Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down

Kirk Byron Jones has given some invaluable information for anyone living in the 21st century and challenged by all the 'divine opportunities' of family, church, school, and life in general. It is one that I intend to share with friends and family. In fact, I already have!It is of particular value for persons seeking to find the peace and calm of the day, centered in their spirituality, rather than in the physical, which often destracts and frustates.

This book is one that I re-read from time to time to remind myself to slow down and enjoy life. While it may make physical sense to refrain from being a super Type A person and to slow down to improve one's health, it's the spiritual reasons that truly help me receive the message to be in the moment and savor life more.I have given this book to several people as a gift and all have appreciated the messages Dr. Jones shares. His writing style is beautiful and the messages are thought-provoking and will stick with you.

great reading

Brings to light and breaks down much of what we struggle with in keeping up with the pace of life.

Excellent book.

Great book.

It took much effort to read this book as it was clear that it was going to be just another book that described a problem but provided NO solution. I actually read the whole book trying to hang on to hope that at some point there would be practical solutions on how to stop the hurrying in our lives. WASTE OF TIME!

Part serious social commentary, part self-help, Addicted to Hurry examines how constant hurrying diminishes people's lives, and it offers advice on slowing down.The first half of the book examines our cultural addiction to hurry in general terms, examines reasons why people run, and what they are running from. I especially liked two things in this part of the book: first, that Jones labeled chronic speed as a form of idolatry, and that he showed examples of what people are missing in their rush. Although Jones takes a strong stance against so much hurrying, he does display a good deal of understanding (rather than condemnation) for people who are caught up in the rush.The second half of the book describes a "savoring pace alternative" and offers numerous suggestions to help people slow down. While many self-help books fall into shallow platitudes and slogans, Jones resists this tendancy. Instead, he provides spritual food for the journey to a slower, saner life.Kirk Byron Jones is a professor of social ethics and pastoral ministry at Andover Newton Theological School, and also has twenty years of experience as a pastor. He offers a significant number of Biblical examples, so confirmed atheists may not like this book. Anyone with a healthy respect for Christianity (whether they are Christian or not) should find it helpful.The idea for this book grew out of Jones's writing of Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy. I ordered Addicted to Hurry because I loved Rest in the Storm. I thought Rest in the Storm was a bit better, and I would recommend clergy start there. However, Addicted to Hurry is still a very good book for both clergy and general audiences.