Speaking of Faith: Why Religion Matters--and How to Talk About It

You get the feeling that Krista Tippett was overwhelmed by what she was trying to accomplish. One gets the sense that she is 1) Trying to pull together all ideas that she has discussed in the years that she has had the privilege of talking spirituality with some of the most lucid, intelligent, and articulate people in religion and 2) Do some cathartic spiritual mind cleansing and 3) Try to weave the two threads together.The enormity of her enterprise is evidenced by the confusion in the structure of the book and the poorly executed organization. This is true of course, only if you are reading the book as a book. I didn't really understand the key until I was well into the book. The key is that one need to read the book as an extended conversation, or better yet, as an extended essay and rumination on theology, and peripherally, the impact that theology has had on her life.The theological discussion was extremely successful. It opened up deep wounds and it presented wonderful ideas and complex viewpoints clearly and succinctly, much like the radio show. The only drawback with this aspect of the book is that the book is not a comprehensive book, so she was not able to delve into the intricacies of the thoughts as much as she did with the radio program. So a basic understanding of the people of whom she speaks of is almost a necessity.Yet it was also substantial reading. It calls for all of your attention. The breadth of the book, the coverage of the religious landscape, the depth of the potential side trips, are all so very tempting and intellectually stimulating. I found myself thinking about the discourse and I also found myself laying the book down to take notes and to sit and think aloud, trying to digest all the implication brought up. It is certainly not light reading, but it is reading that is good for the soul. She said herself that she felt like she was running out of words, and you can sense the urgency in her writing towards the end. You can hear her thinking: so much to say, so few pages.The interjection of her own personal struggles with religion and her own burgeoning spiritual journey was less successfully treated. It wasn't that the interjections were unwelcome. It is because Krista picked and chose through her personal history to make certain points. I won't begrudge her right to do that, it takes an immense amount of courage to do something like this, but her choice of using limited exposure of her personal journey caused some awkwardness in reading that made me wonder if it was wise to even bring the subject up.It is a Faustian bargain I think; not delving into the personal would have made for a less personal and perhaps less interesting narrative; but not delving into the personal would have also smoothed out a lot of the awkward transitions with her ruminations. Someone who did a much better job of laying her spiritual and emotional life out for all to see is Elizabeth Gilbert in "Eat, Pray, Love", but I doubt anyone would have that kind of courage to reveal as much of herself as she did. In the end, I think the exposure of her own personal journey was symmetric with what she had to say about her belief in a personal kind of theological discussion, one that incorporates the personal account of the spiritual which makes the discussion all the more acceptable and creates better understanding of each other's faith. That point was made, but not well.In summary, this is not a quick summer read by the pool. You need to pay attention, and despite some rough edges and minor imperfections, you will be rewarded with a fascinating and broad rumination about the search for purpose and meaning.

The paperback edition of the book that I had ordered included an excellent discussion guide, etc. The cover picture shown on your site was of that specific editioHowever, when I received the two copies I had ordered, it was not of that edition, not of the book that you have pictured on your site. Very, very disappointing. I returned the two books. You re-embursed the money. I would much rather that you had sought the correct edition and sent me that. I hope the selling of editions other than the ones pictured or described is not something that happens with any kind of frequency, either with books, CDs or DVDs. This is the first time it has happened for me. The book itself is extraordinary. I found the harcover in a sale bin and thought it was a collection of her interviews on NPR. But it is her memoir, her own faith development - filled with thought provoking, faith enriching and spirit stirring insights. Beautifully written and definitely motivating the reader to go one his/her own spiritual journey. Her analysis of power and influence of religion, especially fundamentalism, gives great understanding of what is happening in our world today. And even more, may help individuals understand their own knee-jerk reactions to their own ungospel-like attitudes of exclusion, rather than inclusion. For me the book holds wisdom that deserves a wide readership. And that is why I buy many copies to give to friends, and to encourage people in church ministry to use as a guide in faith/ministry/awareness expansion. I myself am a Catholic priest - and I felt the Holy Spirit's "ru'ah" upon me the whole time I was reading this book.

Everyone has a unique life, but Krista Tippet has had opportunities way beyond the wildest dreams of most truth seekers. Her book chronicles a life rich in personal encounters with notable people from around the world. It is a long list. Not all of them are religious, but all are remarkable as unique spokespersons for some facet of that grand human attempt to make sense of things.This was my kind of book. I love to write in the margins, pose questions, add counter points etc.. It is not supposed to be a light or fun read. She is asking questions, hard questions that even the best and brightest of her guests struggle with. It is as others have suggested, an extended conversation. And it is a conversation that we can sit in on! My only regret is that I could not physically be there to ask my own questions or put in my 2 cents worth.Krista is no slouch herself. She was the perfect person to have all these opportunities. I hope she has the strength to continue these conversations. I worry a little that the shear weight of all the uncertainties and complexities she immerses herself in will take a toll. As she ends the book I can't tell if her glass is half full or half empty. But I know I desperately want to reach out to her and say, here are a few more pieces I have found to put in your glass.

great