Geography of God: Exploring the Christian Journey

Here is a book for those who are on the spiritual journey and are looking for a wise and creative friend to walk with. In the same way that a good conversation unfolds over a leisurely cup of coffee or on a refreshing drive through the countryside, Lindvall brings to the discussion so many stimulating insights that we are glad to have shared this time with him. Michael Lindvall is known as the author of two wonderful collections of "life in the parish" essays about the fictional "North Haven" congregation that are so tenderly written and satisfying that we can understand why he is so well-thought of as the pastor of the large, historically significant and currently thriving Brick Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. In this new release, Lindvall presents a guide to the landscape of the Christian journey. His short chapters are filled with excellent observations about the realities of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the way of faith. Lindvall not only includes wonderful illustrations and references to great theological thinkers and literary giants of the past, but also apt observations about contemporary life. Those who love to read, will meet many old friends and new in these pages, from Albert Schweitzer and Tony Campolo to Charles Schultz and Thomas Merton, all in a lively "Christian Round Table" mix of contributions to stimulate reflection on the life of faith. One of the key observations Lindvall makes is that a life of faith is a combination of trust and belief. That they are two sides of the same coin. This is a good way of bringing together the sometimes divergent tendencies in one's spiritual journey. Indeed, one could say that Lindvall offers a gentle encouragement to each of us, to explore that side of the coin we may have been undervaluing heretofore. It is quite possible that many of these chapters were first presented as sermons for his congregation and if so, we can understand why Lindvall makes these connections between the Bible, the lives of Christians of the past, and the concerns of the present day. This interplay between the gospel and grace on the one hand, and dally life on the other, is the requirement of a preacher, and Lindvall presents this interplay in a refreshing style, There is much here to revisit and ponder. As Katie Couric says in a short quote on the front of the book, "Michael Lindvall is the perfect guide for wherever you are on your spiritual journey--walking alongside you as a compassionate, tolerant companion with a keen intellect that is exciting and energizing." If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction.

Each of us is on a faith journey, though we may all be at different places. Some may be just beginning; others may be further along but plodding, or even wandering far off the track. And some of us may be nearing the end, or at least think we are. Regardless of where you are, this book provides a "road map" to see more clearly where you are going or where you have been. Lindvall, Senior Pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City, has written an easy-to-understand, slim volume that is divided into three sections: "Leaving for Home," "The Way," and "Life on the Road." He answers questions that many have about atonement, forgiveness, prayer, the importance of belonging to a church, what should happen in worship, how to read the Bible, the part that creeds play, the trinity, and other matters. However, he does not do this in either a technical or a preachy way, but in a way that makes sense. Like all good preachers, he has many stories to tell that both entertain and instruct. If you have never read a book about the Christian faith, this isn't a bad place to start. And if you have read many, as I have, you'll still be entranced. I expect this is a book that would work well for a class or discussion group, and I hope to use it that way myself.