Whenever I look at some childhood photographs, I'm hit with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. A longing to return to an earlier, better time. Of course, I know that the past always seems better in our heads. Yet I still long for something, somewhere that will satisfy my longings. That's a signal of transcendence. Another example. When I see an evil or a wrong that just can't seem to be fixed/punished by our human efforts, I long desperately for a better alternative. A better world where these things will never happen. I can picture it, yet it seems so impossible to obtain. That's another signal of transcendence.
Overview
Signals of Transcendence by Os Guinness is a short book about certain promptings that we experience in life that points us beyond this material world onto something more. Whatever that something is, it's beyond our materialistic understanding. It's transcendent. Everyone's signal is different, to quote Guinness: "One person's signal is another person's silence".
Guinness showcases several prominent individuals' (G.K Chesterton, C.S Lewis, and Leo Tolstoy, just to name a few) lives. In these examinations, Guinness focuses on moments that prompted these individuals to seek something that is beyond this physical existence, something transcendent. For some, it was beauty that prompted them to look for its source. For some, it was the immense evil of the Nazi regime that prompted them to seek transcendent good. These stories are immensely interesting and thought-provoking.
At the beginning and the end of the book, Guinness gives his case for something beyond the materialistic. Of course, for Guinness, that something is the Christian God.
Why Read This?
This is a short and easy read. Guinness' writing style reminds me a little bit of C.S Lewis's tone in Mere Christianity. I think this book will strike a chord with anyone who is seeking "something more". I think it's a universal thing that humans experience. People come to different conclusions, but we've all had that moment, perhaps it's looking at a spectacular sunset, or experiencing deep love, we've all felt that prompting that there must be "something" out there that's way more than what our material brains can handle. I think reading about the experiences of these individuals will help you on that journey. The accounts are very interesting and pretty persuasive too.
Anyone who found this book intriguing may be interested in Guinness' companion book The Great Quest.
Potential Pitfalls
As far as I'm concerned, this book doesn't really prove anything. This book is more of a suggestion, a nudge on your shoulder toward what the author thinks is the right direction. Much like a lot of Lewis' works, this book is all opinions and observations(from a wise man, might I add). So, you take this with a grain of salt, but also keep an open mind. If God is tugging on your collar, trying to get your attention, I would give Him a chance. You don't want to miss the best relationship of your life. But that's just my experience and opinion.
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