John Roger Barrie’s brand-new book, The Forgotten Gospel of Christ and Other Writings on Spirituality, isn’t actually that new! The writings in Forgotten Gospel were originally delivered as lectures Barrie gave at the Friends of the Spirit study group in Northern California during meetings that took place between Jul. 1986 and Feb. 1987. He revised many of them in the mid-1990s, and again more thoroughly between 2004 and 2009. For this Sep. 2026 release, he has meticulously re-reviewed each chapter and, as warranted, updated certain elements within each one to ensure each writing is pertinent, radiant, and timely.
In these vibrant writings, John Roger Barrie provides an accessible introduction to mystical and transcendent elements within four religious traditions. Rounding off this notable interfaith collection are five penetrating articles written from a spiritual perspective, focusing on transformative, experiential realization.
This book provides an accessible introduction to mystical or transcendent elements within Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Judaism. Also included are four original articles written from a spiritual perspective, as well as an essay on Kierkegaard, whose works popularized Existentialism. These topics are approached with a spirit of eclecticism and, toward this end, an effort has been made to show similarities within these mystical traditions rather than differences. The aim is to distill the essence of traditional mystical thought and render it in contemporary terms without compromising its intent.
Published for the first time are excerpts from the author’s 2007 interview with the late noted American Zen Buddhist teacher Richard B. Clarke.
John Roger Barrie has received a number of prominent endorsements for Forgotten Gospel:
“Excellent … and important. In his insightful survey, John Roger Barrie makes a compelling case for living the spiritual life and not becoming mired in the trappings of consumerism. Well done.”
—Huston Smith, PhD, the late, prominent authority on the world’s religions, on “Two Questions of Life” (from 2007)
“Very well written. Your interpretation … accurately conveys the spirit and intent of this timeless Indian scripture.”
—Swami Swahananda, the late, longtime senior minister of the Vedanta Society of Southern California, on “India’s Song of God: The Bhagavad Gita” (from 2006)
“John Roger Barrie’s insightful reading of the biblical life story of David and the Psalms offers a fresh and illuminating perspective on both the biblical texts and the traditions attached to them. Barrie makes a crucial distinction between David the king and David the Psalmist, and that’s exactly where the sparks begin to fly in his provocative work. He has something important and compelling to say to the pious student of the Bible as well as the contemporary reader who turns to the Bible as a work of literature.”
—Jonathan Kirsch, Esq, prolific, bestselling author and eminent publishing and intellectual property attorney, on “The Psalms of David”
“This is a beautifully distilled, crystal-clear, supremely elegant primer for the contemplative life, rooted in the greatest spiritual masters who have graced this planet. Within its utter simplicity there resides wondrous sophistication.”
—Michael Murphy, legendary co-founder and chairperson emeritus of the Board of Esalen Institute, and author of four novels, on “Dark Night of the Soul”
“An extraordinary essay: intellectually sophisticated, spiritually profound, beautifully written, and remarkably relevant to our time. … A gem of spiritual writing. It is the kind of article one can read in an afternoon and contemplate for years. I recommend it enthusiastically and without reservation to anyone interested in comparative religion, Christian mysticism, interfaith spirituality, contemplative practice, or the deeper meaning of a life devoted both to God and to others.”
—Anne Steinemann, PhD, internationally recognized scientist and Catholic social missionary, on “Two Facets of a Religion”
“Christianity, as traditionally presented, places Jesus at the center but often forgets that He is a universal teacher as well as Messiah. In his essay on Christ, John Roger Barrie skillfully, and with great clarity, distills the essence of Jesus’ practical instructions for bringing about the union of heaven and earth in daily life.”
—Reverend Canon Christopher Seal, AB, MDiv, Rector Emeritus of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Nevada City, California, on “The Forgotten Gospel of Christ”
Throughout these writings several common themes emerge: True religion entails experiential, mystical realization, without which religion remains, in essence, an intellectual hobby or a social club. Spirituality must be based on ethics. Experiential spiritual realization transforms conduct, character, and consciousness. Personal transformation precedes changes in relationships and society.
A recurring theme in many of these writings is the author’s criticism of the excesses of commercialism, superficial religious scholars, hypocritical spiritual teachers, and non-transformational churchgoing. This criticism, however, is constructively balanced by citing many examples that demonstrate genuine mysticism.
The Forgotten Gospel of Christ and Other Writings on Spirituality takes a deep dive into the very heart of mysticism.
