I must admit, this is the first Brian McLaren book I have actually read from cover to cover.  I have lots of his books on my book shelf, and have dipped in and out of them many times, but this is the first time I have ever completed one from start to finish – always seeming to have lots of other books that take a priority.

So I was glad to get the chance to read ‘Finding Our Way Again’, since it’s subject is very close to my heart, specifically, having an authentic experience of the Lordship of Jesus by encouraging the day-to-day use of ancient practices that have been largely forgotten about, or in some cases, ignored in the contemporary evangelical church culture.

The whole purpose of the book is explained in the first chapter, that Brian feels that as professing Jesus followers we need to “rediscover our faith as a way of life, not simply as a system of belief”.

I couldn’t agree more.  Spot on!

Does he achieve what he sets out to do?  Yes, I think he does.

The book is easy to read, with many illustrations and examples taken from his own life, and gives a good overview of a number of spiritual practices that have been used by believers through the ages.

However, he doesn’t cover anything in real depth, but I don’t think that was the function of the book.  It was written as the first in a series, The Ancient Practices Series, and as an introduction to the others I think it works perfectly. 

I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an outline of how ancient spiritual practices can add practical benefit to your daily walk with Jesus, but don’t expect too much because you will be disappointed.  However, having said this, my overriding feeling when I finished it was the desire to read the other books in the series, which from Brian’s perspective, I’m sure, would be considered as a successful outcome.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the US Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”