact, but in love with the world around us. There could be no better guide than Arthur Waskow."--Bill McKibben, author, Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?

"This is a delightful and refreshing book, full of wit, wisdom, and hope all of which we so desperately need amid the perpetual upheaval and crisis of the world today. I'm deeply thankful for both Arthur and this book." --Jim Wallis, Founder and President of Sojourners

About the Author

Rabbi Arthur Ocean Waskow, PhD (1933-2025), was the founder and director of The Shalom Center in Philadelphia, a prophetic and activist voice in Jewish, multireligious, and American public life. Until his passing on October 20, 2025, he was a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and the renewal of spiritual community. He authored many influential works, including the original Freedom Seder, Godwrestling Round 2, and Seasons of Our Joy.