My Journey: From an Iowa Farm to a Cathedral of Dreams

I didn't know much about Robert Schuller before I read this (he is a TV preacher who believes in the power of positive thinking), but I really liked his autobiography. It's a good book. I especially liked the retelling of his growing up on a farm, and his and his wife's early days with their "drive-in" church in California.

If Robert Schuller hasn't inspired you yet to think positively and trust in a higher power, this simple story of his life will. If you need proof that God has a plan for each of us, if you've ever questioned your own purpose on earth, if you are stuck in the rut of modern society, read the recollection of the trials and tribulations of the life of this simple, kind man who has done so much for so many. I've been a member of this church for a long time, but reading this story from his birth to the present has given me a new view of the awesome-ness of the mission Dr. Schuller and Arvella Schuller have built. I recommend this not only for viewers or followers of the church or Dr. Schuller, but also for the sceptics. I wonder if reading this man's journey will make you, too, look upon your own purpose and path in a different light. Above all else, I believe this is the motivation Dr. Schuller had for telling his own life story... to renew our own faith in positive thinking, ourselves and our God. Enjoy.

A wonderful book about the life of a man who has touched many. A nicely written Biography. Interesting in details and filled with his special can-do attitude. Buy it.

I have read a number of books by Robert Schuller. But, this is by far the best book he has written in my opinion. You ask, "What makes this book so outstanding?" Simple. He traces his upbringing in a strict Dutch Reformed Church, and how he grew beyond that upbringing to learn how to minister to those outside of his own tradition. I was surprised to learn that his college education had initially made him a rather boring speaker because he was taught to be deep and theological. Because of this, he lost potential members in his first church. He learned early on that in order to reach his members, and those without religious backgrounds he had to speak in a way that people could connect with. Furthermore, Robert Schuller talks about the people who influenced his own ministry such as one of his grade school teachers, and several of his college professors. I found the book to be refreshing in the transparent honesty Schuller displays with the reader. Schuller discusses how much the legendary Pastor Norman Vincent Peale had meant to him in the many endeavors that he attempted, but he also relates that for a time their relationship cooled. He speaks about the lack of support he received from his own denominational leaders, and the criticisms he received in some church publications -although his denomination would later recognize his visionary leadership. Pastor Schuller also shares with the reader some of the significant experiences he had with world citizens such as Armand Hammer and Mikhail Gorbechev, and what it was like. Surprisingly, Schuller speaks of his own bouts with depression and doubt as he sometimes struggled to make his dreams come to fruition. Probably one of the most touching pieces in the book is when he speaks of his daughter Carol losing her leg in a motorcycle accident, and how difficult this was for him. It is very refreshing to see this dreamer of man who has displayed extraordinary optimism, faith and a 'can do attitude' share with the reader that it is not always easy for Robert Schuller. Of course, he dispenses great advice for getting through the obstacles and challenges we may face in life in a very practical manner. In story after story, he inspires the reader to reach for excellence, and become a possibility thinker. Although, the book is a little over five hundred pages long, its richness and varied texture made it hard to put down. As I said, I have read a number of books by Robert Schuller, but this is the best.

This book is wonderful, lengthy, and detailed. Robert Schuller fans should not delay reading it.Celebrity biographies are often 10% before notoriety, and 90% after notoriety. MY JOURNEY, however, is gradual, and thus allows one to gain a comprehensive grasp of Robert Schullers life.There are photographs in this book, which I have never seen before. I was surprised to see photographs of Roberts' boyhood farm home both before and after the tornado which destroyed it. In many books and speakings, he has told the story of his home, and the destruction of it; but to see the photographs really added an illumination. He really did go from there to where he is now.If you liked his book Prayer, which was sort of biographical, then you will love this book. The fullness, and evenly distributed timeline of the book, make for a most impressive read. His life is inspiring, and this book about his life is more inspiring than any book of his that I have read.