The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth

In Chapter 5, Peck posits that denying God and organized religion based on principle might limit people’s capacity to be themselves. Peck uses his client Theodore as an example. When Theodore started working with Peck, he denounced God because God had taken his soulmate and best friend from him. Over time, Peck discovered that Theodore had really denounced God because he was afraid that others would make fun of him; Theodore’s siblings and parents had tormented him when he was a child. With Peck’s help, Theodore gradually rediscovered his faith in God and went on to study theology.

In Chapter 6, Peck recommends staying open to life’s dichotomies in order to form a more authentic worldview. Although science and religion might appear antithetical, these belief systems in fact inform one another. He stresses that religious doubt and scientific questioning are essential to spiritual growth. Likewise, Chapter 7 holds that people can enrich their experiences by staying open to life’s mysteries. Peck contends that life constantly presents people with miracles, and he believes that these coincidences or serendipitous happenings can bring people joy and teach important lessons. 

Chapter Lessons

• If past wounds are limiting your openness to spiritual exploration, it is important to interrogate your concept of God and religion in order to better understand the origins of your beliefs.