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Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution
**New York Times Bestseller**
Comedic actor, producer, and writer Rainn Wilson, cofounder of the media company SoulPancake, explores the problem-solving benefits that spirituality gives us to create solutions for an increasingly challenging world.
The trauma that our struggling species has experienced in recent years—because of both the pandemic and societal tensions that threaten to overwhelm us—is not going away anytime soon. Existing political and economic systems are not enough to bring the change that the world needs. In this book, Rainn Wilson explores the possibility and hope for a spiritual revolution, a “Soul Boom,” to find a healing transformation on both a personal and global level
For Wilson, this is a serious and essential pursuit, but he brings great humor and his own unique perspective to the conversation. He feels that, culturally, we’ve discounted spirituality—faith and the sacred—and we need profound healing and a unifying understanding of the world that the great spiritual traditions provide. Wilson’s approach to spirituality—the non-physical, eternal aspects of ourselves—is relatable and applies to people of all beliefs, even the skeptics. Filled with genuine insight—not to mention enlightening Kung Fu and Star Trek references— Soul Boom delves into ancient wisdom to seek out practical, transformative answers to life’s biggest questions.
Comedic actor, producer, and writer Rainn Wilson, cofounder of the media company SoulPancake, explores the problem-solving benefits that spirituality gives us to create solutions for an increasingly challenging world.
The trauma that our struggling species has experienced in recent years—because of both the pandemic and societal tensions that threaten to overwhelm us—is not going away anytime soon. Existing political and economic systems are not enough to bring the change that the world needs. In this book, Rainn Wilson explores the possibility and hope for a spiritual revolution, a “Soul Boom,” to find a healing transformation on both a personal and global level
For Wilson, this is a serious and essential pursuit, but he brings great humor and his own unique perspective to the conversation. He feels that, culturally, we’ve discounted spirituality—faith and the sacred—and we need profound healing and a unifying understanding of the world that the great spiritual traditions provide. Wilson’s approach to spirituality—the non-physical, eternal aspects of ourselves—is relatable and applies to people of all beliefs, even the skeptics. Filled with genuine insight—not to mention enlightening Kung Fu and Star Trek references— Soul Boom delves into ancient wisdom to seek out practical, transformative answers to life’s biggest questions.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 25, 2023
About the author
Rainn Wilson
18 books470 followersRainn Dietrich Wilson is an American actor, comedian, podcaster, producer and writer. He is best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on the NBC sitcom The Office, for which he earned three consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 724 reviews
March 1, 2023
Ultimately, I believe this entire crazy Soul Boom dissertation boils down to a single concept: unity. What we must seek in this spiritual revolution is a profound unity unlike anything humanity has ever experienced before.
I didn’t previously know anything about Rainn Wilson’s interests and activism outside of acting – didn’t know that he had cofounded both the feelgood website/YouTube channel SoulPancake and an educational initiative for rural Haitian girls called Lidè Haiti; didn’t know that he’s a passionate environmental activist or that he is very active within the Baháʼí faith community — so while I was intrigued enough by the description of Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution to have been prompted to pick it up, I simply didn’t realise that this is exactly the sort of book that Wilson should be expected to write. Filled with a lifetime of experience, thought, and spiritual/literary quotes, Soul Boom explores what is wrong with modern life, defines what should be meant by terms like “sacred” and “divine”, and gives suggestions for how we could all work to make life on Earth better for everyone by recognising and honouring the sacred and divine in one another. Wilson’s tone is engaging and often self-deprecating — he acknowledges that he’s an actor, not a guru; admits his privilege as a successful white American male while begging leave to discuss poverty, racism, and sexism — and he seems sincere, knowledgeable, and eager to effect positive social change. I appreciated his interfaith approach — quoting from the Buddah, Jesus, Mohammed, Bahá'u'lláh (founder of the Baháʼí faith), etc., it’s clear that all religions are based on the idea of loving one another even if institutionalised religion seems to have forgotten that fact — and I was totally on board with everything Wilson writes about the present and the past. But when he gets to the prescriptive parts — describing what a new religion for all could look like and the specific steps we could all take to get to that ideal Star Trek-type Earth in the future — my interest started to wane and my cynicism took over (and, yes, I understand I’m supposed to fight pessimism with joy so that “they” don’t win but I am human and jaded about my fellow humans). I wish it could be this straightforward, and I hope that many, many others read Soul Boom and continue the conversation that Wilson has started; a spiritual revolution just might be what we need. (Note: I read an ARC through NetGalley and passages quoted may not be in their final forms.)
In (a) virtue-nurturing context, we are neither living only for this world (as the atheist/materialist/physicalist might aspire to) nor living only for the next world (as the heaven-seeking fundamentalist might be). We are living for both. Because, it seems, both are connected. Our overarching purpose is pure and simple: soul growth. Developing our virtues is about cultivating that part of ourselves that is, at its essence, divine. This ongoing growth process requires a complete and total commitment to the physical plane of existence — this gorgeous, difficult planet, its ups and downs and trials and challenges, its beauty and sorrow. It also requires a longtail view of the eternal — knowing that we’re in this whole game of life for a very, very, very long haul. As in, like, infinite worlds of existence.
