Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices

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.

was given a book by booksneeze.com in exchange of an honest review. I have never given a bad review before. but here is my first one. Brian Mclaren is a controversial pastor, so i knew coming into the read that it might be strange. This guy is a Universalist at best. There are many wasted chapters where i got done reading and i though, 'What did he just say?' But the fact is, he compared Christianity to Islam and Judaism. While i agree Jesus did not die on the cross for a religion but a relationship (I preach that all the time), i don't think a person could just pick a religion and be okay with it. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. no one comes to the Father except through Him. Mcclaren is wrong and disagrees with this.
Don't wast your time and stay away from this dangerous book!
Humbly submitted,
Joel Bremer

Christian renewal movements begin with the claim that the church has lost its way and then move on to suggest how we can revivify the faith. Brian McLaren wants to recast the faith as a "way of life" that moves beyond the tried but tired "systems of belief" found in "militaristic scientific secularism, pushy religious fundamentalism, and mushy amorphous [read "new age"] spirituality." This "fourth way" will look backward in order to move forward. In this introductory volume McLaren sets the table for future books in a series devoted to the seven ancient practices of prayer, fasting, Sabbath, the sacred meal, pilgrimage, the liturgical year, and tithing.

McLaren gravitates toward the idea of the kingdom of God as a movement and away from the church as an institution (37, 51, 52), which is a bit odd given that the ancient practices are distinctly ecclesial. As the founding pastor of the non-denominational Cedar Ridge Community Church in metro-Baltimore (1982-2006), he's well aware of the distinction, although he never addresses the inevitability and even necessity of institutions. Still, who has not resonated with the joke that Jesus promised a kingdom but what we got was the church, or with the conundrum of how we might "bottle the lightening?"

Just as one would never dream of excelling in a sport or playing a musical instrument without hard work, so too the Christian way requires intentional practice(s) for a lifetime. Some of the practices, he explains, are contemplative (reading, Sabbath, or prayer), others are communal (hospitality, singing, or confession), and still others missional (caring for the sick, helping the poor). In the last part of his book McLaren gives general sketches of "a common ancient treasure" of "the threefold way" as found in both the Latin west and the Greek east -- namely, the Via Purgativa or Katharsis, Via Illuminativa or Fotosis, and Via Unitiva or Theosis. McLaren shares liberally from his own Christian pilgrimage in a self-effacing manner, and ends each chapter with questions for reflection.

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

Christianity has a tendency to lose its way. A brief survey of Western culture will reveal a series of mistakes ranging from carelessness to atrocity. Today people find themselves pulled between a variety of religious cultures and are subject to all sorts of religious marketing. Each of these denominations, events or causes focuses on their relevancy to culture and to Christ. But why do they look so different? How can one Bible result in unique Catholic, Orthodox, and Evangelical fellowships? If you take this question one step further you may ask yourself how Abraham is identified as a key character in the story of Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. Someone took a wrong turn somewhere and lost sight of where they were going. Everyone wants to know who is wrong, and more importantly: who is right.

Brian McLaren tackles these questions head on with his book titled, Finding Our Way Again. He argues that organized religion has obfuscated the mission of Jesus and that many people are searching for a Christian experience outside of organized religion. McLaren throws out the traditional organization of Christian fellowship and suggests that we peruse spiritual lifestyle that is congruent to the mission of God. This lifestyle is described as the way in part one of McLaren's book. The second section describes a series of spiritual practices that help us stay tuned to the way. The third and final part of the book connects these practices to their ancient roots.

Brian writes about deep topics in a light way. He is never heavy handed with theological vernacular or academic principles. His works are also insightful and well thought out. It is clear that McLaren is well read and has committed serious thought to his topics. He has appended a series of spiritual exercises to the end of each chapter. This step is symbolic of Brian's desire to connect with his audience over the topic of spirituality and the Christian way. It was difficult not to notice that McLaren went out of his way to associate Christianity with Islam and Judaism. The point he makes is not one of religious syncretism. He makes this reference on more than one occasion to highlight the tendency of mankind to get off track with God. I feel, however, that McLaren enjoys the prodding of traditional Christian thinkers.

I would recommend reading this book. It is insightful and relatively light. It takes religion head on without coming across as competitive or divisive. It should also be noted that McLaren's take on religion is not synchronous either. He walks the fine line between comparison and suggestion but remains true to Christian distinctive.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through the BookSneeze review program. The opinions expressed herein are my own.

