Customer Reviews

Pilgrim Heart: The Way of Jesus in Everyday Life

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is well written and well researched. It contains many quotes from historical figures, Christians and philosophers (while this makes it "well-rounded" it can also make the book a bit high-brow in places. The book challenges the reader to consider what it means to be a christian in a variety of life situations. Although my initial impression was that is was a book about spiritual disciplines, it turned out to be more about Christian attitudes. I read and discussed this with a friend and we agreed that the 2nd half of the book is more interesting and engaging than the first...so hang in there, it's worth it.

This book is a very practical look at being sincere and genuine with God and with our Christian family in sharing the narrow path of Christianity. I would very strongly recommend this book for anyone, or for any small bible study group that is interested in being more sincere in pursuing Christianity together.

Awesome Book, I bought 2 copies for myself and a friend.

Christian Americans are hungry for a new spirituality, not the same old religion of their parents. The Pilgrim Heart offers a "new" take on Christianity by focusing on the oldest traditions of the religion, the ways that Jesus actually lived His word in the world. Darryl Tippens calls Christians to practice simple daily applications of Jesus' word. By living every day as Jesus did, Tippens hope to bring a renewed community spirit to contemporary Christianity.

One of the most compelling sections discusses forgiveness. Tippens reminds us of Jesus' prayer spoken from the cross, forgiving his ultimate persecutors and calls Christians to exhibit this same level of forgiveness. This is especially difficult in this age of dissolving families, revenge, retaliation and the war on terrorism. The author also expresses the importance of forgiving one's self as this is what Jesus expects of Christians as well, to try again, to make amends, to keep moving forward on the path.

Tippens make this book accessible to readers by providing countless examples of people fulfilling these everyday practices of Jesus. Though some of the references can sometimes feel overly heady, there are enough simple examples that make the message clear to readers. However, some of the author's suggestions feel overly simple, full of platitudes without enough direction as to how to implement the practices.

Armchair Interviews says: The Pilgrim Heart offers a refreshing look at deepening a personal relationship with Jesus by living as he did.

I find this book to be a good guide to soul care.. to be put alongside books like 'Keeping the Sabbath Holy' (Dawn) and 'Testament of Devotion'(Kelly). The gentle, conversational tone immediately puts you in the state to receive soul food, soul care and rest. Indeed, in my own frantic world of speed, tight schedule and demands, this is a welcome reminder to slow down and take ourselves a little less seriously and let God be God. For example, I took his suggestion to sometimes take the slowest lane to deliberately drive at a lower gear! Tippens suggests helpful way to prevent the rigor of discipleship and vocation from wearing us out for the lack of space and time to receive the fresh dews of God's nourishment through the practices of spiritual reading, hospitality, forgiveness, music, art, story-telling and rest. It is still a difficult discipline for me despite the number of very good materials I've read on the subject. The balance between work and rest remains a delicate one to maintain. But Tippens has a knack of slowing you down with every page and opening up a space amidst the clutter so we can breathe deep from the eternal source of life. It is however a different kind of book than what i thought the title suggests. With the title 'the way of Jesus in everyday life' I was expecting to read about the pathos of the suffering cross and the rigor of discipleship but what I have found instead is a congenial retreat companion that every serious Christ-follower will benefit from for its timely reminder to take breaks, care for one's own heart, travel light and enjoy the journey. For the weary, struggling, hurting and beleaguered pilgrims, Tippens has written a balm full of gentle wisdom.

My wife of 25 years died, leaving me with 3 sons. When i remarried, my wife came out of the Non-Instrumental Church of CHRIST of which Mr. Tippens is rooted in. She gave this book to me. My own journey of faith has covered bible college, mission trips, local congregation involvement while working in secular industry. My journey is not very different than your average pew Christian. As I confront my own mortality a sense of "what do I want to do with the rest of my life" is created, rooted, stirring a soul search within. Having read about all I thought I could stand to read, or cared too perhaps, along came this book. Mr. tippens while sharing his thoughts about certain influences in literature also shares a few of his own life situations. His own thoughts weaved, generate a perspective that is fresh though not entirely new to any of us. I guess you could say this book sharpens a focus on some core issues every human faces in life. It is as if he has bulletized the core issues, placed strategic focus on them in few, powerful, reflective words of timeless wisdom. What is so sweet to me, each chapter is not this exhaustive attempt to provide the reader with clarity filling up pages of redundant things you already heard a million times in your life. Great book, quick and easy read, straight and to the point. Thank you Mr. tippens your gift of this work came to me at a time in my life when this "pilgrim heart" needed it most.

I wanted to save money and ordered a used book. It is as described, and I am as happy as if it were a new book.

This is an excellent book for Christians and non Christians alike. The messages and helpful ideas are easily applied to our daily lives. It is written in a way that is easy to read.
I truely find this book a beneficial one.

This is a very good book. It's easy to read and offers a bunch of practical insight into the nature of God. I recommend it.

This book really helps you take a look at how to really live like Jesus. It is a simple yet thorough read.

Reviewed by Linda Benninghoff for Reader Views (2/07)

As the author says in the last chapter of "Pilgrim Heart," the conversion to faith is just the beginning of the religious journey, and seeking God is a life-long process. This book will make an excellent companion to the seeker as his or her faith grows.

The book discusses friendship, suffering, doubt, the state of being a sinner, cultural memories, beauty, and other topics critical to the religious life. Tippens quotes many well-known religious thinkers, from Augustine to Pascal, from Dietrich Bonhoeffer to Parker Palmer. He also quotes the Bible. When writing on friendship, he refers several times to John's exhortation that a friend must be ready to give up his or her life for a friend. He also discusses spiritual friendship. The book, as a whole, works to build up thoughts and insights that are enriching and rewarding.

One of the most startling parts of the book for me was Tippens' discussion of the "downward mobility" of Christianity. Christianity requires that we give up interest in worldly values, such as money, power and success. Because of it, we are humbled and become downwardly mobile. Suffering also can teach us the deeper meanings of life. Suffering can bring us to religious faith. And it is religious faith that teaches us how to cope with life's deeper issues and with death.

"Pilgrim Heart" was easy to understand and it was hard to put down. Tippens is learned, yet he remains down-to-earth. The book will be of value both to those beginning their spiritual journey and those well along the way. It accomplishes its aim of creating a spiritual outlook like that of the original disciples that can revitalize contemporary faith communities.


Received book free of charge.