I appreciate that Wilson explains what he means when he says that he believes in God (and I like his habit of saying, “I don’t believe in that God, either” when an atheist lists off all the negative attributes — jealous, vindictive, childhood-cancer-causing — of the Sky Daddy God of Abraham) and I am not unconvinced by his belief that life and consciousness seem too miraculous to have arisen by chance alone. (And I was not surprised to learn that Wilson was unable to sell a show discussing God to any network: a show about God being “too controversial” in a landscape of violence, porn, and drunk housewives.) To oversimplify: Believing that we are all divine at our cores ought to lead to us honouring ourselves and every other human on Earth (not to mention the planet itself), and not only would that solve individual problems (like the current crisis in youth mental health) but it would demand solutions for systemic problems (like partisan politics or the bizarre inequality of wealth that sees the seven richest men hoarding more wealth than the bottom fifty percent of humanity). I don’t think it’s controversial to say that the vast majority of us would like to see these changes, so why not look to the deep past and explore the beliefs and ideas that once bound us all together?
The point is, our global priorities seem epically misguided and upside down, and there are countless examples of the absurd choices we humans make on the largest of scales. To combine two uncombinable metaphors, so many times it feels like we’re frogs in the boiling water rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
It took Rainn Wilson an entire book to discuss a lifetime’s worth of research into the spiritual, so I am obviously cherry-picking and oversimplifying here. I will say: this is a very worthwhile read that I enjoyed quite a bit. Vive la révolution.
July 1, 2023
I really struggled with this one. This is a topic that I'm not all that comfortable with, so I thought who better to make it more palatable than Rainn Wilson? I'm not religious. The correct term would be atheist, but I have a bit of an aversion to that one. The more outspoken atheists are so smug that it's really off-putting to me. I've always had the attitude that you should let people live. Let them believe what they want as long as no one is getting hurt. I would never attempt to talk someone out of their religious beliefs, and I just wish they would show me the same respect and not try to push theirs on me all the time. I believe religion and church can be really beneficial. A sense of community, support and making death a little easier, depending on one's beliefs. That's how I felt going into this book. Now I am angry.
Rainn's hypothesis is that we are all struggling and have more mental health problems today because less of us are going to church. I can see where he is coming from as a white man. However, I've lost autonomy over my own body as a woman based on the religious beliefs of those in power. I work in public schools, and in my state, we are the enemy. Indoctrinating children through our evil teachings of American History and social emotional skills. They want cameras in every classroom and there is a hotline for parents to complain to the state about us. Meanwhile we are wondering when it will be our turn for the next school shooting and how their damn thoughts and prayers do not a single thing to help us keep the kids and ourselves safe. I live in a purple state that is fighting really hard to go back to red. They just implemented mandatory prayer time after the pledge each day that we are required to enforce. I am so fucking tired.
He also makes the argument that religion is needed for a flourishing society. He cites examples of failed nonreligious based societies such as: Stalin's Soviet Union, Mao's Cultural Revolution in China and Nazi Germany. "Dozens of attempts to build secular, manmade societies on the basis of nationalism, militarism, racial supremacy, and/or materialistic ideals have crashed and burned and killed millions." Is he fucking serious right now? He briefly mentions (in one sentence) that there are places like Scandinavia where secular/atheist cultures work well. But the main point is, you need religion... or Nazis will happen. I really had to push myself to finish this.
At the end of the book Rainn comes up with his idea of the perfect religion and pulls a lot from his own religious group, the Baha'i faith. This book feels at times like advertisements for this, his SoulPancake company and various religious TV shows he pitched that networks passed on even though they were really really good. Take care reading this and maybe look online for accounts of people who left the Baha'i faith and why some feel it is a cult before you make any big life choices.
So I went into this with an open mind and wanting to better understand another point of view. And now I am angry and ready to take down the whole system. Revolution indeed.
Rainn's hypothesis is that we are all struggling and have more mental health problems today because less of us are going to church. I can see where he is coming from as a white man. However, I've lost autonomy over my own body as a woman based on the religious beliefs of those in power. I work in public schools, and in my state, we are the enemy. Indoctrinating children through our evil teachings of American History and social emotional skills. They want cameras in every classroom and there is a hotline for parents to complain to the state about us. Meanwhile we are wondering when it will be our turn for the next school shooting and how their damn thoughts and prayers do not a single thing to help us keep the kids and ourselves safe. I live in a purple state that is fighting really hard to go back to red. They just implemented mandatory prayer time after the pledge each day that we are required to enforce. I am so fucking tired.
He also makes the argument that religion is needed for a flourishing society. He cites examples of failed nonreligious based societies such as: Stalin's Soviet Union, Mao's Cultural Revolution in China and Nazi Germany. "Dozens of attempts to build secular, manmade societies on the basis of nationalism, militarism, racial supremacy, and/or materialistic ideals have crashed and burned and killed millions." Is he fucking serious right now? He briefly mentions (in one sentence) that there are places like Scandinavia where secular/atheist cultures work well. But the main point is, you need religion... or Nazis will happen. I really had to push myself to finish this.
At the end of the book Rainn comes up with his idea of the perfect religion and pulls a lot from his own religious group, the Baha'i faith. This book feels at times like advertisements for this, his SoulPancake company and various religious TV shows he pitched that networks passed on even though they were really really good. Take care reading this and maybe look online for accounts of people who left the Baha'i faith and why some feel it is a cult before you make any big life choices.
