July 11, 2010 31 Comments

Flirting With Faith – Video Book Review

Books about people finding faith can be either annoying or compelling. I’ve rarely found a middle ground with such things. Joan Ball’s Flirting with Faith: My Spiritual Journey from Atheism to a Faith-Filled Life (amazon affiliate link) is the latter. It was a great story of an imperfect person finding a strange-but-compelling link to her faith. It has notes of Anne Lamott, or rather, that’s pretty much the person we non-religious readers can think of at times like this. It’s on the same bookshelf as Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz.

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Me? I found it an interesting read and I appreciated the experience of reading it. Here’s a quick review.

If you want to read Joan’s experiences with faith, you’ll find the journey interesting and potentially rewarding.

The Genesis Framework empowers you to quickly and easily build incredible websites with WordPress. Whether you're a novice or advanced developer, Genesis provides you with the secure and search-engine-optimized foundation that takes WordPress to places you never thought it could go.

With automatic theme updates and world-class support included, Genesis is the smart choice for your WordPress website or blog.

Find out more about the framework features
Check out the Genesis demo and the wide variety of child themes
See example designs in the Genesis design showcase

Become a StudioPress Affiliate

Pingback: Obama: Individual salvation depends on collective salvation | MorallyRight.org
http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

I haven't read this one but may check it out.

Faith is such a curious thing. We all have it, even if some don't think they do. It's when we start talking in terms of “religious” faith that people get all squirmy. I think we complicate faith, even the religious kind. For me, I can't explain God like I can't explain love or the wind but I have experienced all three and know they exist. I think, in terms of the Christian faith, if believers just focused on practicing what Jesus said… faith might be more compelling, more often. :)

“Which is the greatest commandment? Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

That “love your neighbor” part especially.
http://twitter.com/CRRTravel1 Tom Ranieri

Looks interesting and you cant beat the price. My days of reading have turned into days of listening now with audible.com I find it much easier to get through books listening to them. I will check for Flirting with Faith on audible.com.

Never hurts to listen to a good Faith filled book. It's like getting a good work out in the morning it gets you ready to go in my opinion. Unfortunately working out and listening to Faith filled books dont happen on my everyday schedule but I guess it is never too late. pura vida!
andrewcareaga

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book. I hadn't heard of this one but may need to add it to my reading list. As you point out, Anne Lamott and Don Miller are the de facto leaders of this genre, but one of the best non-religious/non-churchianity books I've read on the subject of faith was “Messy Spirituality,” by the late Mike Yaconelli. Mike was the founder of a youth ministry organization called Youth Specialties and died a few years ago in a car crash.

Another great eye-opener on spirituality for me was the book “The Ragamuffin Gospel,” by Brennan Manning, a former Catholic priest. It's more theological in tone and probably not as accessible to those who aren't as familiar with the Catholic tradition (or for that matter most orthodox Christian belief systems), and it's slow at times, but its portrayal of God as a grace-filled, ever-forgiving lover of humanity can't be beat.
http://www.stellarpointgroup.com Go2Mach2

Chris….

A unique post….but a good one.

I believe the secret to any kind of faith…and more importantly – putting it into action….is not about finding anything. It's all about the “Search” for it and the willingness to keep looking in order to improve ourselves…which makes the world around us a little better place.

I'll take a look at the book….Thanks for the post….
http://twitter.com/judymartin8 Judy Martin

Mornin Chris,
Love that you stretched your mind to pick up the book. Dogma or no dogma, we're all questioning the secret of the universe or our own truth of existence. Books like this make us think. I think contemplation is good because we're forced into a deeper consciousness, even for a little bit. Through such books I think we're offered an opportunity to think about what the heck we're doing here and how we can be effective and fun human beings on the planet.
Pingback: Air Bender - How many episodes are in the whole avatar last airbender series? - Costumes
acowboyswife

As someone who struggles with her faith (and writes about it on my blog), I'd love to read it. I often don't believe but want to believe. I'm currently reading the The Shack which is very good so far. Thanks for the recommendation.
Brian Kevin Johnston

Chris- Thanks for sharing a book review on Faith…. God is good indeed! Everything you have accomplished (believe it or not) is a result of Your God, and he Love's us all regardless of what “some” religious institutions want us to believe… Best, Brian-
http://randyschrum.com Randy Schrum

Chris,

Very cool, thanks for being authentic about the journey and your own story.
http://www.hanifinloyalty.com/ billhanifin

Chris, I like your straightforward style in doing this book review and appreciate the heads-up on an interesting book. Some people would have hesitated to review any book on faith or religion and I appreciate that you did not shy from the challenge, once compelled by the book.
http://www.hanifinloyalty.com/ billhanifin

The Shack was enjoyable for me to read as it highlights the importance of a personal, heartfelt relationship with God and puts the trappings of religion in a secondary position. Keep reading!
boomer54mark

I have followed you for over 2 years, and as a person of faith, I find it interesting that you share with us a book on how someone found faith.

