The Great Search

In the great tradition of authors who leave church but remain spiritualsuch as Barbara Brown Taylor, Rob Bellthe author of Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul forges a new path toward a true spiritual home, embracing a deep connection to the natural world.

The story of Adam and Eve’s fall from innocence in the Garden of Eden is a mythical account of humanity’s broken relationship with the divine, with Earth, and with themselves.

In contrast, Celtic wisdom is built on a strong bond with Earth. In the prophetic figures that Newell draws from, the Garden of Eden represents the inner garden of our souls and the outer garden of Earth, which are seen as essentially one. To live in relation to what is deepest in us is to live in relation to the ground from which we and all things have come. Where are we today, in relation to our true selves and the sacredness of Earth? And how are we to find our way home again?

This life-affirming, nourishing book contemplates these questions at a moment of great spiritual awakening, an era characterized by religious exile on a vast scale. We need a new sense of home spiritually, deeply rooted within ourselves and in our shared journey with each other and Earth.

The Great Search is available now. For more information and to order your copy, click one of the buttons below.

Montreat Conference Center

Book Launch Celebration

Although the book is already released, John Philip will not be in the States until October so the official Book Launch Celebration will be held on October 24, 2024 at Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, NC (both livestreamed and in person). The celebration will include wine, music, and song as well as readings from the book by John Philip and the opportunity to have your own copy signed. Please join us for this exciting moment of celebrating a profound vision for the way forward today in our relationship with Earth, with one another and our own true depths. 

*Note - this event is part of the Sacred Earth Sacred Soul - Celtic Wisdom 3 retreat at Montreat, which takes place October 23-25th. We invite you to consider attending the full retreat. Retreat attendees do not need a separate ticket for the Book Launch Celebration.