The Mill

We are all naked under our clothes but most of the time we are not aware of this, and even if we are, we don?t feel as exposed as we would do, if we were really naked. Just as we conceal our bodies, from ourselves as well as others, so we also hide our psychological selves with a collection of identities, roles, attitudes, fears, and prejudices. They serve a similar purpose for our psyche as do our clothes for our body. They hide our psychological nakedness and support the way we present ourselves to the outside world. Ultimately, in life, we are alone and naked and whatever thoughts and communications come to us, we have to counsel ourselves. So we are all naked counsellors.

This book is designed to enable you, the reader, to counsel yourself about a number of topics that are fundamental to your success in life. There are a series of Chapters, each of which deals with a life enhancing topic and at the end of which, there are a series of questions entitled ?Self Counselling?. You ask yourself the questions and look at the answers and if you record these in the spaces provided, you will personalise the book, adding value and making it of special worth to you.

In Pulpit and Politics, author and former MP Dennis Gruending examines the competition between religious progressives and conservatives for power and influence in Canadian public life. After the 2011 election resulting in a majority Conservative government—partly because of the support of religious conservatives—the rivalry between the two camps has become even more pronounced. Gruending looks closely at the political ideology and tactics employed by religious conservatives in the public arena, and he also documents the efforts by religious progressives struggling to have their voices heard on issues of equality, environment, human rights, justice, and peace. Ever with an eye on history and world events, Gruending follows this contest between progressives and conservatives from Parliament Hill to the church basements, synagogues, temples, and universities of the nation and abroad.

Pulpit and Politics is a provocative expose of the competition between religious progressives and conservatives for power and influence in Canadian politics.

“…a must-read for anyone who wishes to grasp the spiritual tensions at play behind Stephen Harper's majority government." - Marci McDonald, journalist and author of The Armageddon Factor

“…well informed observations on the role of faith in politics, and the politics of faith, an insightful guide to the current political landscape." Rev. Bill Blaikie, United Church minister and former MP.

Dennis Gruending is an Ottawa-based author and a former MP: www.dennisgruending.ca