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Title: Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices
ISBN: 1596445963
Author:
McLaren
Brian
Publicate Date: 2008-07-01
Publish: 2008-07-01
List Price: $24.98
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Audio CD
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $15.68
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Thoughts along "the Way" for the spiritually mature
One of the earliest terms with which early followers of Jesus described themselves was that they were followers of "the Way." Many of us who are engaging in a new-found spiritual sense or who are trying to jump the spiritual wagon wheel rut we have been in look first for a "way," a process, or a list of ingredients to follow.
"The Ancient Practices" series from Thomas Nelson publishing seeks to aid people who are seeking a refresher course on some of the older spiritual practices of Christianity (and possibly of all the Abrahamic faiths). "Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices" by Brian McLaren seeks to be the introductory guide to this burgeoning series.
McLaren is overt about his belief that these ancient practices are not solely the property of the Christian faith, but are rather shared in common by the three Abrahamic faiths: Christianity, Islam, and Judaisim. It is for that reason that I will not be reviewing this book as a Christian book per-se, but as a devotional guide for members of all three of these faiths written by one who identifies with Christianity.
In this introduction, McLaren introduces several spiritual practices in the hopes that the reader will find a new sense of spiritual life and open the possibilities of that person's life. "Practice (or exercise) may not make us perfect," McLaren comments, "but...it does make currently impossible things possible." (p. 46). McLaren's point is that these practices do not in of themselves create a spiritually wise person, but that they are good habits to pick up which will promote a more spiritually healthy life. In other words, these practices won't buy you the gym membership, but they are good things to try out while you're there.
At the end of every chapter, there are a list of questions which seek to elicit responses from the reader. These questions are generally good introspective looks at how one has previously been practicing religion, and how a new set of practices may build upon one's religious life.
McLaren's writing is a clear 1st person testimony of one who has attempted to include many of these practices in his own life. He seeks to take the role of mentor, someone who has gone before with successes and failures, in order to explain the coming path.
The last few chapters are riddled with McLaren's own imaginary mentor, an old abbess, who seeks to show him a way of spirituality that involves catharsis (letting things go), illumination (new things being brought to light), and theosis (coming into a "oneness" with the divine). It is through her imagined conversation with McLaren that one comes to point of the book, that practices can and do affect our lives and our awareness of spiritual realities.
As an ordained Lutheran pastor, however, I was disappointed in a few things about McLaren's book theologically. McLaren seems to open the door of "spirituality" wide enough for those of all three Abrahamic faiths in for the party. While I do not quibble with the ideas that Jews as well as Christians and Muslims practice a Sabbath, I do believe that a Sabbath without God's complete word including the divinity and sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin - is really no more than an empty day off. For this theological reason, I cannot recommend McLaren's book as primary material for those who are looking into beginning these practices. Practices without Jesus are empty, just as those who have books and do not read them are as empty as those who cannot read.
My church affirms Martin Luther's teaching to speak well of our neighbor and "put the best construction on everything," (Small Catechism, Explanation of the 8th Commandment). I have found that I can say some positive things about McLaren's work. "Finding Our Way Again," seeks to promote disciples in disciplines that have been lost by quite a few in our culture. Early Christians did take the Abrahamic practices of prayer, fasting, Sabbath, common meals, pilgrimage, the observance of holidays and tithing from the people of Israel. For this reason, we do well to follow suit and ask ourselves how these practices might form us as disciples of Jesus Christ as they formed disciples from the earliest of days.
"Finding Our Way Again" could benefit the spiritually mature in Christ Jesus in finding some new things to add to their "spiritual workout," perhaps some things that we have left in our collective pasts for too long.
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2: For in-depth study
The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything
We have loved The Secret Message of Jesus, and now our study group will go on to savor this book's depth of knowledge, delightful writing style, Biblical references where appropriate, short graspable chapters, and spiritual exercises evoking thought, spirit, and prayer.
My first yellow marker is pointed at the following on page 33: "What's gotten me into trouble,though, is my suspicion that a person can be a follower of the way of Jesus without affiliating with the Christian religion, and my simultaneous lament that a person can be accepted and even celebrated as a card-carrying member of the Christian club but not actually be a follower of the way of Jesus. And even worse, I've proposed that I would rather be a follower of the way of Jesus and not be affiliated with the Christian religion than the reverse."
My second yellow marker points to a highlighted section on page 36: "Jesus never makes "Christians" or "Converts," but he calls disciples and sends them out to continue the process."
And oh yes, those highlighted sections make wonderful challenges to intellect and spirit.
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3: McLaren explores ancient practices that will help ground believers desiring an authentic pilgrimage of faith
Prolific and sometimes controversial author Brian McLaren invites readers to explore the roots of their faith in his thought-provoking book, FINDING OUR WAY AGAIN, the first of eight installments in "The Ancient Practices Series."
We give birth to character through exercise --- exercise for the soul, says McLaren. This exercise, or exercises, might be called "life practices" or "spiritual practices," which develop our character and tune us in to God. The purpose of these practices is not to make us more religious, but to wake us up to life. To help us learn to pay attention. These practices get us through the hard times when we also feel alone and far from God. They help us rediscover our faith as a way of life, shaped and strengthened by ancient practices rather than just a set of beliefs --- an important distinction McLaren makes throughout the book. Churches can then become "schools of practice."
