Jamie Shaw has investigated, and been exposed to, many of the World's Religions, both great, and not so. Many would claim that, given the choice, The LORD Himself [&/or Herself] would be atheistic, given the catastrophes perpetrated, and borne by Humankind, in its name. Interestingly, on the three or four times in his adult life that Shaw has either been atheistic [or unsure, that is to say, agnostic] he was very nearly struck by lightning [!] While many acknowledge the term Hinduism to encompass many different faiths, not so many openly advocate the expression "Christian" to be plainly an umbrella for many different understandings of the word. Who is in fact Christian - a faithful adherent to the teachings and practices of Christ? And, of course, those true to Judaism [not to mention Islam, the other two strands of Faith emanating from the lineage of Abraham] have had to endure much in consequence of adherence to their particular set of beliefs. Shaw even had the opportunity, whilst in Hobart, Tasmania in 1996, to attend the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Synagogue there. He has also been blest by association with the devotees, the Friends of Lord Krishna [= KRISTA = CHRISTOS = CHRIST] for many years of mediation, learning, and joy - not just "a bunch of lunatics", as one supposedly learned gentleman put it. Enlightenment comes in many forms!
Thus, in summary, the forty sonnets/poems/paeans collected in "Dances Left to Love" represent a snapshot of Jamie Shaw at 58 - and the Weltanschauung of what his "little grey cells" [Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot] have led his experience, intellect, and God-given insight to believe.
