Sailing Between the Stars: Musings on the Mysteries of Faith (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Holy Spirit, New Testament, Son of Man (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

James (Story: Recapture the Mystery), an experienced storyteller, offers a series of casual reflections on the paradoxes of the Christian faith. He addresses all the old standards—like how can a good God allow pain, how much of salvation is our work and how much is grace, and why God calls us to be perfect when we all know that's impossible. James sees everything through the lens of story. He talks around the ideas he's addressing, taking circuitous routes through a series of tangentially related tales, sometimes touching and sometimes trivial, largely from his own life. Each chapter also includes original poetry—heartfelt but not terribly well written. There are deep insights here, if few hard-and-fast conclusions, and while these are not altogether fresh, they are presented with energizing honesty. At times the number of metaphors is overwhelming and confusing, like when James writes of "the thrilling romance of dancing with a rugged bridegroom toward the edge of eternity amidst the weird dreams, bad aim, and indecipherable miracles of life." Some readers will likely find the book difficult to follow, but James's postmodern fans will welcome it. (Sept.)
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Product Description

The foundation of Christian belief is paradox: death is the beginning of life, foolishness is the pathway to wisdom, the meek conquer the strong. Everywhere we look we see mysteries piled upon mysteries, and for all our efforts to fit God into a box that makes sense, Christianity is not founded on common sense. Author and storyteller Steven James navigates this magical journey through the "uncommon sense" of faith in Jesus. Through his captivating style and arresting stories, James helps readers become more comfortable with a faith full of truth and mystery. With breathtaking writing, he shows readers a God who is illogical, unreasonable, unrealistic, and incredibly and unmistakably true.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Revell; Advance Reader's Copy edition (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800731646
• ISBN-13: 978-0800731649
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #77,251 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gift to the soul, October 10, 2006

By	Sarah Leslie (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

"Sailing Between the Stars" has been a gift to my soul... and to my faith. Most of my Christian years have been spent trying to decipher the undecipherable, reason out the unreasonable and comprehend the incomprehensible. And I've found that it's in those times of perplexity that I draw closer to my Creator as I seek not just to know ABOUT him, but to truly KNOW him.

This book by Steven James reassured me that it's all right to not understand everything about faith and God. That those attempts to unravel the mystery of mysteries provide opportunity for deep fellowship with the God of the universe. And somehow, by embracing the mystery, I've come away with a greater understanding of God than I ever set out to gain.

I highly recommend "Sailing Between the Stars." Steven James' storytelling talent makes it a great read that lets you welcome the challenge of living in the unknown mystery that is faith. To quote James, "The dance of life is as mysterious as the wind twirling through the trees, and we're never going to be able to grasp all of its nuances."

Steven James, please keep musing, and please keep writing. I'll keep reading.

5.0 out of 5 stars Master Storyteller, November 3, 2009

By	V. Pollitt (Sacramento, Ca. USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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This book was given to me as a gift, so I really didn't know what to expect. What I found was a book full of clever, witty, and funny stories with gorgeous poems thrown in. Sound like a lot going on in a book? It is, but then it isn't. Kind of like the themes of the book....mystery and paradox. The Bible is the basis of the aforementioned. With chapter titles like "thoughts on dung and grace" and "chewing on God" it may sound irreverent but the author always finds a way to bring everything back to the greatness of God.
What I most appreciated about the book was the validation that not just my mind-- is so limited in understanding God's love. Above all, I am most thankful for that incredible love, what a mystery it is!
This is a great book for new believers or long time Christians.

5.0 out of 5 stars A New Favorite, October 20, 2009

By	Dina L. Sleiman - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One of the most exquisite books I've ever encountered. Poetic, deep, spiritual, and moving. I just want to read each page over and over again. Okay, so he mixes his metaphors occasionally, but in the most delightful and insightful sort of way, tying them into the mystery and wonder of God. A must read for all true spiritual seekers. I need a sixth star, maybe even a seventh for this book.