McLaren writes from a Christian perspective but intends his book for seekers and those from Christianity, Islam and Judaism. He looks specifically at seven ancient practices shared by the three religions: fixed-hour prayer, fasting, Sabbath, the sacred meal, pilgrimage, observance of sacred seasons, and giving. He begins by looking at the genesis of practice, then moves to helping the reader make these concepts a normal and habitual part of life. Each chapter ends with a series of questions, or "spiritual exercises," designed to help groups or individuals meditate on and apply the concepts in the chapter.
McLaren uses delightful images throughout his book, and his prose is competent and direct. One lovely phrase that struck me was "Contemplative practices, then, are means by which we become prepared for grace to surprise us. They are ways of opening our hands so that we can receive the gifts God wants to give us." Beautifully said. Contemplative practices might include: Solitude (or Sabbath or Silence), Spiritual Reading and Study, Spiritual Direction, Practicing God's Presence, Fixed-Hour Prayer, Prayer Journaling, Contemplative Prayer, Service, Simplicity, Fasting, Feasting, Holy Days/Season, Submission, Gratitude, Memorization and Meditation.
One of the best parts of the book is McLaren's meditation on God as light, our ways of experiencing this, and on the dark night of the soul. He reminds us that "Ones's enjoyment of the light of God is punctuated with nights and sometimes long, long nights, spiritual storms --- low-pressure systems, atmospheric depressions --- when the clouds are thick and gray for days, weeks, months, even years... One learns about light not just by being in its presence, but also by experiencing its absence."
Those who have read McLaren's books tend to find themselves alternately provoked, stimulated, reassured, angry and encouraged by his words. That's why I enjoy his writing so much --- it's impossible to read benignly. McLaren doesn't waste much time regurgitating pat answers; instead, he prompts readers to look at their faith inside out, upside down, and from every possible angle. What he seems to be after is authenticity, and if he sometimes provokes disagreement getting there, so be it.
McLaren encourages us to look at the best practices of faith, without regard to where they traditionally spring from. It's this ecumenicalism that is so appealing in his writing, a blending of the strongest practices from the Christian traditions, or what he calls Christianity going "open source." Some more conservative readers may feel that his writing veers toward universalism, which should open up plenty of interesting conversations and makes this a good book for discussion groups.
These practices are not intended to be legalistic rules, McLaren reminds us. Rather, they are intended to be a way of living to bring God's shalom into the world. When God takes us from being unhealthy (spiritually) to healthier, he is able to work through us to help heal a broken world. "What would happen if we were willing to risk everything so that people could...(be) formed and transformed by spiritual practices (?)" McLaren asks. These practices first change us, then help us to work change in the world.
Readers of FINDING OUR WAY will discover solid tools for an authentic pilgrimage of faith. Fans of McLaren will find this one of his best books to date.
--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby
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4: Very few people are devout Christians in the modern era; modernity erodes faith
Very few people are devout Christians in the modern era; modernity erodes faith. "Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices" is a guide to finding one's faith through looking to the past and the older methods of faith. With advice on following ancient practices of early Christians to restore one's faith in today's world, suggesting disciplines such as fixed hour prayer, sacred meals, pilgrimage, fasting and other concepts, "Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices" is highly recommended for community library Christian studies collections.
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5: Inspiring
In "Finding Our Way Again" by Brian McLaren, he argues that we have forgotten many of the old practices of Christianity. The emergent church movement is rediscovering many of these practices which have not been communicated or presented by the postmodern protestant church. McLaren does not place blame on any one of the present day movements, but it is clear that McLaren thinks that we have lost our way in the current day protestant church. In addition, he points out that the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths can all trace there early beginnings to Abraham and that many believing people in those faiths respect Jesus as a Jew, Messiah or Prophet.
The Way, what early Christians call their faith, is a way of life and not just a trip to church for the Sunday sermon and gathering. The Way included following Jesus' life, Paul's love, sharing their lives and resources with others. Apprenticeship in the Way is vital along with a good mentor. In touching our world, both heavenly and earthly outcomes are our goals.
The practices that McLaren reports on include individual contemplative, communal and missional practices which he advocates that we actively follow. McLaren is also very inclusive of other Christian faith traditions. The Catholic and Orthodox traditions are rich in practices that have meaning for us today.
The present day Orthodox practices of katharsis, fotosis and theosis are discussed in a very understandable metaphorical story. In reading the story, I found that these three stages of becoming more and closer to God is a process. I found that the process can be taught but must truly be caught to grasp. However, theosis is considered a mystery of God by many and it is difficult to fully understand.
I think that it is important to note that McLaren's book is a way of getting close to God through every day practices that is done with ease and is not mundane. I also think that many people feel close to God through liturgical practices. The later time liturgical practices and the early practices of the Way are compatible and not mutually exclusive.
As a side note, the July 2008 issue of "Theology Today" has devoted 4 of its 5 articles to theosis. This is an excellent source to learn more on the subject. In addition, "The Didache"("The Training of the Lord through the Twelve Apostles to the Gentiles") by Aaron Milavec is an excellent source on the early Way.
I was inspired by Brian McLaren's latest project. It is highly recommend for all.
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