So I went into this with an open mind and wanting to better understand another point of view. And now I am angry and ready to take down the whole system. Revolution indeed.
May 30, 2023
I expected Rainn to lose me somewhere in the weeds of the spirituality woo-woo stuff, but he actually lost me when he outed himself as a David Brooks fanboy, yikes.
On the positive side, his argument for the necessity of creating a new religion (and accompanying thought exercise in which he does so) so made me look at the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster in a new light.
The real problem with this book is it doesn't really teach you anything you don't already know, or convince you of anything you didn't already agree with. Empathy is good, consumerism is bad, people need community, etc. And have you heard that racism and sexism plague human societies around the world?
It's like when you get sucked into an earnest conversation with a freshman religion or philosophy major at a college house party—the ideas aren't that radical, and they're also missing a plan of concrete action to enact them, so you just find yourself nodding blandly and waiting for the guy (it's always a guy) to wear himself out.
On the positive side, his argument for the necessity of creating a new religion (and accompanying thought exercise in which he does so) so made me look at the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster in a new light.
The real problem with this book is it doesn't really teach you anything you don't already know, or convince you of anything you didn't already agree with. Empathy is good, consumerism is bad, people need community, etc. And have you heard that racism and sexism plague human societies around the world?
It's like when you get sucked into an earnest conversation with a freshman religion or philosophy major at a college house party—the ideas aren't that radical, and they're also missing a plan of concrete action to enact them, so you just find yourself nodding blandly and waiting for the guy (it's always a guy) to wear himself out.
February 25, 2023
I was a follower of SoulPancake when it was a newish thing back in the day so I was intrigued by this book.
As someone whose beliefs have been shaken are currently under scrutiny, this was a great read.
While various religions (even a made up one) are discussed at length, this isn’t a religious book.
This is a book about connection and caring for each other.
As someone whose beliefs have been shaken are currently under scrutiny, this was a great read.
While various religions (even a made up one) are discussed at length, this isn’t a religious book.
This is a book about connection and caring for each other.
February 24, 2023
If you approach your reading of "Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution" expecting to experience the quirky hilarity of Rainn Wilson's iconic Dwight Schrute character from "The Office," then you're likely to find "Soul Boom" a bit of a disappointment.
It's not that there's no humor to be found in "Soul Boom." There's most definitely humor to be found here, however, "Soul Boom" for the most part gives us the other side of Rainn Wilson - a more contemplative fellow, devoted family man, and longtime spiritual human being raised in and still following the Baháʼí faith and fiercely devoted to climate issues.
In an increasingly challenged world, Wilson's "Soul Boom" explores the role spirituality can play, and in his opinion should play, in developing solutions for this complex world. The book reads as part spiritual autobiography and part spiritual manifesto, a weaving together of Wilson's own spiritual beliefs with a broader spectrum exploring a variety of spiritual paths and how they all lead toward solutions to help create the better world that so many of us long for these days.
While "Soul Boom" isn't immersed in Wilson's more humorous side, I'd expect his devoted fans to still be happy here as he still brings humor and his incredibly unique perspectives to needed conversations. Wilson's basic stance is that we have a world that is in need of profound healing and a unifying understanding AND that the spiritual traditions of the world all help provide this understanding. In a relaxed and relatable way, Wilson's approach to spirituality - the non-physical, eternal aspects of ourselves - applies to people of all beliefs and/or religions including the skeptics, agnostics, and atheists. Wilson offers up a variety of genuine insights along with Kung Fu and Star Trek references sure to make readers reflect and smile.
With "Soul Boom," Wilson digs deeper into ancient wisdom in an effort to foster transformative answers to life's biggest questions and the biggest challenges facing us today. It may not be the book you expected from Rainn Wilson, but it's likely the book we needed Rainn Wilson to give us.
When I was in seminary, one of my very first assignments was to write a very detailed spiritual autobiography. There are times when "Soul Boom" feels very much like this assignment. While Wilson's journey through his spiritual life is engaging, it feels less focused given the book's stated purpose of exploring "why we need a spiritual revolution." At times, "Spiritual Boom" needs a little more revolution. However, for those who've grown tired of the conflict-filled social media world and a world where it seems like we have more problems than solutions, "Spiritual Boom" is an engaging and entertaining breath of fresh air offering us entertaining and enlightening ideas on how we can all work together to make the world a better place for everyone.
It's not that there's no humor to be found in "Soul Boom." There's most definitely humor to be found here, however, "Soul Boom" for the most part gives us the other side of Rainn Wilson - a more contemplative fellow, devoted family man, and longtime spiritual human being raised in and still following the Baháʼí faith and fiercely devoted to climate issues.
In an increasingly challenged world, Wilson's "Soul Boom" explores the role spirituality can play, and in his opinion should play, in developing solutions for this complex world. The book reads as part spiritual autobiography and part spiritual manifesto, a weaving together of Wilson's own spiritual beliefs with a broader spectrum exploring a variety of spiritual paths and how they all lead toward solutions to help create the better world that so many of us long for these days.
