Keith Martin Seismic Shift

Seismic Shift: The novel now available in paperback! For information on how to order a copy see www.SeismicShift.ca or www.GoodButNotReligious.ca.

Photos and feedback from A Taste of Oasis UG Mar. 15, featuring a multimedia presentation by Spectrum A&E Media called "Seismic Shift: Spirituality for the Rest... of Us," followed by a panel discussion with Gila Cotler, Sarah DeMoor and Charles Lehmann. 11 people attended and interacted with the presentation and panel. Here are some responses to the multimedia presentation: "Very well made production! I think a 'trigger warning’ may be in order as it contains graphic imagery." "This is my second time and it is still amazing to watch. I really enjoy how images help to tell the story the song is telling." "A sensory overload. The visual messages, strong images, and heavy lyrics all impacted me in a serious way. There’s a need for me for there to be a moment where it is quiet . . . to let everything thus far to sink in." "Inspirational soundtrack. Concluding statements are reasonable, uplifting, thought-provoking. Thank you." "I love this presentation. I love the narrative and how you explain your journey from belief to non-belief in a personal god. Keep having this conversation, it’s important."

What Others Are Saying About Seismic Shift: The novel Many can benefit greatly from this This moving story speaks openly and deeply to the struggle we all face on our human journey when we search honestly and look deeply for the existence of God and Truth. Through his unfolding quest, while looking both inwardly and outwardly, Martin illustrates the importance of bravely questioning closely held beliefs regardless of consequences. No doubt, many can benefit greatly from th...is offering. Sally Johnson Therapist and Teacher of Transpersonal Psychology Wiarton, ON Two persons sharing their thoughts, doubts, and genuine feelings (The novel) is a powerful testament to your struggles with your ‘faith,’ shaped into a deep friendship and searching with another person. Two persons sharing their thoughts, doubts, and genuine feelings is much like sharing in today’s world should be. Isobel Field Waterloo, ON May this book inspire, warm and guide others I really liked how you have put your earlier work into the form of a novel. My earlier review still holds. May this book inspire, warm, and guide others on their personal journey and quest for a spiritual space to call home between god and goodnessit certainly has the potential to do so! Dr. Thomas Mengel, Professor Renaissance College, U. of New Brunswick

Seismic Shift: The novel by Keith Martin 2018 Like many of today’s ‘nones’ (people with no religious affiliation), Philip used to believe in Goduntil the Rwandan genocide. He still believes in God, but not as you might think. Through honest conversations over drinks with the author, follow his thought-provoking journey from faith in a supernatural Being to a nonreligious worldview where God is a metaphor for Goodness and spirituality is about values, not beliefs. If seismic... means having a widespread impact; earthshaking, experience Philip’s seismic shift as he painstakingly revises his map of reality to correspond with his experience of reality. Whether gladly or reluctantly, discover with Philip a way to makes sense of suffering, God and life itself. Download a pdf copy of Seismic Shift: The novel from www.SeismicShift.ca. Then share it with friends.

What Others Are Saying About Seismic Shift: The novel (2nd posting) In truth, it resonated with me Thank you for sharing your novella. I read it in one sitting. ... In truth, it resonated with me. There are particular moments in Seismic Shift that especially spoke to me: ‘When I hear the word God . . . I have to substitute the word Goodness, Love, or Justice for that statement to have any meaning.’ ‘I still consider myself a person of faithnot in religious beliefs, but in life-enhancing values.’ ‘. . . we need to incarnate God or Goodness into our world.’ ‘. . . we need ministers, chaplains, and student groups that are spiritual, but not necessarily religious . . . .’ ‘I don’t believe in God, but I miss Him.’ (here you’re quoting Julian Barnes) ‘We all need God, in the sense of Goodness.’ "As well, I appreciated your vision for the United Church of Canada . . . I’m just not holding my breath! Ken Fredrick Edmonton, AB I enjoyed reading the challenges faced by Philip As a progressive Christian who has chosen to stay involved in an organized church (The United Church of Canada), I enjoyed reading the challenges faced by Philip and the decisions that he came to with regards to God/Goodness. I’m not sure that I ever really believed in a theist God so I have not had to overcome that hurdle in my own faith journey. Jim Bowman Kitchener/Waterloo, ON To download a pdf copy of the novel, go to www.SeismicShift.ca.

"Seismic Shift: The novel" is a reworking of "Seismic Shift: From God to Goodness" into a novel (technically a novella, being only 90 pages). It is now available in pdf format at www.SeismicShift.ca. It's a quick read, about an hour. If you could read it and post a one or two sentence review that would be much appreciated! Feel free to forward it to anyone you think might find it worthwhile. Spring had finally arrived. It had been a long winter, but now at last the snow was m...elting and the birds were returning. It was 1994. Bill Clinton was in the White House. Jean Chretien was prime minister of Canada. One night in April, Philip could not sleep. He had just heard reports coming out of Rwanda that Tutsi men, women and children were being slaughtered by militant Hutus on the pews of a church. A church, for Christ’s sake! How could God allow this? How could a loving, heavenly Father or Mother allow hundreds of innocent people, especially children, to be hacked to death, if He or She had the power to intervene and protect them? The Rwanda genocide for Philip was what the Jewish Holocaust was for many of his parents’ generation. It was a slap across the face to wake up and re-examine his faith, for in 1994 Philip was a believera Christian believer. He believed in God as a supernatural Being who created and sustains life, including those children in Rwanda. Seismic means having a strong or widespread impact; earthshaking. And when the ground shakes, there may be a time of grief before there is relief; a time of loss before there is discovery; a time of darkness before there is light. SEISMIC SHIFT: The novel is Philip’s journey into that light.

A friend watching the solar eclipse today emailed me that he thought of my book Seismic Shift.

Responses to Seismic Shift: Spirituality for the Rest of Us shown at A Taste of Oasis at U of Waterloo and U of Guelph, March 14 and 16. Music in the video was powerful. I like that you portray your journey so honestly. It strikes me as a vulnerable endeavour! I like to ponder about our place in the universe. It feels like we are just a speck of dust. I think your conclusions about goodness, etc. are the only ones a human being can arrive at.... Striking imagery, well-coordinated with your choice of music. The script is well-written and thoughtful. Thank you for your good work up to this point and going forward. Too bad we can’t come up with a new word for God that isn’t already burdened with baggage. The images were effective. I no longer yearn for a parental deitythat concept absolves us of the need to do something ourselves. I came here looking for another way to thinking but, after watching the presentation, I have realized that I think in a similar way and it is not wrong and uncommon. I found the message was very powerful. Really explained why and how people believe in God and why they could be led to leaving their faith.

Seismic Shift: Spirituality for the Rest of Us is being shown at A Taste of Oasis at U. of Guelph on March 16, 5:30 - 7 pm, in the Keg Lounge at Brass Taps Pub in the University Centre.

Seismic Shift: Spirituality for the Rest of Us is being shown at A Taste of Oasis at U. of Waterloo on March 14, 5:30 - 7 pm.