Author and psychotherapist Thomas Moore offers a profound interpretation of the Gospels—not as a blueprint for religion, but as a guide to a transformative way of life.
Jesus’s teachings invite us to shift from judgment, competition, and aggression toward a life governed by an open heart. The Gospels, Moore writes, are not about spiritual self-improvement or moral platitudes; they are a radical reimagining of how we relate to one another and to the world, offering a vision of deep community and moral beauty.
To live the Gospel today, Moore proposes four essential practices. First, cultivate deep respect for those outside your social circle—especially those whom society tends to reject. Second, confront the darker impulses within yourself and the culture around you, including aggression, greed, and narcissism, and seek alternatives to these destructive forces. Third, embrace the role of healer in every situation, adopting a therapeutic posture modeled after Jesus, who is referred to as a healer 47 times in the New Testament. Finally, stay awake—resist the unconsciousness of the age and help others awaken to a thoughtful, imaginative, and welcoming life.
Following Jesus’s example means listening for your own destiny and adapting his radical teachings to your unique path. In doing so, you evoke the kingdom in your own style, making your life a tiny mustard seed—humble yet full of transformative potential. As Moore beautifully puts it, this is how we embody the moral beauty and spiritual intelligence found in the Gospels.
Inspired by Thomas Moore, author of Writing in the Sand: Jesus and the Soul of the Gospels (Hay House, 2009)
Smitten With Goodness 