Sacred Pathways [Hardcover]

Gary Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2000

This book encourages readers to see strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies in their devotional approaches to God, and thus learn how to improve their devotional, quiet-time, and personal-worship life with God.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

One reason many Christians become discouraged with their devotional lives is because they've adopted a narrow, cut-and-dried approach--one they're not wired for as individuals. Sacred Pathways explores nine time-tested ways to commune with God that honor the unique design he has given each of us. The naturalist, the ascetic, the traditionalist, the activist, the enthusiast, the intellectual . . . this engaging, insightful, and well-written book will lead the reader to a deeper understanding of his or her spiritual temperament, and new vistas of relationship with God.

From the Back Cover

Some Christians effortlessly spend hours in contemplative prayer. Just being around them makes you wish you were that way. Or maybe you are that way, but others are far better at showing God's love in practical ways or courageously standing up for God's kingdom. Why can't you be like them? Maybe you weren't designed to be. In Sacred Pathways, Gary Thomas strips away the frustration of a one-size-fits all spirituality and guides you toward a path of worship that frees you to be you. Experienced spiritual directors recognize that all of us pray differently; if your devotional times have hit a snag, perhaps it is because you're trying to follow someone else's path. This book explodes the barriers that keep Christians locked into rigid methods of worship and praise. Sacred Pathways unfolds nine distinct spiritual temperaments -- their traits, strengths, and pitfalls. Illustrated with examples from the Bible and from the author's life experience, each one suggests an approach to loving God, a distinctive journey of adoration. In one or more you will see yourself and the ways you most naturally express your relationship with Jesus Christ. You'll also discover other temperaments that are not necessarily "you" but that you may wish to explore for the way they can stretch and invigorate your spiritual life. Perhaps you are a Naturalist. Prayer and praise well up within you when you're walking a forest path or drinking in a mountain's jagged beauty. Or maybe you're an Activist. Taking a stand for God's ways is your meat and drink. Whatever temperament or blend of temperaments best describes you, rest assured it's not be accident. It's by the design of a Creator who knew what he was doing when he made you according to his own unique intentions. If your spiritual walk is not what you'd like it to be, you can change that, starting here. Sacred Pathways will show you the route you were made to travel, marked by growth and filled with the riches of a close walk with God.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; First Edition edition (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310230926
• ISBN-13: 978-0310230922
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,320,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. He unites the study of Scripture, church history, and the Christian classics to foster spiritual growth and deeper relationships. Gary's unique message will help you:

* Embrace the unique way that you interact with God.
* Partner in the spiritual growth and character formation of your spouse.
* Build a closer, grace-based family.
* Enjoy God with a new sense of freedom and delight.

Find out more at: www.GaryThomas.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the heart's true home, February 9, 2000

By 

K. Yingst - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sacred Pathways (Hardcover)

Many members, one body. A delightfully refreshing look at the differences we have as individuals in the church through our communication with and worship of God. Thomas confirms our own uniqueness through nine "Sacred Pathways" to God - the naturalist, sensate, traditionalist, ascetic, activist, caregiver, enthusiast, contemplative and intellectual. He provides practical ways to test yourself at the end of each chapter to determine your own path. Just as God communicated differently for Moses, Elijah, and Paul, we too hear Him and worship Him in different ways. What a confirmation that you don't have to be a clone, but rather, can follow the direction God has put into your own heart. This book spoke to my spirit and I've recommended it to many. It is a must for pastors who wish to understand their congregation better. Thomas expands our horizons without compromising the message.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars God gave you your own way, October 9, 2003

By 

Jeff Wise (Louisville, KY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sacred Pathways (Paperback)

Just as people have different personality temperaments, they also have different spiritual temperaments or preferred ways of approaching God for worship and discipleship. This is the primary thesis of Gary Thomas' book, "Sacred Pathways." People do not have to go to God in the same way. The best way to approach God is in accordance with the specific temperaments with which one has been created.

Thomas contends that every person has at least one spiritual temperament, and most have several. Understanding basic spiritual temperaments is helpful not only for identifying one's God-given preferences, but also for understanding how others may worship God in equally valid ways.

"Sacred Pathways" includes a chapter each on nine spiritual temperaments: naturalists, sensates, traditionalists, ascetics, activists, caregivers, enthusiasts, contemplatives and intellectuals. Each chapter describes the temperament's distinguishing characteristics, including its strengths and weaknesses. Thomas' discussions are well illustrated with many personal experiences from his own life and others. Each chapter concludes with a short assessment to help readers determine whether they have that specific temperament.

The final chapter, "Understanding Your Sacred Pathway," gives practical suggestions on how to nurture one's spiritual personality which consists of one or more temperaments and the interplay between them. Thomas does not discuss the differences between private and corporate worship, but he does recognize that some temperaments are better suited for private worship-not all are equally suited for corporate worship. The final chapter also includes practical suggestions for cultivating a more meaningful devotional life in accordance with one's temperaments in both corporate and private worship. This is helpful not only for individual worshippers, but also for those responsible for leading corporate worship.

I first discovered this book through reading Rick Warren's "The Purpose-Driven Life." I'm glad I did; "Sacred Pathways" has given me a better understanding of-and a greater appreciation for-the different ways we worship God.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Overview of Devotional Styles, February 23, 2005

By 

David R. Bess (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sacred Pathways (Paperback)

Most Christians have dealt with the frustration of trying to balance a busy lifestyle with a consistent devotional time. Some of us do better with the balancing act than others. Many of us wonder, "Are there better ways I can commune with God on a regular basis?" Thomas states here that there are better ways, once we have discovered as God has placed them in us.

Thomas identifies nine "sacred pathways" that are present in differing degrees in Christians. Naturalists love God in nature. Sensates worship God through their five senses. Traditionalists walk with God through ritual and symbolism. Ascetics draw strength from solitude with God and from simplicity. Activists energize themselves spiritually through confrontation. Caregivers best worship God by caring for the physical needs of others. Enthusiasts love God with mystery and celebration. Contemplatives interact with God via adoration. Intellects love to serve God with their minds.

The author includes at the end of each chapter a questionnaire, so that reader can quiz himself to see how strong of an inclination he has in each pathway. Most people have two to three pathways that are dominate.

This title is excellent. I recommend it to anyone who wants to improve the quality of consistent devotional time with God.