Godtalk

Book Description

In an era when traditional religious boundaries are dissolving, one writer embarked on an extraordinary journey to map the evolving landscape of American spirituality. Brad Gooch, acclaimed biographer of Frank O'Hara, ventures beyond conventional faith structures to discover what draws seekers in our "post-denominational" age.

This compelling exploration weaves together personal quest and cultural investigation as Gooch travels from the silent monasteries of Kentucky's Trappist monks to the vibrant energy of Dallas's Cathedral of Hope, a thriving gay congregation. His path leads him through Chicago's mysterious Urantia Book communities, into conversations with New York's Muslim and Sufi practitioners, and across oceans to experience Deepak Chopra's teachings in both Goa and California.

From the charismatic presence of spiritual leader Gurumayi Chidvilasananda in both India and upstate New York to the contemplative world of Iowa's Trappistine nuns, Gooch encounters an remarkable spectrum of believers and practices. Each stop reveals how diverse spiritual movements attract followers seeking meaning beyond traditional denominational walls.

Through vivid character portraits and immersive storytelling, Godtalk captures the unexpected vitality of contemporary American spirituality. Gooch's narrative moves with engaging pace while offering genuine insight into why these varied paths resonate so powerfully with modern seekers. This richly detailed chronicle illuminates the surprising ways people connect with the sacred in today's rapidly changing religious landscape.