Finding Our Way Again, by Brian McLaren

I think by the fact that this is the 3rd McLaren book I've read in a short amount of time you are beginning to see that I like this author. Finding Our Way Again: A Return of the Ancient Practices is the introduction to a series of books on the Ancient Practices of spirituality. Following this book, there will be a book (written by different authors) on each practice: fixed hour prayer, fasting, Sabbath, the sacred meal, pilgrimage, observance of sacred seasons, and giving.

I got this book for free from BookSneeze.com on a promise that I would write a review on it. Honestly, I wasn't too thrilled by the thought of reading a whole book which is supposed to be an introduction. However, my apprehension was quickly turned to enjoyment as I ruffled through these pages more quickly than the author intended.

McLaren's basic motive in Finding Our Way Again is to re-introduce, re-orient, and re-energize readers toward the idea of ancient spiritual practices. These practices are not about ascribing more rigidly to a religious code, doctrine or philisophical camp. And they're not about just praying harder and longer so you'll feel closer to God. According to McLaren, they're about reconnecting with life, waking up daily with a freshness that inclines us toward life rather than a dullness that struggles not to be completely drained by the day's tasks.

He writes, "Spiritual practices are pretty earthy, and they're not strictly about spirituality as it is often defined; they're about humanity." He also emphasizes the idea that spiritual practices help to grow us into the people we're going to be; "What kind of person will you become in the math and aftermath of all the fecality life slings at you between diapers and Depends?...Our bodies grow fatter, we're all on diets, and our souls, meanwhile, go wispy and anorexic." Spiritual practices are like food for our souls. Or, if you don't prefer spiritual-like language (e.g. "soul"), these practices are meant to feed our human parts.

In advocating for spiritual awareness and practicing, the author states early and often that the last thing he aims to do is to tack on spiritual practices to a person's ever growing to-do list. Instead of trying to remember to pray or fast, or making time on the calendar to observe sacred seasons, he offers spirituality as a way of life rather than a code of religious arms or a set of theological propositions.

I'm summarzing, but McLaren submits a new idea for how to view Christianity. When one joins Weight Watchers in order to lose weight and improve health, the mantra is that this is not a diet, it's a different way of life. Similarly, McLaren suggests that we view Christianity as a way of life rather than a set of beliefs. This has profound implications when we chew on it. If you ask many Christians what is required to be called a 'Christian,' they will respond with, "A Christian is someone who beleives that Jesus is the son of God and died on the cross in order to satisfy the blood debt for our sins." With this as the only requirement of Christianity, McLaren laments that some people are Christians who do not follow Jesus, and some people follow Jesus who are not Christians. His point: Christianity (to be a 'little Christ') should be seen as a way of life that strives to follow and live like Jesus.

However, I'm digressing from the main theme of this book, which is, practicing the presence of God. Practicing is emphasized as well, "Practices are not for know-it-alls. Practices are for those who feel the need for change, growth, development, learning. Practices are for disciples." And that's his point. Once a person has stopped growing and changing and learning, she has become static, stagnant, she begins to rot, dry out, fester and ultimately move against God's intended flow of life.

The writting is typical of Brian McLaren: informal, anecdotal, smooth and to the point. Each chapter ends with a set of spiritual exercises. And generally, when books end with little sections of what-to-do-nows or how-to-go-deeper, they're typically poorly thought out and uninteresting. However, as I read over the suggested exercises (though I admit I didn't try a one of them) I thought that they were well thought out and would be very helpful if chapters were taken one at a time, say, in a group setting.

The closing message: keep practicing and developing your faith and serving those around you. If you claim no faith, then keep practicing that which feeds your human parts, gives energy to your innards, inspires you toward the good of humanity.