While "Soul Boom" isn't immersed in Wilson's more humorous side, I'd expect his devoted fans to still be happy here as he still brings humor and his incredibly unique perspectives to needed conversations. Wilson's basic stance is that we have a world that is in need of profound healing and a unifying understanding AND that the spiritual traditions of the world all help provide this understanding. In a relaxed and relatable way, Wilson's approach to spirituality - the non-physical, eternal aspects of ourselves - applies to people of all beliefs and/or religions including the skeptics, agnostics, and atheists. Wilson offers up a variety of genuine insights along with Kung Fu and Star Trek references sure to make readers reflect and smile.
With "Soul Boom," Wilson digs deeper into ancient wisdom in an effort to foster transformative answers to life's biggest questions and the biggest challenges facing us today. It may not be the book you expected from Rainn Wilson, but it's likely the book we needed Rainn Wilson to give us.
When I was in seminary, one of my very first assignments was to write a very detailed spiritual autobiography. There are times when "Soul Boom" feels very much like this assignment. While Wilson's journey through his spiritual life is engaging, it feels less focused given the book's stated purpose of exploring "why we need a spiritual revolution." At times, "Spiritual Boom" needs a little more revolution. However, for those who've grown tired of the conflict-filled social media world and a world where it seems like we have more problems than solutions, "Spiritual Boom" is an engaging and entertaining breath of fresh air offering us entertaining and enlightening ideas on how we can all work together to make the world a better place for everyone.
June 3, 2023
Thought-and-soul-provoking read even for my dead atheist heart.
May 17, 2023
Rainn Wilson is best known for playing a paper salesman named Dwight Schrute on The Office. Most people that I have encountered had no idea how devoutly religious Wilson is to his faith which is the Baha’i Faith founded in the 1800s by a man named Bahá’u’lláh whose claim is to be the fulfillment of all the major world religions.
While this book is not meant to be a Baha’i book; the Baha’i viewpoint has its fingerprints all throughout the book as that we are all part of the same religion, but just different chapters of the same religion, and that we actually do agree and follow the same God. This book is actually number 1 in the Baha’i books as I write this on May 5, 2023.
I have to let you know that I do come from an Evangelical Christian background. I have many dear Baha’i friends I disagree with but still friends.
I do like that Rainn talks about how there are many similarities of the many religions that he lists on page 146 which are:
“1. A higher power 2. Life after death 3. The power of prayer 4. Transcendence 5. Community 6. A moral compass 7. The force of love 8. Increased compassion 9. Service to the poor 10. A strong sense of purpose”
I think these 10 points are good conversation starter for those that are spiritual or religious as these are very important topics. We may have some common beliefs which is good to focus on.
The other part of these 10 points is that many of these religious people disagree on these issues, and we need to see why we disagree on these points and why we cannot be following the same God.
This book is exactly what I expected. I enjoyed Rainn’s humor in the book and saw his sincerity as I read the book. Months before this book came out I let my Baha’i friend know that I was concerned about this book because the Baha’i Faith teaches there are multiple ways to God. This is why you see quotes from many of the religious founders throughout the book and their comments being true from Rainn’s viewpoint
The issue with there being multiple ways to be God if an individual is part of the major world religions is that they contradict each other. Christianity is a monotheistic religion while Hinduism is a polytheistic faith. Buddhism is an atheistic Faith.
Rainn talks positively about there being so many good spiritual paths I think he does not see that they contradict each other or that there are spiritual paths that can be dangerous. It was not a good spiritual path as people followed David Koresh, Jim Jones or Marshall Applewhite. It led to destruction and death.
Rainn unfortunately never warns the reader that not all paths are good. The individual must test and see if it is a good path.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
1 John 4:1 ESV
Instead of a spiritual revolution; I think we need a revolution where we all find what the truth is instead of going down different paths that disagree and may not be based off of reality.
While this book is not meant to be a Baha’i book; the Baha’i viewpoint has its fingerprints all throughout the book as that we are all part of the same religion, but just different chapters of the same religion, and that we actually do agree and follow the same God. This book is actually number 1 in the Baha’i books as I write this on May 5, 2023.
I have to let you know that I do come from an Evangelical Christian background. I have many dear Baha’i friends I disagree with but still friends.
I do like that Rainn talks about how there are many similarities of the many religions that he lists on page 146 which are:
“1. A higher power 2. Life after death 3. The power of prayer 4. Transcendence 5. Community 6. A moral compass 7. The force of love 8. Increased compassion 9. Service to the poor 10. A strong sense of purpose”
I think these 10 points are good conversation starter for those that are spiritual or religious as these are very important topics. We may have some common beliefs which is good to focus on.
The other part of these 10 points is that many of these religious people disagree on these issues, and we need to see why we disagree on these points and why we cannot be following the same God.
This book is exactly what I expected. I enjoyed Rainn’s humor in the book and saw his sincerity as I read the book. Months before this book came out I let my Baha’i friend know that I was concerned about this book because the Baha’i Faith teaches there are multiple ways to God. This is why you see quotes from many of the religious founders throughout the book and their comments being true from Rainn’s viewpoint
The issue with there being multiple ways to be God if an individual is part of the major world religions is that they contradict each other. Christianity is a monotheistic religion while Hinduism is a polytheistic faith. Buddhism is an atheistic Faith.
