Nicholas Abbott

This book takes you inside the faith journey of the good people of the First United Methodist Church of Greenwich in Connecticut. It's not only about the epiphanies of individuals on a personal pilgrimage but it's also about the faith journey of a congregation. There are many inspirational moments about the genius of faith and the discoveries of persons whose faith has carried them to heights of understanding that, otherwise, they would not experience. This book is about the capacity of love to overcome life's everyday adversities. I like the humility in the writing and the humanity of these devout people writing about their faith journeys. The Preface by St. Augustine sets the tone: "Faith is believing what you do not see; the reward of faith is to see what you believe. Faith, therefore, is to believe that which you do not see. Truth is to see what you have believed." Given the vastness of the universe and the great mysteries beyond the reach of pure reason alone, it's reassuring to understand that faith and love may provide sufficient fuel to the engine of your search for meaning. I found myself in "Meditations" harking back to the narrative structure of some of the great picaresque tales of Chaucer, Cervantes, Steinbeck and Beckett: men and women sharing their deeper perspectives picqued by the joys and sorrows of everyday life during their travels in a pilgrimage together. This brief, intelligent and uplifting book is well edited by Nick Abbott and inspired by Reverend Ariel Ferrari. Need a little more faith and who doesn't? Then read this inspiring book and gain a new outlook on life. Why travel on your personal journey through life without faith when it can take you to such miraculous new levels of consciousness and understanding? The congregation of the First United Methodist Church of Greenwich certainly make a compelling case for it. Maybe it would help to take the next steps of your faith journey by sharing in their pleasant company.… (altro)