The Crime of Living Cautiously: Hearing God's Call to Adventure [Hardcover]

Luci Shaw (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 19, 2005

What do you do when faced with such a moment? Do you sometimes get frozen into a state of inaction? Do you wonder if you are wasting the talents God has given you? Or if you enjoy adventure, do you struggle over whether a risk is just a reckless attempt to feed your own needs or a true calling from God?

Luci Shaw has learned to act with discernment in regard to motivation and calling. She has discovered a path of deep joy and fulfillment by risking the unknown in partnership with God. In this book you will find the way to break through the fear barrier and follow God to new levels.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Poet, writer and septuagenarian Shaw begins this slim book with an account of her recent bungee jumping in New Zealand. While her book covers such topics as fear, loss, conflict and relationships, the most interesting subject Shaw explores is her own life. In her chapter on conflict, for example, she writes candidly about what it's like to straddle the literary and evangelical worlds: "A common assumption... is that a Christian must write sanctimonious hymns or sentimental verses.... If my work is clearly 'literary'... I may be accused of watering down the gospel." These insights, along with a brief remembrance of her friendship with Madeleine L'Engle, give some vitality to this otherwise conventional, somewhat underwhelming book. Ironically, while Shaw's content focuses on the risks God calls Christians to take, the book itself never strays from safe, well-traveled evangelical territory. Her biblical examples, such as Moses' attempt to convince his people to take the promised land, may support her argument that we must obey God even if it feels risky, but her observations about these passages are not particularly original. Yet Shaw writes beautifully, includes generous helpings of poetry (both her own and others') and, in her own gentle way, injects a subtly feminist, pluralist sensibility into this orthodox book. (May)
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Review

"I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've been a fan of her poetry for many years; now she challenges me to live life on the edge. Bungee jumping at her age? I can feel the collective eyebrows rising. . . . "I, for one, needed the reminder that the Holy Spirit is often a cultural nonconformist, and the Christian life is meant to be innovative and exhilarating, a breathtaking journey; those opposed to risk need not apply." (David McFadzean, Wind Dancer Productions)

"Strap in and launch yourself into wild blue yonder with Luci Shaw. Like all good poets she revels in paradox, which is why she understands the spiritual life as both stillness and movement, contemplation and adventure. As a spiritual test pilot, Luci Shaw has the right stuff." (Gregory Wolfe, Editor, Image journal)

"I have known Luci Shaw first as a poet whose poetry invited attentiveness to specific moments, particular textures--in nature and in domestic spaces I recognized and loved; then I came to know her as a friend with a bracing, exuberant embrace of life which constantly challenged me to press on. Now, in these pages, she dashes on ahead and calls back over her shoulder, 'Dare! Double dare!' Here is an answer to pallid Christianity: as Luci richly demonstrates, living incautiously opens up all kinds of opportunities. Go ahead--read this book, be changed and challenged as l always am by reading Luci Shaw. I dare you." (Maxine Hancock, Ph.D., professor of interdisciplinary studies and spiritual theology, Regent College)

"Whirling in midair, Luci Shaw cries to us to stop clinging to our perches and leap out into wind-borne flight. This widow/poet/grandmother/gardener/bungee-jumper hammers on our fear-shackles and sings of a joyful, faith-full adventure beyond." (John G. Stackhouse Jr., Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology and Culture, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada)

"Luci Shaw does not live cautiously--her life is an exuberant romp in the things of creation. Nor does she write cautiously--her poetry is a dive into a pool of spirited (Spirit!) language. This witness, a fusion of personal stories and revealing poems, welcomes us into the fullness into which Christ calls us." (Eugene Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 140 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (April 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830832807
• ISBN-13: 978-0830832804
• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 5.8 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #835,229 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Luci Shaw is a poet, essayist, teacher and retreat leader. Born in England in 1928, she has lived in Australia and Canada and (since 1950) in the United States.

She is the author of a number of nonfiction books, including God in the Dark and Water My Soul. Her first book of poetry, Listen to the Green, was publishd in 1971. It was followed by several others, including Polishing the Petoskey Stone, Writing the River, The Angles of Light and, most recently, Accompanied by Angels (published by Eerdmans in July 2006),What the Light Was Like (published by WordFarm in Setpember 2006, Breath for the Bones (published by Thomas Nelson in 2007)and Harvesting Fog (published by Pinyon Press in 2010).