Rainn talks positively about there being so many good spiritual paths I think he does not see that they contradict each other or that there are spiritual paths that can be dangerous. It was not a good spiritual path as people followed David Koresh, Jim Jones or Marshall Applewhite. It led to destruction and death.
Rainn unfortunately never warns the reader that not all paths are good. The individual must test and see if it is a good path.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
1 John 4:1 ESV
Instead of a spiritual revolution; I think we need a revolution where we all find what the truth is instead of going down different paths that disagree and may not be based off of reality.
June 4, 2023
1 star only couldn’t get into it and my life is too short to waste it on anything not entertaining or enlightening. It was not sharing any relevant information so I stopped reading :)
December 22, 2023
This book was an emotional roller coaster for me. I felt shame, loss, and sadness. But then I felt validated and like I’m doing just fine. It’s all about compassion, generosity, unity, community, standing up for the marginalized, and teaching kids good values. There are so many good and different ways to live a life that develop and encourage these things. Loved his humor (obviously), Star Trek references, and quotes from so many religions. Makes me want to checkout a Baha’i service!
May 16, 2023
Do I adore Rainn Wilson? Yes, I do. Do I think this is a very important topic? Absolutely. And is it still a very complex issue for me? *Sigh* Yes.
I'm a "None", religiously. On my most enlightened days I'm "Spiritual but not Religious." More often I'm left-brained, data-driven, and annoyed by the hate that purports to be Christian love. And yet... There is some part of me that longs to believe in the message of this book... Some part that wants to believe that we are all divinely connected and that we have a sacred responsibility to our own selves and to our community and world to create the "kin-dom" of God here on earth.
Author Rainn Wilson has presented a lofty goal here... To create a Soul Boom, a spiritual revolution. In fact, he believes that it is absolutely necessary to our survival. Normally I find this type of book to be long on inspiration and short on actionable steps, but Wilson goes farther than most in pointing out changes that must be made and offering alternative ideas that, while idealistic, have actual potential.
Soul Boom begins with the premise that the purpose of faith is two fold- to grow and evolve in our inner selves, and to create a more open and just world. Wilson delves into a wide range of eastern and western faiths for wisdom and to note the commonalities of all faiths. Based on those commonalities, he toys with creating a new, more perfect faith, one that he admits is remarkably similar to his own Baha'i faith.
As an agnostic, I found myself agreeing with Wilson's premises, yet wishing that they were envisioned humanistically, instead of continually chasing a religious structure. That's not Wilson's vision, though. As warm and as inviting as he is to atheists and atheism, he is a person of faith, and that friction will be felt by atheist and agnostic readers.
Sometimes I find that in books like these, there are a couple of minor paragraphs that are especially intriguing or revelatory. For me, I'll remember these short sections; 1) Andre Gregory's pleading with Wilson to resist cynicism, and 2) the character development exercises that Wilson used with teenagers at a Baha'i camp, and 3) the election methods that the Baha'i members use to elect their community leadership.
Fans of The Office will find a few scattered nods to the beloved show, but Rainn is not Dwight, and this is not a book about the show... at *all*. Instead it is a thought provoking, inspiring call to spiritual growth and reformation, not just for ourselves, but for the entirety of humanity.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. #SoulBoom
I'm a "None", religiously. On my most enlightened days I'm "Spiritual but not Religious." More often I'm left-brained, data-driven, and annoyed by the hate that purports to be Christian love. And yet... There is some part of me that longs to believe in the message of this book... Some part that wants to believe that we are all divinely connected and that we have a sacred responsibility to our own selves and to our community and world to create the "kin-dom" of God here on earth.
Author Rainn Wilson has presented a lofty goal here... To create a Soul Boom, a spiritual revolution. In fact, he believes that it is absolutely necessary to our survival. Normally I find this type of book to be long on inspiration and short on actionable steps, but Wilson goes farther than most in pointing out changes that must be made and offering alternative ideas that, while idealistic, have actual potential.
Soul Boom begins with the premise that the purpose of faith is two fold- to grow and evolve in our inner selves, and to create a more open and just world. Wilson delves into a wide range of eastern and western faiths for wisdom and to note the commonalities of all faiths. Based on those commonalities, he toys with creating a new, more perfect faith, one that he admits is remarkably similar to his own Baha'i faith.
As an agnostic, I found myself agreeing with Wilson's premises, yet wishing that they were envisioned humanistically, instead of continually chasing a religious structure. That's not Wilson's vision, though. As warm and as inviting as he is to atheists and atheism, he is a person of faith, and that friction will be felt by atheist and agnostic readers.
Sometimes I find that in books like these, there are a couple of minor paragraphs that are especially intriguing or revelatory. For me, I'll remember these short sections; 1) Andre Gregory's pleading with Wilson to resist cynicism, and 2) the character development exercises that Wilson used with teenagers at a Baha'i camp, and 3) the election methods that the Baha'i members use to elect their community leadership.
Fans of The Office will find a few scattered nods to the beloved show, but Rainn is not Dwight, and this is not a book about the show... at *all*. Instead it is a thought provoking, inspiring call to spiritual growth and reformation, not just for ourselves, but for the entirety of humanity.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. #SoulBoom
June 8, 2023
Rainn Wilson and I have a LOT more in common than I thought. Grew up religious (Bahai in his case, Mennonite in mine), abandoned religion for the drama and fame of theatre in our twenties only to find that theatre and religion are a lot closer together than we thought (see shamanism and the origins of religion in theatre). We both came back to religion in our thirties to deal with anxiety and a lost sense of meaning and purpose. And now we are practitioners of multiple religious traditions with an eye to the dangers and the ultimate promise of religious communities and spiritual practice.
