The Gospel According To Jack

About the Book

“I’m enriched and uplifted by Steve Edington’s intelligent meditations on Jack Kerouac. With warmth and insight, Edington delves into the spiritual and emotional dimensions of Kerouac’s life and work. This book is a gift to all who cherish Kerouac’s work—an introspective journey that honors the man, his art, and his profound sense of the spirit.” Matt Theado. Matt Theado is the author of Understanding Jack Kerouac. He is Professor Emeritus at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies (Japan) and served as President of the Beat Studies Association (2021 – 2025). From the Foreword by Holly George-Warren: “In his chapter “Why Kerouac?,” Steve Edington writes that he sees religion as ‘the attempt to meaningfully locate ourselves in this vast and mysterious universe we inhabit.’ For the past three-plus decades, Jack Kerouac has served as Steve’s guide, as he traversed his own path as a seeker. He sees Kerouac as among ‘the writers and poets and artists who best pursue these questions and challenges of existence.’ You hold in your hands The Gospel According to Jack. Godspeed on your own journey.” Holly George-Warren is the author of eighteen books, including the New York Times best sellers The Road to Woodstock (with Michael Lang) and Behind the Seams (with Dolly Parton). Her latest biography is Janis: Her Life and Music. She is currently working on the authorized biography of Jack Kerouac.

About the Author

Rev. Steve Edington is a retired Unitarian Universalist minister living in Nashua, New Hampshire. He is the Minister Emeritus of the UU Church of Nashua, a congregation he served for 24 years. Mr. Edington is also a long-time member of the Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Committee of Lowell, Massachusetts—and a past President of that organization. LCK was formed in 1986 to see to the design and construction of the Jack Kerouac Commemorative in Lowell which was dedicated in 1988. Lowell Celebrates Kerouac produces an annual Jack Kerouac Festival every October. Steve Edington is a one-time adjunct faculty member of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell where he taught several courses on “The Literature of the Beat Movement.” He is also an occasional contributor to Beat Scene Magazine. Rev. Edington’s previous books are: Kerouac’s Nashua Connection. Transition Publishing, 1995. This is an exploration of Kerouac’s French-Canadian ancestry, with an emphasis on his Nashua, NH relatives, and how his family ties and ethnic heritage are reflected in his Lowell based novels. The Beat Face of God: The Beat Generation Writers as Spirit Guides. Trafford Publishing, 2005. This book examines some of the religious and spiritual themes in the works of several of the Beat Generation writers, including Kerouac among many others. Foreword by David Amram. Troubadour and Poet: The Magical Ministry of Ric Masten. Trafford Publishing, 2007. This is a “tribute book” to the late Rev. Ric Masten who was designated as the Poet Laureate of Carmel, California. It recounts Rev. Masten’s unique troubadour ministry with Unitarian Universalist congregations in the latter part of the 20th century and celebrates his poetry. Foreword by the late actress Ruby Dee. Bring Your Own God: The Spirituality of Woody Guthrie. Trafford Publishing, 2011. This is an examination of the religious and spiritual themes in the life and work of Woody Guthrie. The book was written and published to coincide with the Woody Guthrie Centennial in 2012. Foreword by David Amram. God Is Not God’s Name: A Journey Beyond Words. Trafford Publishing, 2018. This is Rev. Edington’s spiritual autobiography as it recounts his journey from an evangelical Baptist church in southern West Virginia to the very liberal Unitarian Universalist ministry. It recounts some of the religious and spiritual truths he discovered for himself along the way. Foreword by John Leland, a feature writer for The New York Times and author of Why Kerouac Matters.