Her poems have appeared in publications such as Books & Culture, The Christian Century, Crux, Image, Radix, Rock & Sling, Relief, Ruminate, The Southern Review, Nimble Spirit and Weavings. Musical settings for several of her poems have been composed by Knut Nystedt, Alice Parker, Frederick Frahm, Roland Fudge and Allen Cline. Many of her poems have also been anthologized.

Currently, Shaw serves as Writer in Residence at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, while based in Bellingham, Washington, with her husband, John Hoyte. She is on the board of trustees of Image, a journal of art, faith and mystery. She also travels widely to speak and teach on topics such as poetry, journaling and the Christian imagination. Her website (www.lucishaw.com) reflects some of her many other interests--wilderness camping, sailing, gardening and nature photography.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Fear, Faith and Fanaticism June 3, 2005

By FaithfulReader.com

Format:Hardcover

It says something about our culture's full-bloomed fascination with extreme sports to say that hurling oneself off a tall structure into the void below to be saved from certain death by an elastic chord is passé, but indeed, bungee jumping is a bit outmoded (now base jumping, that's another story...). And so, when in the first few pages of her latest book encouraging an adventurous outlook on the Christian life, Luci Shaw sets out to prove that she practices what she preaches by recounting the story of her bungee jumping escapade in New Zealand, it falls a bit flat.

I admit it's a bit of a happy jolt to imagine the 70-something Shaw standing excitedly on the edge of that bridge and stepping boldly off. But the scene prompted in my mind broader questions about such pursuits: namely, are we so disconnected from the risks --- emotional, physical, and spiritual --- that naturally imbue life that we must hurl ourselves off bridges to feel brave?

Having just scribbled that query in the margin, I was pleased to find Shaw ask similar questions a few pages later: "Though I have always been more than likely to respond enthusiastically to a dare, I feel ambivalent about encouraging anyone else to take a life-threatening risk merely for the sake of thrill, the adrenaline rush, or the satisfaction of personal accomplishment. Risk should not reflect a celebration of foolishness but a freedom from fear. 'Extreme sports,' with increasing levels of difficulty or danger, make for sensational TV programs and stories in sports magazines. But are they simply the result of the impetuosity of youth, a lack of mature judgment, an explosion of hormones or a desperate need for attention?

"Was I overly impetuous and foolhardy to jump from that small platform into the hugeness of space?... I wondered later which of my friends would congratulate me and which would shake their heads, muttering something under their breath about this woman's 'crazy irresponsibility.' I'd have felt a whole lot more satisfaction if my risk had saved someone's life, or if it had been in the service of God and his kingdom."

It's this ability to question her own ideas and choices that makes Shaw's literary voice (showcased in multiple volumes of poetry and prose) stand out in a crowd. And in THE CRIME OF LIVING CAUTIOUSLY, her voice, more so than the philosophical substance of the writing, is what's fresh and thought-provoking. I wanted to linger on phrases like "the Adventure of resurrection," and the poetry sprinkled liberally throughout the book, but I was less enamored with the familiar exhortations to embrace the fearless faithfulness of folks like Abraham, Moses, and Mary. In the parlance of extreme sports aficionados, "Been there. Heard that."

Shaw's stated purpose in writing THE CRIME OF LIVING CAUTIOUSLY is to examine the distinctions between fear, faith, and fanaticism. She does this in a meandering fashion that touches on everything from the emptiness of upward mobility for its own sake to the relative merits of flowers versus weeds to the blessedness of goodly dissent. The accompanying stories provide glimpses into Shaw's full and creative life. Fans of her work, and of her regular cohort Madeleine L'Engle, will especially enjoy this aspect of the book.

Bungee jumping might not be as cutting edge as it used to be, but walking through life in faith is just as risky and exhilarating as ever. Those who need to learn that will do well to spend some time with THE CRIME OF LIVING CAUTIOUSLY.

--- Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel Read more ›

5.0 out of 5 stars Faith is Risk-Taking April 13, 2012

By Dr Conrade Yap

Format:Hardcover

I have been more conscious that one of the biggest causes of boredom is the lack of risk taking. In fact, I will venture to say that one of the reasons for apathetic believers is due to the lack of faith-based risk living. This is the core conviction of Luci Shaw, a writer, poet, and wonderful friend of Regent College. As creatures of comfort, we are used to retreating behind safety barriers into our cocoons of mere believing, instead of venturing ahead toward risk taking. Shaw begins with an insightful quote from Helen Keller which sets the tone of the book, that living cautiously is not what we are called to be.

"Security is mostly superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either daring adventure, or nothing." (Helen Keller)

Using her bungee jumping experience, she confesses that life is far too precious to be lived cautiously. Her poem about her daddy is a touching tribute on how a man has boldly lived his life to the full. Such bravery is evident in missionaries such as her father in the uncharted islands in the Pacific.

She urges the reader to make a distinction between human impulses versus God's calling. The key difference is that God's calling avoids the extremes of "reckless foolhardiness" and "fearful timidity."Even the popular CS Lewis confesses that he himself is a "safety-first creature." We are not created to be comfortable in a happily ever after mode, but to risk in a manner that brings out the best person we have been created to be. The fear barrier needs to be broken to be replaced by a Spirit-filled imagination and a faith-filled trust in God exemplified by St Patrick's Breastplate of Christ over and in all of us.... One of the first things to prepare us toward greater faith living is to relinquish our hold on ourselves. We need to say no to the accumulation of power for self, toward the empowerment of others for Christ. We need to get a better sense of our mobility that is not defined by the world. We need to empty ourselves of ourselves and to fill ourselves with Christ.

Shaw also deals with the impediments to risk-taking. For instance, challenging the status quo or the social and societal norms. It can be a lonely experience, just like how the prophets of old have been sidelined, ignored, and left ridiculed. Taking risks also involves the risk of relationships, when we go against the general flow. Shaw makes a firm case for us to take risk taking into the unknown through a close relationship with the known God in heaven. Every chapter begins with a memorable quote. Every chapter ends with a poem, and some questions for reflection and discussion.

Closing Thoughts
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The book can be used as guide to help us for meditation and faith growth. It can also be used as a Bible study to lift us above any level of mediocre living. I like especially the reflective tone throughout the book, packed with wise observations of life. I appreciate the many biblical images and references used together with the poetty that combines the best of prose and powerful narrative, with a rhythmic poetry that weaves truth and beauty together.

Shaw's writings and reflections brings back wonderful memories of my time at Regent College, and the experiences that I hear regularly from the professors and students. More importantly, Shaw has given us an example of how important it is to live beyond ourselves. Is living cautiously a 'crime?' I do not think it is so. Yet, there is something that Shaw has hit upon that deserves to be carefully considered. When God's calls, it is usually to learn to trust Him, by risking the temporal for the eternal.

If you feel bored about Church, or lethargic in your faith, pick up this book. Read it and let it point you to the Scriptures. May your heart than burn with a passion that increasingly believes that while living cautiously may be a crime, risking all for God may become a joy. Unspeakable joy.

conrade Read more ›

4.0 out of 5 stars Risk-taking May 17, 2011

By William D. Harkness

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I met this book at a time in my life when I was afraid to take risks, but I really needed to move forward and that involves risk-taking. I normally despise books by poets turned prose authors, but this one gave me hope. If you are afraid to take a well-considered risk, then this book might help you.

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Okay, but... November 25, 2008

By Robert Parrish

Format:Hardcover

I eagerly opened my new copy of "The Crime of Living Cautiously" at a time in my life when I was seeking solid answers, real answers to life's direction. I'd spent the $10.20 plus shipping at a time when I should have been saving, but I REALLY wanted answers. The first chapter left me flat, the second one only a little more encouraged. Disappointed, I paged ahead seeking gems of truth, nuggets of direction, glimples of the answers I craved. Nada. While the book was very well-written, I wished I'd not spent the time or the money. Of course, it was my own fault believing an author who doesn't know me could provide insights into my life changes. Still, I thought the book was weak and I've since given it away.