I have not read this one…however, based on your recommendation will now put it on my summer read list.

Two items, I just discovered that Darren Rowse, Problogger.net, is a person of faith. He shared with us recently his preparation with teaching at his church. And have you discussed with Darren, your foray into finding faith with him?

Thanks for the share…

Mark
http://www.riverwoodwriter.com/ Elizabeth H. Cottrell

Chris, my already high respect for you took a jump with this review. It models for us, once again, how to be human and real in this online world and reminds us all that our spiritual growth is worth investing time in. This book will go on my To Read list. If you haven't read Phillip Yancey's work, he writes honestly and poignantly about the highs and lows, doubts and fears, of his own journey.
acowboyswife

This is exactly why I love it so much. Because I don't have a religion, but just want to learn, believe and have faith..I feel like it's the perfect read for me but I'm open to reading more about the subject. It's been a long journey for me to find faith (longer than I thought it would be) but I know that some day, it will hit me and I will understand, I will believe.
http://www.hanifinloyalty.com/ billhanifin

You sure sound like you're on the right track. Faith is something we choose to have as there are some things that we just can't fully understand or explain. “Who can explain the wind, where it comes from or where it goes”.
http://www.usaugg-shops.com UGG

With so many design options, you can use the template over and over and never have it look like the same site. The theme is robust and flexible enough not only to accommodate a site like ChrisBrogan.com, but also to enable the site to run far more efficiently than it ever has before.<a
http://www.usaugg-shops.com UGG

dasfd china
http://twitter.com/tcmeister Tony Meister

Very cool – thank you for sharing this book. It is very refreshing to hear you recommend a book on faith. For me personally faith in Christ has pulled me from the very bottom to the place I’m at now where life is amazing. It seems these days that “Jesus” is often a swear word more than the name of a Creator whose story reveals the ultimate compassion – dying for those He loved. Can’t wait to hear about Joan’s journey and thank you Chris for sharing your “interesting read” with us. I find it easy to receive someone who simply shares what they like without worrying about stepping in the mine field that religion and faith can often bring about. Awesome.
Prakaash_23

Hi Chris, I love reading books on faith, as I believe in faith. Very thoughtfull of you to share this book, thanks:)
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/QDOICD5OVE2MTFUP2MPDWZLZKE Jack Nio

Thank you for your article.
my friend reccommend this website to me. you can go and see it. it's good.

replica watches
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/QDOICD5OVE2MTFUP2MPDWZLZKE Jack Nio

everyone has its own idea too the speech.
replica watches
http://www.cheapbootssale.us ugg boots

With the medical science advances, We know more about the enhancement of health problems. Exercise is the key to strengthen health.According to the post that running every morning is the simplest way if you don't want to go to the gym. It teach you a lot about exercise methods here.I feel it is good for us.On the other hand,I want to buy some fashion things in these websites but I dont know how to choose.I hope you can help me.thank you very much! Dior homme shoes
Pingback: A Place For The God-Hungry » Blog Archive » Ministry Inside.11
http://twitter.com/Rochelle_Rich Rochelle Rich

Thanks for sharing Chris. I am glad you enjoyed the book and I hope it helped you in building your own relationship with God. I hadn't heard of this book but after your recommendation, I will certainly take a look at it. Keep the reviews coming!
mbt shoes

The market in 1996. Swiss MBT Shoes are now sold in over 20 countries, annual sales volume of this revolution is about one million pairs. Therefore MBT Shoes attempt to spread the ideas and concepts of fitness shoes, awaken and strengthen the people's right foot consistent with physiological knowledge, and to direct, simple way, to meet the physiological benefits of the right foot to leave you. MBT want to help people around the world have a more healthy, active and happy life. MBT shoes believe that human fitness and health are largely affected by the walk way, this view has been confirmed by a number of scientific research. The new MBT shoes add to various fashion elements in the summer, which make a lot of people love it. MBT Sandals is one of the most popular shoes! So as MBT Lami Shoe, Womens MBT Chapa Shoe, MBT Sport, Mens MBT Tembea.
Mens Mbt Chapa shoe
Man MBT Fuaba Shoes
Women MBT Ema Shoes
Women MBT Habari Shoes
Women MBT Panda Shoes
Women MBT Salama Shoe
Women's Mbt Staka Shoes.
MBT is so good, and nike air max 2010
nike air max 2009
womens air max 2010
womens air max 2009
MBT Sandals
Womens MBT Chapa Shoe
MBT Lami Shoe
MBT Shoes
MBT shoes. They all welcome!

womens air max 2010
womens air max 2009
discount MBT shoes
Discount MBT
mbt sale
cheap mbts
mbt footwear
MBT Tataga Shoes sale!
nike air max
nike shox shoes
women nike shox
tory burch shoes
tory burch flats
tory burch heel shoes
MBT Voi Shoes,
MBT Tariki Shoes,
MBT Shuguli GTX Shoes,
MBT Kimondo Shoes,
MBT Karani Shoes,
MBT Fanaka GTX Shoes
MBT Mora Shoes
http://www.nfljerseycom.com Lushengfang

