Liminal Reality and Transformational Power - by Timothy L Carson & Carson (Paperback)

About the Book

An important study of the varieties of liminality - the ambiguity of identity or status at a point of transition - that illuminates our understanding of the liminal aspects of pastoral leadership.

Book Synopsis

An important study of the varieties of liminality, illuminating in particular the liminal aspects of pastoral leadership.

Liminal Reality and Transformational Power explores, draws together, and integrates the many facets of liminality, and informs our understanding of liminal phenomena in the world. Through anthropology, sociology, theology, neurology and psychology, Carson correlates exterior transitions with their corresponding intra-psychic movements and points toward useful methods that contribute to personal and social transformation. In this revised edition, Carson has recognised the resurgence of liminality, and addresses the social transitions that are prevalent today in communities around the world. He examines the identity of the 'liminal' person and highlights the role of ritual leaders and religious professionals as they guide people through liminal time and space. Carson's work greatly contributes to an expanded understanding of the complex dimensions of religious leadership and provides useful insight into our intra-psychic processes during the significant transitional stages in life.

Review Quotes

both those working in ministry and students of ritual will enjoy the variety of topics covered in relation to liminality as well as Carsons many stimulating discussions--Armand Leon van Ommen "Theological Book Review vol.28 no.1, pp.35-6"

In recent years, and for very good reasons, the concept of liminality has come to the fore in the wider social sciences. Scholars are today revitalising the original insights of Arnold van Gennep concerning the centrality of rites of passage toward a deeper understanding of both continuity and change. Equipped with liminality, this book takes the reader on a voyage into the heart of theology, and into the human search for meaning. It is worth a read for scholars and non-scholars alike.--Bjørn Thomassen, Associate Professor, Department of Society and Globalisation, Roskilde University, Denmark, Author of Liminality and the Modern (2014)

Liminal Reality is insightful and thought-provoking. It helps us to deepen our understanding of the many liminal realities in our lives, and to think how such spaces can lead us to heal and transform ourselves and our world. I highly recommend it.--Gabriella Lettini, Aurelia Henry Reinhardt Professor of Theological Ethics, Starr King School for the Ministry, Berkeley, CA

This text models how the pursuit of knowledge may be explored and enhanced as the history of scholarship intersects with present human narratives. Academics and pastors alike will find this study a definitive source for the depth issues surrounding liminality. It opens up new vistas as it discloses everything that pastoral epistemology can be.--Dr Peggy Way, Emeritus Professor of Pastoral Theology, Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

About the Author

Timothy Carson is Senior Minister of Webster Groves Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in St. Louis, Missouri.