The Critical Journey, Stages in the Life of Faith, Second Edition [Paperback]

Janet O. Hagberg (Author), Robert A. Guelich (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2004

The Critical Journey, at its core, is a description of the spiritual journey—our response to our faith in God with the resulting changes that follow. Four completely new chapters, applying the six stages to areas of ministry, church, and personal life, have been added, as well as a section of questions and answers. Many new resources for teaching and group leadership are now available through the author’s web page.

The Critical Journey, at its core, is a description of the spiritual journey—our response to our faith in God with the resulting changes that follow.

In this book the authors address the following issues: the struggle to find meaning and wholeness, the crisis of values and identity at mid-life, the quest for self-actualization, the healing of early religious experiences, questions about the spiritual journey.

The Critical Journey does not reveal exactly how or when we need to move along in our personal pilgrimages, nor does it offer formulas for spiritual growth. Rather, it describes six phases of the spiritual journey and illustrates how people act and think while in these stages.

This is an excellent guide for those who are wrestling with their faith and wondering how others have resolved their "dark nights of the soul."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Janet O. Hagberg is an author, public speaker, spiritual director, and social activist. She has written seven books including The Inventurers, Real Power, Wrestling with Your Angels, and The Critical Journey. She is currently the Executive Director of The Silent Wit-ness Initiative. The organization’s goal is to eliminate domestic violence homicides by the year 2010.

Robert A. Guelich was professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. His previous publications include The Sermon on the Mount: A Critical-Historical Commentary; the Matthew volume in the New International Commentary series; the first of two volumes on Mark in the World Biblical Commentary series; and (as editor) Unity and Diversity in New Testament Theology: Festschrift for George Ladd. Robert Guelich died in 1991 of a heart attack.

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Sheffield Publishing Company; 2nd edition (July 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879215497
• ISBN-13: 978-1879215498
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,122 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a helpful assessment of spiritual growth, July 22, 2007

By 

Dr. Gary R. Sweeten (Cincinnati, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Critical Journey, Stages in the Life of Faith, Second Edition (Paperback)

Janet Hagberg has written one of the most helpful books I know for Pastors and Christian Educators. Those of us who have searched wide and near for a complete model of growth and been disappointed with Rick Warren's truncated version will likely find The Critical Journey to be a better fit.

I am buying multiple copies and using them in my classes and coaching sessions. Her newest version is even better than the earlier copies.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A life changing book., November 7, 2007

By 

Connie Sherwood (Grand Forks, North Dakota USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Critical Journey, Stages in the Life of Faith, Second Edition (Paperback)

I have used this book with several study groups since I read it as required reading in Spiritual Direction training. It is a must read for any person who is ever unclear about the way different Christians respond to things. This books changed the way I view my life. It has shed so much light on my relationship with God. We were not meant to go through this journey of faith alone, and this book is the absolute best word on that subject.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Critical Journey, Stages in the Life of Faith, Second Edition, January 11, 2007

By 

Larry R. Hobbs "goodhobbit" (Chico, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Critical Journey, Stages in the Life of Faith, Second Edition (Paperback)

This is an extremely helpful book for Christians and Christian leaders to understand the stages of spiritual formation of individuals and of congregations. Hagberg breaks down the Christian journey into very understandable and comprehensive stages that are relavent and make great sense. I would recommend it to all who want to have a better understanding of their own and other's journey in Christ.