Customer Reviews

The Seeker's Way: Cultivating the Longings of a Spiritual Life

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

 

 

This book could have been titled something like "Zen Christianity," as it is essentially an eastern mystic approach to spirituality. While I think Christians do need to be more aware of God's presence all around us, and to humbly realize that learning of God is a continuous growth in His wonder, awe, and mystery, this is not what truth is all about.

God gave us his revelation, which is the Bible, so that we can know certain things certainly. One of these certain things is as Jesus Christ said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Only through Jesus Christ do we really come to know God. Jesus Christ is himself God, the Son.

Our faith must be rooted first in God's Word, and from there develop spiritual disciplines and practices. I get the impression that Dave Fleming may not agree with this, especially since he refers to spiritual mentors in his book that do not. I gave 3 stars because it is well written, and I appreciate his contribution. But I do humbly offer my warning as stated above.

Having heard Mr Fleming speak in a church I was eager to read more. I was pleased to see that there is someone who seems ready to lead the church into a time when we realize that all religions come from the same great mysterious place. It is liberating to see that there is a christian thinker in the tradition of Teasdale or Borg (both used in this book) who would even take the first steps into leading the church to a place where they can be as influenced by the teachings of the Buddha, and Bhagavad Gita, Dalai Lhama and other great spiritual leaders as well as they can learn from jesus. Hopefully, as people use this text to help them on their seeker's way, they will discover that "salvation" is not exclusive to those who look to jesus as their spiritual leader. Well done, can't wait to see what is next.

Dave Flemming's The Seeker's Way is a postmodern book about the faith journey. Not catering only to the Christian faith tradition, although he embraces it, Flemming's words are for seekers of all faith traditions.
Former Pastor, Now Spiritual Advisor and Leadership Coach, Dave Flemming holds an earned doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix. Flemming encourages readers to embrace uncertainty, chaos, and questions. His words are inspiring to those who find themselves on the path of a learner.
Drawing allusions and references from Buddist monks, Hindus, and Muslims, as well as Christian luminaries such as Brother Lawrence and St. Augustine, Flemming encourages believers to get into relationship with others from different faith traditions. Establishing a seeker's group is one way, and to that end, Flemming includes an epilogue on starting a seeker's group.
Those who embrace emergent voices and are not afraid of other faith traditions will find this book salve to the soul. Jesus in the lotus position will not encourage staunch traditionalists. It will, however, reveal much to those who can endure the discomfort of facing other faith traditions. I highly recommend this book for seekers of all faiths and those longing to embrace the emergent voice. It is an excellent read, one I can't wait to read again.
Written for [...] by Suzanne Rae Deshchidn

This book is honestly one of the most important that I have read. In my own life spirituality has become a journey of confusion, hope, doubt, and faith. I have read many books about spiritual life in order to find meaning and make my journey real and personal. Most books speak of spirituality and seeking in terms that are cold and impersonally religious. The Seeker's Way is a beautiful story that gives me permission to have courage and even pride in my journey. I feel encouraged to embrace these longings, not through systematic formulas, but through a lifestyle that brings hope to my own seeker's way. I would strongly recommend this book to everyone, those whom are currently spiritually seeking and those who don't know they are yet. Peace, jared

The Seeker's Way is a must read for anyone who wants to take the next step forward in their spiritual journey. The book is intellectually stimulating, humerous, thought provoking and challenging. It is a refreshing and honest accounting of Dave Fleming's own journey and his interviews with spiritual authors who have influenced him in his quest. This book has certainly caused me to reflect on my own journey and has challenged me to move towards unexpected paths where one embraces the differences of others and celebrates our own uniqueness. I highly recommend it to everyone.