Way to Live: Christian Practices for Teens [Perfect Paperback]

Dorothy Bass (Author), Don C. Richter (Author, Editor), Dorothy C. Bass (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 2002

"I want to find a way to live that keeps me involved in what God is doing in me and in the world around me. Do you know a way to live that is like that?"

Eighteen teens and 18 adults tackle that question in . Their different points of view and personal stories make living a Christian life real.

"This book invites you into a community of people who don't just go with the flow," says the editors. "This community's image of 'the good life' is not about having lots of stuff or being more successful than other people. Instead, it's about getting involved in the loving, challenging life of God."

Find out how Alexx dealt with all his stuff, how Marie expressed her creativity with a paint roller, what Jack learned about play. These are just a few of the Christian practices this team of writers explores.

Some ancient Christian practices turn up as ways to deepen awareness of God's presence in our lives today. Discover how to use your imagination when reading the Bible - á la Saint Ignatius - and practice tuning in to God like Brother Lawrence of the 17th century.

This fun graphics-filled book will start teens on the spiritual journey of a lifetime!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dorothy C. Bass has written or edited six books on Christian practices and is the Director of the Valparaiso Project on the Education and Formation of People in Faith, a Lilly Endowment project based at Valparaiso University.
Don C. Richter is Associate Director, Valparaiso Project on the Education and Formation of People in Faith, Valparaiso University. He has a PhD in Practical Theology. He was Assistant Professor of Christian Education and Founding Director of the Youth Theological Initiative at Candler School of Theology (1992-98). Born and raised in Decatur, Alabama, he currently lives in Atlanta.

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Upper Room (July 10, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0835809757
• ISBN-13: 978-0835809757
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #158,819 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Lutheran

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Connections between faith and life, June 26, 2006

By 

Holly Johnson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Way to Live: Christian Practices for Teens (Perfect Paperback)

As a ten-year youth minister of a mainline protestant church, I find this book to be a welcome addition to the loads of books available for youth ministry. I've used it as a supplement to a service learning camp, and a year-long confirmation program for older youth (supplemental). We've also done youth gatherings and adult trainings with workshops on the different practices. Each chapter is written by a young person and an adult--including Mark Yaconelli and Susan Briehl, plus a chapter written by Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls and her father, Don Saliers, a Methodist minister. Each chapter hits on a different daily life theme, and its connection to faith: food, stuff, play, work, time, welcome, creativity, creation, justice, music, etc. It has great stories in it that help process Biblical lessons in today's world, and great practices to live out your faith. My favorite suggestion was a practice of giving up one thing a day for the 40 days of lent, and donating it all at the end of the season. It also has little sidebars with things to consider: "Go through one day paing close attention to how you act toward others. Are you welcoming to everyone? If not, think about why you act as you do and how you might act differently." Use this book if you care about your young people finding a way to live that lives out their faith in grace-filled ways.

25 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Way to Live? This is a way to THRIVE!, November 5, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Way to Live: Christian Practices for Teens (Perfect Paperback)

This book offers much more than ways to live. It provides a way to survive - for teens, families, youth pastors and lay leaders -by giving those in the trenches of everyday life a practical way to live that puts Christian faith into action. Combining ancient practices of faith with contemporary realities, it offers an invitation for us to try something new, deliberate and life-giving. As a long time youth pastor, I've seen many resources. This one is outstanding. "Way to Live" isn't just a way to live, it isn't just a way to survive, this book offers us all a way to THRIVE.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Being Christian where the rubber meets the road ..., July 6, 2007

By 

John B. Gardner (Boones Mill, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Way to Live: Christian Practices for Teens (Perfect Paperback)

There are several kinds of books available for Christian youth and youth pastors. First is the "idea book"--full of activities that usually fall flat on their faces without extensive retooling. Second is the "theory book"--books that explore the theology of youth ministry. Way to Live is something relatively new--strong, solid spiritual practices for Christian youth and anyone who works with them. Rooted in Christian tradition, these practices are great for retreats or for the individual youth who wants to go deeper with their faith. It's a good read for adults, too. In Way to Live, church history, tradition, and ancient spirituality are combined with the modern faithful as well as pop culture icons. This book helps make spirituality accessible!