Wilson’s new book intertwines his life and practice with a very personal, intelligent, and keen eye to the perils and promise of religion. He begins with a basic premise near and dear to my scholar-of-religion-and-pop-culture heart: the religious tenets of 70s TV shows Kung Fu and Star Trek (inner spirituality and action toward the collective good). He sees the “plethora of pandemics” affecting 21st century society, including a frank acknowledgement of the dangers of racism, sexism, unjust economic extremism, nationalism and materialism, and climate damage. Wilson makes his personal and logical argument for the existence of God and the soul. He then – in a move I totally didn’t expect – outlines a theory of comparative religions, including ten common values of major religions! And even more surprising, in a chapter called “Hey, Kids, Let’s Build the Perfect Religion!,” playfully builds his own religion called SoulBoom based on these common principles – a religion I would totally be a part of, by the way. Wilson concludes by offering seven pillars that can lead us all to a spiritual revolution based on love, compassion, and the interconnectedness of God, humanity, and all creation.
This all might seem unoriginal, hippy-dippy, or both. But Wilson’s writing is marvelously touching and keenly intelligent. Reading SoulBoom is like an earnest midnight conversation in your college dorm with your genius religious studies friend. Wilson makes no apologies for his fervent faith, nor excuses for the damages of religion at its worst. He also unapologetically condemns the worst social ills of our day. And at the end, based both on his mind and on his soul, he sees how prayer, meditation, and action for social justice can provide the healing for our broken world in a way that no other movement or ideology can. Thanks so much, Rainn Wilson. Let’s hang out some time.
Wilson’s new book intertwines his life and practice with a very personal, intelligent, and keen eye to the perils and promise of religion. He begins with a basic premise near and dear to my scholar-of-religion-and-pop-culture heart: the religious tenets of 70s TV shows Kung Fu and Star Trek (inner spirituality and action toward the collective good). He sees the “plethora of pandemics” affecting 21st century society, including a frank acknowledgement of the dangers of racism, sexism, unjust economic extremism, nationalism and materialism, and climate damage. Wilson makes his personal and logical argument for the existence of God and the soul. He then – in a move I totally didn’t expect – outlines a theory of comparative religions, including ten common values of major religions! And even more surprising, in a chapter called “Hey, Kids, Let’s Build the Perfect Religion!,” playfully builds his own religion called SoulBoom based on these common principles – a religion I would totally be a part of, by the way. Wilson concludes by offering seven pillars that can lead us all to a spiritual revolution based on love, compassion, and the interconnectedness of God, humanity, and all creation.
This all might seem unoriginal, hippy-dippy, or both. But Wilson’s writing is marvelously touching and keenly intelligent. Reading SoulBoom is like an earnest midnight conversation in your college dorm with your genius religious studies friend. Wilson makes no apologies for his fervent faith, nor excuses for the damages of religion at its worst. He also unapologetically condemns the worst social ills of our day. And at the end, based both on his mind and on his soul, he sees how prayer, meditation, and action for social justice can provide the healing for our broken world in a way that no other movement or ideology can. Thanks so much, Rainn Wilson. Let’s hang out some time.
October 9, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; I actually finished this book and I don't even watch The Office!
I will try my darndest not be a cynic and refrain from using the word "optimistic" in reference to how Wilson envisions humanity's future. Soul Boom was hopeful and JOYFUL!
I loved how accessible the language and style were for a generally non-reader such as myself. I found the breakdowns of all the lists to be helpful in that they formed what's all muddled in my head into something concrete that I can work towards.
I didn't even know about a faith called Baha'i so all of that was really fun to learn about. I did however study Buddhism for a total of two months in university and can attest to 'craving' (hopefully in the best sense) inner and outer spiritual change.
I cried when I read about the change Wilson saw in his students over the course of months practicing more mindful and compassionate behaviours.
Overall, I felt this book to be incredibly practical because you can reference it at any time with the glossary and my goldfish brain needs that. I think it serves as a great introduction for youths (or anyone really) curious about spirituality-- what great people throughout history have actually been teaching and demonstrating, love and unity.
"So there you have it." *laughs in Klingon*
I will try my darndest not be a cynic and refrain from using the word "optimistic" in reference to how Wilson envisions humanity's future. Soul Boom was hopeful and JOYFUL!
I loved how accessible the language and style were for a generally non-reader such as myself. I found the breakdowns of all the lists to be helpful in that they formed what's all muddled in my head into something concrete that I can work towards.
I didn't even know about a faith called Baha'i so all of that was really fun to learn about. I did however study Buddhism for a total of two months in university and can attest to 'craving' (hopefully in the best sense) inner and outer spiritual change.
I cried when I read about the change Wilson saw in his students over the course of months practicing more mindful and compassionate behaviours.
Overall, I felt this book to be incredibly practical because you can reference it at any time with the glossary and my goldfish brain needs that. I think it serves as a great introduction for youths (or anyone really) curious about spirituality-- what great people throughout history have actually been teaching and demonstrating, love and unity.