Regarding the truth: if one has lost their way and strayed from the path, they must retrace their steps and find their way back to the place they had originally mis-stepped. Even though there are a lot of chunks in here that I don't agree with, I like what Brian McLaren was going for - in the broader sense. Christ's followers don't always follow Christ as closely as they ought to. Making Christ's ways a set of rules to follow makes it worse, as Jesus seemed to mold his followers through organic relationship.

"Jesus never makes 'Christians' or 'converts,' but he calls disciples and sends them out to continue the process: learn the way so you can model and teach the way to others who will do the same." McLaren then sites that the term Christian only occurs 3 times in the New Testament while disciple occurs more than 250 times. However, he the immediately applies the same logic to Abraham, Moses, and Muhammad and states that all of them, including Jesus, were intending a movement as opposed to a religious institution. I'm all for getting away from legalistic religiosity. However, even if one were to choose not to believe that Christ is who he says he is, it's a hard case to argue that Jesus merely wanted a movement.

Later in the book McLaren lists some practices and exercises. He gives modern examples of people putting some disciplines in action and he gives some tangible suggestions on how we can as well. He stresses that these are not to add to the already unhealthy to-do list, but rather "The purpose of the ancient practices is not to make us more religious. I is to make us more alive. Alive to God." I struggle with this book. I am glad that McLaren is trying to help folks grow closer to God. However, I am disappointed by the lack of playing time Jesus is given. For a book centered on getting back to what Jesus did, I've heard an awful lot about what other people are doing currently. I think McLaren's response would be that God is at work in those people. I believe that too. I just missed Jesus as I read the book.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their rad BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review of the book. The opinions I have expressed are my own. For more reviews like this one please check out my blog at booked and convicted.

Anyone engaged in a meaningful way in the ecclesiastical works is scratching their heads nowadays. This book offers some very thought-provoking answers.

Brian McLaren's Finding Our Way Again: The Return of The Ancient Practices is the introductory book in a series of books related to ancient religious practices. Notice the word religious instead of Christian. Although a pastor, supposedly evangelical, McLaren is known for his faulty biblical hermeneutics and "generous" interpretations of scriptural text. This book, although somewhat valuable in teaching historical practices, falls short in two major areas: 1) the practices McLaren espouses in the book are very easy to turn into legalism and ritual because that is what they are for the most part anyway, and 2) Finding Our Way Again is written from a religious neutral perspective. McLaren seemingly presents the three Abrahamic faiths--Christianity, Judaism, and Islam--as equally valid, and equally following and seeking for Jesus.

Although McLaren brings up some very valid points, such as fundamentalism being generally a turn-off to Christianity, his emphasis on outward practices puts a damper on the message he hoped to convey through this book. Although he calls for a return to ancient practices, he seems to contradict himself by saying Christians (and Jews, and Muslims) should not be too restrained by tradition. Should we practice these ancient ways? Or should we not? The back of the book features Jeremiah 6:16 in an attempt to give some biblical backing. However, again McLaren presents faulty interpretation and use of scripture. In the end, despite some seemingly good intentions and ideas, Find Our Way Again suffers from major flaws.

Finding our Way Again- The Return of Ancient Practices by Brian McLoren and Phyllis Tickle. The book starts off rather slow, but it has some good points about fixed hour prayer, having a mentor, and fasting. However I thought the book was trying to reach too large of an audience by discussing different religions such as Islam compared to Christianity. I could not figure out what religion the authors believed in from the book.

Overall the Finding Our Way did mention some good ideas, but lacked content that could help a Christian grow in Christ. I don't think the book was a good overview of ancient practices. I really enjoyed reading other books from this series, but my excitement from this one was not there. I was given this book by Booksneeze to review.

I've enjoyed other books by Brian McLaren (A New Kind of Christian in particular) and was excited to see a new book by him. I've always liked his writing style and the stories he tells. Phyllis Tickle, leader in the emerging church, is a youtube favorite of mine. Her words are hard to hear sometimes, but they are always truth that is completely necessary.

So, with that masterful combo, I was excited to read Finding Our Way Again. And I was impressed. I did not necessarily agree with everything I read, but I was pleased to learn new things and be challenged in ways I never am challenged in: the "lost" spiritual disciplines. My husband is all about spiritual disciplines and so he really enjoyed reading this book too. This book will be a good read for you if you are interested in growing in your relationship with God in unique ways.

I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson Publishers "Booksneeze" book review program. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review.