Those were the views of various quarters sought by The Malay Mail this morning on criticism by two religious scholars on Muslims football fans wearing emblems that could 'erode' their faith, Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons such as the Christian crucifix, Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Carolina Panthers representation of the devil and beer company logo. Chicago Bears
Cincinnati Bengals
Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan said the Cleveland Browns
Dallas Cowboys
Denver Broncos 'devil' emblem of England's Manchester United Football Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Houston Texans Club did not represent devil worshipping. Indianapolis Colts
Kansas City Chiefs
Minnesota Vikings
New England Patriots
“It so happens that they are New York Giants
New York Jets
Oakland Raiders famously called the Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers
San Diego Chargers
San Francisco 49ers Red Devils. Not that it means anything.” Seattle Seahawks
St. Louis Rams
Super Bowl Merchandise
He said if wearing the jersey would Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tennessee Titans
Washington Redskins
Miami Dolphins
Arizona Diamondbacks
Atlanta Braves “erode” Muslim fans' belief, then wearing Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox anything that symbolised Islam for Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Indians
Colorado Rockies
Detroit Tigers
Florida Marlins non-Muslims should also be prohibited, too. Houston Astros
Kansas City Royals
L.A. Dodgers
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
“For example, Milwaukee Brewers
Minnesota Twins
New York Mets the Malaysian flag has a crescent which New York Yankees
Oakland Athletics
Philadelphia Phillies symbolises Islam. Pittsburgh Pirates
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants Should non-Muslim Malaysians stop putting on Seattle Mariners
St. Louis Cardinals
Tampa Bay Rays Gear
Tampa Bay Rays attires with the Jalur Gemilang printed on Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays
Washington Nationals it or even stop respecting the flag? Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics
Charlotte Bobcats
Chicago Bulls
“It is a bit too extreme and does Cleveland Cavaliers
Dallas Mavericks
Denver Nuggets not make any sense. Detroit Pistons
Golden State Warriors
Houston Rockets
Indiana Pacers This issue has made it to international Press. Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Memphis Grizzlies
Miami Heat People will be puzzled as Milwaukee Bucks
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Jersey Nets to why are we getting too worked up over a jersey. New Orleans Hornets
New York Knicks
Orlando Magic
“The religious Philadelphia 76ers
Phoenix Suns
Portland Trail Blazers authorities should look into the objectives Sacramento Kings
San Antonio Spurs
Seattle SuperSonics of sports and the positive spirit of sports instead.” Toronto Raptors
Utah Jazz
Washington Wizards
Anaheim Ducks
National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC) Calgary Flames
Columbus Blue Jackets
Florida Panthers
Montreal Canadiens chief executive officer Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah New York Rangers
Pittsburgh Penguins
Toronto Maple Leafs said the matter had been blown out of proportion. Atlanta Thrashers
Carolina Hurricanes
Dallas Stars
Hartford Whalers
“It should be up to individuals. Nashville Predators
Ottawa Senators We cannot avoid having all the symbols that meant different things to certain culture or religion.” San Jose Sharks
Vancouver Canucks
He said the religious authorities should focus on lifestyles and clothings that conflicted with the religion. Boston Bruins
Chicago Blackhawks
Detroit Red Wings
“They have to focus on seeing how to better the Muslims in the country and focus on the more serious social problems. It is all about priority. Los Angeles Kings
New Jersey Devils
St. Louis Blues
“In this case, Washington Capitals
Buffalo Sabres it all goes back to education. Colorado Avalanche
Edmonton Oilers If one is a good Muslim, Minnesota Wild he or she would know what is allowed and what is not. New York Islanders
Phoenix Coyotes
“But in a multiracial country like ours, this should not be brought up.” Tampa Bay Lightning
Syariah lawyer Mohd Hamidullah Che Hassan viewed the issue as one related to makruh, which means that a Muslim is not encouraged to do it, but it is not sinful.
“By right, Muslims are not allowed to wear anything that represents the devil, for example. Imagine going to the mosque to perform your prayers while wearing the jersey. That's not how you present yourself to God.” World All Stars
When asked what he thought of Liverpool's previous jersey, which bore the Carlsberg beer company logo, Philadelphia Flyers
he said it was also inappropriate as it promoted alcohol which is forbidden in Islam.
Gdsge

Is it the right way? http://www.ukbootsoutlet.com Yes. Is it the best way? Yes. Is it the way that most media people like me would suddenly find ourselves flooded with only relevant and interesting stuff?http://www.usaugg-shops.com
Pingback: Faith book | AceFlyer
http://www.all-good-batteries.com/ huahao

good post!!
http://www.all-good-batteries.com/ huahao

I like it

Flirting With Faith – Video Book Review

ChrisBrogan.com runs on the Genesis Framework

Supporters

About

Subscribe