Discovering the Narrow Path: A Guide to Spiritual Balance

Rating:
Summary: Readable and practical
Review: While the title may suggest that the book promotes a narrow way of thinking, the opposite is true. Standish has written a compelling book that is designed to help any Christian, regardless of denomination, seek and find a balance in his/her faith life. Following the narrow path means rejecting extremism while trusting God to lead us. How we practice our faith is not a matter of being "right," Standish observes. The various divisions within Christendom have come as people have tried to find a different path, one that integrates experiences,forms of worship, or understanding of God that have been largely missing. There are actually a number of paths that can be taken; the question is what is the right one for you. Further, we need to be willing to explore other paths to add balance and completeness to our spiritual lives.

One of the ways we need balance is in how we experience God; rather than focusing solely on God the Creator (as Eternal Presence, source of morality, ethics, truth, and law), or on Jesus (as the Incarnated Presence), or the Holy Spirit (as the Inspiring Power), we need to walk a Trinitarian Path and relate to God in all three ways. Another way to add balance is through integration of theology (the intellectual aspect), religion (church participation), and spirituality (forming a love relationship with God). Too often we ignore one or more of these. Other paths include the Healing Path, the Servant Path, the Mystical Path. In these and other areas Standish provides a clarity of vision and a fresh approach that will help individuals, alone or in groups, enlarge their vision and discover the narrow path of faith so that they can discover and experience God more fully. This book is a gem.

Rating:
Summary: Readable and practical
Review: While the title may suggest that the book promotes a narrow way of thinking, the opposite is true. Standish has written a compelling book that is designed to help any Christian, regardless of denomination, seek and find a balance in his/her faith life. Following the narrow path means rejecting extremism while trusting God to lead us. How we practice our faith is not a matter of being "right," Standish observes. The various divisions within Christendom have come as people have tried to find a different path, one that integrates experiences,forms of worship, or understanding of God that have been largely missing. There are actually a number of paths that can be taken; the question is what is the right one for you. Further, we need to be willing to explore other paths to add balance and completeness to our spiritual lives.

One of the ways we need balance is in how we experience God; rather than focusing solely on God the Creator (as Eternal Presence, source of morality, ethics, truth, and law), or on Jesus (as the Incarnated Presence), or the Holy Spirit (as the Inspiring Power), we need to walk a Trinitarian Path and relate to God in all three ways. Another way to add balance is through integration of theology (the intellectual aspect), religion (church participation), and spirituality (forming a love relationship with God). Too often we ignore one or more of these. Other paths include the Healing Path, the Servant Path, the Mystical Path. In these and other areas Standish provides a clarity of vision and a fresh approach that will help individuals, alone or in groups, enlarge their vision and discover the narrow path of faith so that they can discover and experience God more fully. This book is a gem.