Gus Dizerega Is A Third Degree Wiccan Gardnerian Elder

Yesterday I received a copy of Philip Johnson and Gus diZerega's "Beyond the Burning Times: A Pagan and Christian in Dialogue" (Lion, 2008), a volume that I had the privilege of editing and serving as project coordinator on. My order came from Amazon.com in the U.K. where the book is available for purchase. U.S. release is scheduled for the end of June.

Here's the description from the back cover:

Many people today are exploring questions and spirituality in new ways. One of the most dramatic is found in the growth of nature-based Pagan traditions such as Wicca, Shamanism, Druidry, and Asatru, a development that parallels the decline of church attendance in most parts of the Western world.

Not surprisingly, many Christians are deeply suspicious of this apparent Pagan 'revival' and vigorously oppose Pagan groups. The stigmas associated with Paganism are nothing new and over the centuries have frequently led to persecution. The worst episodes involved the notorious 'Burning Times' of the Medieval, Renaissance, and post-Reformation Witch trials. A great divide still exists between Christian and Pagan communities, often with much misunderstanding on both sides.

"Beyond the Burning Times" represents a bold and important departure from this legacy of suspicion. The authors believe that Christians and Pagans need to stop protesting at each other, set aside their pre-conceptions and take the time to listen honestly and carefully to one another.

The two authors come to the round table with deep and passionate convictions and spiritual experiences. They examine topics such as the nature of spirituality, who or what is deity, how humans relate to the Divine, the question of spiritual authority, the culture wars over the sacred feminine, gender and sexuality, faith in the public square, interfaith relations, and the teachings and claims of Jesus.

This groundbreaking book will interest all those of whatever background who want to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with the key questions involved.

"...a very useful, timely, intelligent and compassionate dialogue".

Professor Ron Hutton, University of Bristol, UK

"Not only is this a model of respectful and constructive conversation, but it is an enjoyable read. I warmly recommend it".

Professor Christopher Partridge, Lancaster University, UK

PHILIP JOHNSON is the founder of Global Apologetics and Mission, and lectures on Alternative Religious Movements in Sydney, Australia.

GUS DIZEREGA is a Third Degree Wiccan Gardnerian Elder, who studied for six years with a Brazilian shaman and holds a PhD in Political Theory.

Edited by JOHN W. MOREHEAD, Director of the Western Institute for Intercultural Studies

Those interested in ordering this book in the UK and Australia can visit the link at Amazon.co.uk or Lion Hudson as the publisher.

Those in the U.S. can pre-order now or place an order at Amazon.com on or after the scheduled June 20 release date.