Book Review
The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life
by Tony Jones. Published by Zondervan, 2005
The Sacred Way is an interesting look at sixteen spiritual disciplines many of which are not generally practiced by the evangelical community today. The author Tony Jones, a leader in the emergent church movement, encourages readers to decide for themselves which practices fit within their own theology. While one may disagree with the conclusions drawn by the author on this point, the historical and cultural information alone makes the book worth reading. This is a very readable 200 pages that may give you a better understanding of those you know from more liturgical faiths. Though the chapters are somewhat uneven in that some disciplines are covered more thoroughly than others, The Sacred Way asks and guides the reader to answer the question, "How can ancient approaches to deepening one's faith help my relationship with God to thrive today?"
The book begins with a discussion of what Christian spirituality means. Jones believes that "to be enlivened by God's Spirit is the goal of Christian spirituality." He asks the reader to consider the idea that "head knowledge" must be put into practice to be truly meaningful. He proposes that commitment to practice, just as with athletics or music, is what is lacking in many Christians' spiritual walks. Woven throughout the book is the suggestion that to grow spiritually, nothing will substitute for spending time with God. Throughout the book, it is emphasized that it is not the disciplines themselves that are important, but instead to always keep in mind the purpose of drawing closer to God.
Each chapter details a particular practice. The book is divided between spiritual disciplines in thought: Silence and Solitude, Sacred Reading, The Jesus Prayer, Centering Prayer, Meditation, The Ignatian Examen, Icons, Spiritual Direction, Daily Office and spiritual disciplines in actions: Labyrinth, Stations of the Cross, Pilgrimage, Fasting, The Sign of the Cross, Sabbath, and Service. Each chapter is autonomous of the others, so it is possible to just pick out those of interest.
Jones delves into these spiritual disciplines by first describing his personal experience. Between chapters are excerpts from his journal written during his travels to monasteries and retreat centers throughout the world to study their practices first hand. Each chapter then has a section on the background of the practice in early Christian history. The book is filled with quotes from Christian writers spanning the centuries, such as Thomas à Kempis and Henri Nouwen, which are as thought provoking as the text. The next section of each chapter is a discussion on the theology behind the practice, and finally there are suggestions for application.
I was most intrigued by the chapter on silence and solitude. The author discusses how, in our society of constant media, practicing silence takes determination and planning. He goes on to suggest that our own thoughts of who we are can get wrapped up in our busyness, to the point that being still is frightening. "Back in the recesses of our minds, we know that if we slow down long enough and become quiet long enough, all these things, tasks, events, and doings will recede in importance. Where then will we find identity?...We discover our true identity, not as do-ers, but as be-ers. Our tasks in life boil down to: 'Be still and know that I am God.'"
As in other chapters, the chapter on fasting not only gives practical suggestions but discusses why this activity can be difficult for us today. "Exhibiting self-control and abiding by self-imposed limits are notions antithetical to our consumer-driven culture. Fasting is a spiritual remedy to what is, really, a spiritual problem. To fast shows our reliance upon God for all things. It reminds us that we are, ultimately, spiritual beings."
The book ends with a discussion on developing a "rule of life." The author stresses the importance of intentional, planned time to draw closer to God, whether it be through journaling, retreats, fasting, or any of the other practices. "It's within the time set aside to be disciplined that we are changed and shaped by God." The idea is to provide structure to the direction of our spiritual growth instead of just hoping it will happen in the course of our everyday lives. The resources section at the end of the book includes books, websites, and a list of Christian spiritual classics.
--Gina Stocker, Acquisitions Supervisor, Hurst Library