The role of organized religion in our society is undergoing monumental changes. Church attendance is decreasing at unprecedented rates. At the same time, there is an increase in the number of people who identify as “spiritual but not religious.” Clearly, the need for religion remains as strong as ever, yet more and more, people are seeking spirituality elsewhere. Why? What accounts for these trends? Can organized religion still play a valuable role in today’s world?

Affirming that organized religion does indeed have the potential to be a uniquely powerful force for good, Igniting the Holy Flame argues that organized religions too often fall into a trap of their own making, inadvertently fixating on a punitive rule-keeping culture that alienates believers and encourages conformity over an honest pursuit of spirituality. The antidote is “authentic fellowship”—pursuing deep and meaningful connections with oneself, others, and the divine.

Ultimately, this book argues that organized religion can bless lives and build a better world for all of us when religions focus on helping individuals understand their truest inner selves, learn to follow the gentle guidance of the spirit, and pursue a life driven by authenticity rather than blind obedience.