By Eddie Condra    Reviewed by Paul F Green

“We the disillusioned are not ‘losing our faith’; on the contrary we are growing a new spirituality and we are looking for a church in which we can celebrate. We are Catholics and most of us still want to be.” Eddie Condra

This is a challenging, critical and uplifting book. It is aimed directly at those of us who regard ourselves as Catholic but who are disillusioned with the status quo, and the failure of the renewal in the Church. If you are content with the Church as it is, then this book is probably not for you. On the other hand, if you are searching, Remapping Our Souls could be a handbook for spiritual growth and change. Eddie Condra suggests that disillusionment is a necessary step for growth in our spiritual life. 

Remapping our Souls does not tell us what we should, or should not, believe but encourages us to explore why and what we believe. The reader is challenged to do some serious and, at times, painful soul-searching.

Eddie Condra has been a priest for over 40 years and this book is based on his experiences. He does not intend it to be a theological, historical or scriptural treatise on Catholic teaching. It is a handbook on how we might nurture a more authentic, soul-full life.

Condra suggests we put aside the fears associated with asking questions and having doubts, since doubts and fears can trigger spiritual growth. He does not offer answers, just a down-to-earth exploration of everyday spirituality. And he  encourages readers to discuss these matters with one another.

The chapter on Spirituality is the first step. Condra explores various words we could associate with the word "spirituality". His chart of associated terms is, at first glance, bewildering yet compels serious engagement. As a reader, I have no hesitation in saying I found this is a very valuable process.

The subsequent chapters lead us through profound quotations and thought-provoking exercises. Once we recognise a Church in its twilight, then doors and windows to a dawning spirituality open to us. The process can develop our priestly roles, deepen our sacramental experiences, re-image our ideas of God, spark a quest for truth and factual knowledge and help us recognise our sacred spaces. Finally, we are led to consider the difficulties of forgiving and to learn about letting go of our pain and needless suffering.

Remapping Our Souls is a hopeful book. It challenges us to take responsibility for our own spiritual journey. It offers hope in a time of profound and painful change and invites us to accept that life is as it is, and love is the alchemy that heals all.

The book is available from Fr Eddie Condra. Email: tepunatapu@gmail.com