Gertrud Nelson has written a book on ritual that is one-of-a-kind. Her exquisitely written volume covers the history, psychology and spirituality of ritual in general and Christian ritual in particular. Enlivened by pithy and insightful examples, many of them drawn from her own family life, Ms. Nelson penetrates to the heart of the meaning of ritual and ceremony in a fresh way. She manages to escape the trap of many writers on this subject – superficial piety – and makes relevant for the modern reader the importance of ritual connecting us to the meaning and flow of life.

Ms. Nelson penetrates to the heart of the meaning of ritual and ceremony in a fresh way. She manages to escape the trap of many writers on this subject--superficial piety--and makes relevant for the modern reader ( )