"So there you have it." *laughs in Klingon*
October 31, 2023
Maybe even a 4.5. I went into it being kind of apathetic about Rainn Wilson (I know! I have never been huge into The Office) but was intrigued that a prominent person had thoughts on religion and spirituality. I came away thinking Wilson is a thoughtful dude, devoted to his Baha’i Faith, and truly cares about the state of the world and wants to do something about it. His premise is that many of the world’s problems (war, violence, greed, mental health) are not going to be solved with legislation and not even with self help. Instead, our world is in need of unity, compassion, joy, and faith—things that come from deep places within and are best actively practiced in intentional and community focused ways—like churches/religion. So…this book isn’t for everyone as religion is a total turn off to so many. But he addresses that and gives a fair breakdown of religion’s deep and historical problems. He is pretty knowledgable and respectful all the world’s major religions. I liked listening to him discuss the importance of connection with nature and how western society could learn some lessons from how indigenous peoples have integrated themselves with nature for eons. I liked his discussion of the soul, how the world’s religions are more similar than not, his discussion of sacred things and spaces, his thoughts on empathy vs compassion, on the toxicity of our negative and critical society, the trappings/narcissism behind much of self-help industry and the spiritual not religious framework, the idea of rewriting human history to be one of unity vs winners/losers. Tons of thoughtful research and wisdom taken from science as well as philosophers/deep thinkers across the world. Anyways, I clearly took a lot from it.
May 10, 2023
Listening to Rainn Wilson's book made me smile for nine hours.* I couldn't help but imagine that it was written by Dwight** after having a spiritual transformation. "Soul Boom" is filled with beneficial and quirky wisdom for how to help heal ourselves and our world. The contemplative and eclectic style was perfect for me. I look forward to adding the physical book to my collection.
And hey, perhaps this book will truly be a catalyst for enlightened change. Perhaps, someday in the near future, I will hear: "Okay, Soul Boomer!" shouted (or muttered) in my direction. A spiritual girl can dream. Haha
* Because that's how long it was.
** I only watched "The Office" last year, and it was well worth the wait! I was shocked that it was as amazing as everybody said it was. My next read will be Rainn's memoir. #MakingItRainn
And hey, perhaps this book will truly be a catalyst for enlightened change. Perhaps, someday in the near future, I will hear: "Okay, Soul Boomer!" shouted (or muttered) in my direction. A spiritual girl can dream. Haha
* Because that's how long it was.
** I only watched "The Office" last year, and it was well worth the wait! I was shocked that it was as amazing as everybody said it was. My next read will be Rainn's memoir. #MakingItRainn
July 10, 2023
I couldn’t agree with Rainn Wilson more that we need a spiritual revolution. Our society is so fractured and can be so ugly right now and a bit of spirituality (if not religion) might be the key to healing so much of our world.
Wilson brings up many excellent points and is incredibly well informed about the world’s major religions through his Baha’i faith journey. While he strays off on tangents at times, this book feels like the reader is in a conversation with the author. His thoughts on the ideal religion were interesting and his call to action for people to act deeply was spot on.
I feel like getting people to believe we need a spiritual revolution is one step, but showing them how is the next step.
Wilson brings up many excellent points and is incredibly well informed about the world’s major religions through his Baha’i faith journey. While he strays off on tangents at times, this book feels like the reader is in a conversation with the author. His thoughts on the ideal religion were interesting and his call to action for people to act deeply was spot on.
I feel like getting people to believe we need a spiritual revolution is one step, but showing them how is the next step.
June 6, 2023
I really enjoyed the thoughtful approach that Rainn Wilson took to this book. I have thought a lot about what it means to be spiritual and this book has helped me as I pursue answers. I especially loved the section on the universal components of all religions. I also found the section on materialism and what our society worships to leave me with a lot to ponder. I appreciate the hopeful and positive tone Rainn Wilson had throughout the book. I would recommend this book to everyone but especially to people who want to explore life's bigger questions
October 11, 2023
Rainn Wilson explains the importance of spirituality to humanity, discusses both the good and problematic aspects of religion, and makes the case for a renewed sense of spirituality and religious engagement imbued with love and unity—all with thoughtfulness, clarity, and humor.
I blew through the audiobook SO fast, and I’ll want to re-read this and savor it more thoroughly.
I blew through the audiobook SO fast, and I’ll want to re-read this and savor it more thoroughly.
June 17, 2023
Garbage.
June 21, 2023
Very Rob Bell, except Rainn said “everything is religious” and Robs book is titled “Everything is Spiritual”.
Thought this was good. If I had read this in high school, before my degree in philosophy and starting my masters in divinity I think this would’ve been very pivotal in my deconstruction. Now, this is another tool (hammer, maybe?) I can give to others who are at the beginning stages of their own deconstruction journey.
Nothing shocking stated here that I haven’t considered or thought of before, but I think that’s more of a reflection on where I spend most of my reading anyways, and not on Rainn. I would highly recommend this to anyone who’s interested in religion, theology, spirituality, but are afraid to step into that world. I don’t think I’d recommend this to any of my peers in grad school only because this isn’t new info.
