Why do spiritual beings-human souls-begin their lives in the physical world?

The Purpose of Physical Reality

by John S. Hatcher

• Softcover 180 pp.
• $12.00 / $15.00 CAN
• ISBN: 1-931847-23-1
• EAN: 978-931847-23-0
  

Why do spiritual beings-human souls-begin their lives in the physical world?

According to well-known Baha'i author, scholar, and educator John Hatcher, the world is a classroom designed by God to instigate and nurture mental and spiritual growth. The Purpose of Physical Reality examines the components of this classroom to show how everyday experience leads to spiritual insight. Viewing life in this way, we can learn to appreciate the overall justice of God's plan and the subtle interplay between human free will and divine assistance in unleashing human potential. The idea of physical reality as a divine teaching device not only prepares us for further progress in the life beyond, it also provides practical advice about how to attain spiritual and intellectual understanding while we are living on earth.

A previous edition (Baha'i Publishing Trust, ISBN 0-87743-208-2) was a limited release and not offered to the U.S. trade/consumer market. This new and updated edition is a companion volume to Hatcher's Close Connections (Baha'i Publishing, 2005).

John S. Hatcher holds a B.A. and M.A. in English literature from Vanderbilt University, a Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Georgia, and is currently a professor and director of graduate studies in English literature at the University of South Florida in Tampa. A widely published poet and distinguished lecturer, he is author of numerous books on literature, philosophy, Baha'i theology and scripture, including Close Connections; From the Auroral Darkness: The Life and Poetry of Robert E. Hayden; A Sense of History: The Poetry of John Hatcher; The Ocean of His Words: A Reader's Guide to the Art of Baha'u'llah; and The Purpose of Physical Reality; The Kingdom of Names. He and his family live on a farm near Plant City, Florida.