The Man with Six Typewriters

In this collection of non-fiction narratives Steve Doughty offers an evocative exploration of contemporary spiritual seeking. The figures in these stories are as varied as a Muslim woman and Christian couple meeting at a peace vigil, a minister dazzled by photos from the Hubble telescope, a Native American stone carver, a miner receiving his last communion, and two attorneys risking their lives to defend victims of political violence in Colombia. A number of the main figures live on society's margins. They contend with issues of life and faith in arenas ranging from social justice to science, prayer, mental illness, sexuality, interfaith encounter, and the humdrum of daily life. The author notes that the main characters have attracted him as a pastor and seeker because «they offer images to ponder. Images of real people. Images of the wonderings and affirmations that take shape within our deepest selves. And, finally, images of the living God at work within us, among us, and through us. As with all such images, these challenge us at least as much as they comfort and reassure.» An appendix offers questions for personal reflection, group study, and retreats.