Thought this was good. If I had read this in high school, before my degree in philosophy and starting my masters in divinity I think this would’ve been very pivotal in my deconstruction. Now, this is another tool (hammer, maybe?) I can give to others who are at the beginning stages of their own deconstruction journey.
Nothing shocking stated here that I haven’t considered or thought of before, but I think that’s more of a reflection on where I spend most of my reading anyways, and not on Rainn. I would highly recommend this to anyone who’s interested in religion, theology, spirituality, but are afraid to step into that world. I don’t think I’d recommend this to any of my peers in grad school only because this isn’t new info.
August 2, 2023
I regret to say that "Soul Boom" by Rainn Wilson, while having good intentions, falls short in several aspects. I really wanted to like this book. The book is riddled with logical fallacies and contradictory thoughts. The world does not need yet another religion. The issues he discusses need a secular approach with reason as our guide, not vague spiritual concepts like a “creator” and “spiritual virtues.” When he needs to fill pages he recounts things from previous chapters. Furthermore, it comes across as condescending to both believers and atheists, leaving readers feeling frustrated and disappointed. Considering these flaws, I cannot recommend this book.
December 21, 2023
I found this book strangely hopeful and touching, although I don’t see any way our world will move forward in the ways we need to, according to Rainn. I loved his interfaith approach and how he pulled the good from religions around the world. It’s not the book I would have expected from the person who played Dwight, but it was a pleasant surprise.
June 23, 2023
I loved this book and would love to read more like it! As a species, human beings are quite lost right now, and our current systems (religious and otherwise) are not working. We need a soul inspired revolution.
July 24, 2023
It’s impressive how Rainn Wilson was able to lay out his “big ideas” about “everything,” done so true to his idiosyncratic personality that is nerdy, self-aware, heartwarming, hilarious, & poignant at points. He is articulate in laying out the dysfunction of modern society & his syncretic prescription to heal humanity. I resonate soundly with his perspectives & was most intrigued by his accounts of the Baha’i faith. At times, it felt a bit like a diatribe, & sometimes somewhat simplistic — how could it not, given the immensity of the subject. However, the soul of this book is pure & true medicine for our spirits. I will be referring back to sections of this book in the future.
May 23, 2024
I heard a great interview with the author on a podcast and ordered the book. I really appreciate all the ideas here but think there are more effective places to get them from —Wilson suggests lots of other books. But some people will read this because of his celebrity and that’s a good thing. I really appreciated the 2 chapters making the case for religion —not just individual spirituality which many people value, but which Wilson argues make us so self centered that we develop mental health problems. I appreciated his kindness toward the foibles of humanity and our religious organizations. And his articulation of why the Big Guy (or other ways of articulating God) makes such a difference to our lives.
October 25, 2023
Love love loved it! Very thought provoking. I probably wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not already a fan of Rainn Wilson.
May 3, 2023
Well it wasn’t about Dwight from the hilarious sitcom The Office, but this novel had me pulled in instantly with his vast knowledge and background regarding a religion I had never known existed. Additionally his passion about climate change hyped me up! Good read 🥳
June 13, 2023
Meh. While I wholeheartedly agree with the premise, Dwight was unable to convince me in his book that he had figured out a way to make that revolution happen. I wanted to feel encouraged and motivated, but was left feeling like I had been lectured to and that my current level or source of spirituality was misguided and divisive.
I will give Rainn credit for stating something I've felt for quite some time. His final chapter repeats the call for unity, compassion, and understanding. And he emphasizes that these all require action. We're all going to have our differences; but being able to look past those and understand that we are all working towards the same basic goals, focusing on finding the common needs, showing compassion and understanding (and being tolerant) would do this world a world of good.
I will give Rainn credit for stating something I've felt for quite some time. His final chapter repeats the call for unity, compassion, and understanding. And he emphasizes that these all require action. We're all going to have our differences; but being able to look past those and understand that we are all working towards the same basic goals, focusing on finding the common needs, showing compassion and understanding (and being tolerant) would do this world a world of good.
September 13, 2023
A book on spirituality that we should ALL read! This book was amazing and much more than it seems from the simple title -‘it’s serious but of course peppered with funny!
May 18, 2023
"Soul Boom" is a truly inspiring and revolutionary book for those who identify as "spiritual, not religious" and yearn for a community of like-minded individuals to connect with. It beautifully captures the essence of this growing movement and provides a refreshing perspective on spirituality outside of traditional religious frameworks. With its thought-provoking insights and heartfelt anecdotes, "Soul Boom" resonates deeply, offering a sense of belonging and understanding to those seeking a more personalized spiritual path. It is a must-read for anyone eager to explore their spirituality in a non-conventional way and find a tribe of kindred spirits to share their journey with.
June 23, 2023
Through this beautiful and neutral examination of the true essence of what a soul is, Rainn Wilson offers considerations for discussion on how the hell we can fix the mess we call humanity. He emphasizes the mental health pandemic that we are facing and offers insight to how we can take a new approach that may just benefit all current and future generations.
((Regardless of religious or spiritual affiliation, everyone should read this. Read chapter 1 to understand Rainn’s purpose in titling the book as he did before assuming affiliations or intentions.))
((Regardless of religious or spiritual affiliation, everyone should read this. Read chapter 1 to understand Rainn’s purpose in titling the book as he did before assuming affiliations or intentions.))
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