From Publishers Weekly
McGrath (Oxford University professor of historical theology and author of A Journey Through Suffering and To Know and Serve God) offers an extended journey metaphor to help Christians deepen their spirituality. McGrath describes the ultimate barrenness of using only a cerebral approach to the Christian life to the exclusion of imagination, meditation and real-life application, doubtless speaking to many who have attended Bible studies for years, perfecting their knowledge but not necessarily experiencing changed lives. Next, McGrath presents his intricate journey metaphor, speaking of the Exodus as a basic pattern--from "our own Egypt" to our promised land. The second part of the book groups the chapters around four "landmarks" on the journey: creation, exile, redemption and consummation. Within each chapter are three subsections: landmark, wilderness and oasis, symbolizing the motives, the difficulties and the rewards of that stage. In addition, in each subsection, McGrath "hitches a ride" with a Christian saint whose writings offer guidance; his exemplary pilgrims range from Anselm of Canterbury to C.S. Lewis and include some who are still writing today, such as John Stott and J.I. Packer. The Journey should appeal to readers who enjoy Christian spirituality works along the lines of Richard J. Foster's Celebration of Discipline and Dallas Willard's The Divine Conspiracy. (Apr.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
McGrath (historical theology, Oxford Univ.) is one of today's principal and most prolific scholars on the history of Christianity for a general readership. His guide to the Christian life has the sound excellence one might expect, and his reflections on Christian faith as a journey are fleshed out with examples from the writings and experience of those who have gone before, including Susanna Wesley and C.S. Lewis. Highly recommended. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Review
"Here is a golden book on Christian life, guaranteed to excite, encourage, and energize plodding pilgrims. Buy it, treasure it, and invest in a stack of copies to give away."
--J. I. Packer

"Nothing could be more relevant to the current spiritual search than seeing life as a journey, and McGrath does just that, illustrating it with the wisdom of distinguished Christians who are our companions on the way, and giving us a wonderful insight into his own struggles and joys. A superb book for all who want to go deeper with God."
--Michael Green

"I couldn't put down this humble, moving testimony to God's grace. It excites me because it has the potential to change the prayer patterns of countless Christians in a way that could deepen their encounter with God and make them more effective for the Kingdom."
--Joyce Huggett

"An inspired and creative account of how a brilliant mind is shaped and developed by other brilliant minds of surprisingly different backgrounds."
--R. T. Kendall

"Alister McGrath charts a spiritual journey that engages the heart as well as the mind. Along the way he unearths hidden treasures from classical writers which, with freshly polished biblical images, nourish both the emotions and the intellect. Loving God should involve the whole person; mind, heart, soul, and strength. This book evokes such a holistic response."
--James Jones



Review
"Here is a golden book on Christian life, guaranteed to excite, encourage, and energize plodding pilgrims. Buy it, treasure it, and invest in a stack of copies to give away."
--J. I. Packer

"Nothing could be more relevant to the current spiritual search than seeing life as a journey, and McGrath does just that, illustrating it with the wisdom of distinguished Christians who are our companions on the way, and giving us a wonderful insight into his own struggles and joys. A superb book for all who want to go deeper with God."
--Michael Green

"I couldn't put down this humble, moving testimony to God's grace. It excites me because it has the potential to change the prayer patterns of countless Christians in a way that could deepen their encounter with God and make them more effective for the Kingdom."
--Joyce Huggett

"An inspired and creative account of how a brilliant mind is shaped and developed by other brilliant minds of surprisingly different backgrounds."
--R. T. Kendall

"Alister McGrath charts a spiritual journey that engages the heart as well as the mind. Along the way he unearths hidden treasures from classical writers which, with freshly polished biblical images, nourish both the emotions and the intellect. Loving God should involve the whole person; mind, heart, soul, and strength. This book evokes such a holistic response."
--James Jones



Book Description
In The Journey, Alister McGrath has created a map for Christians who wish to explore and enrich their spirituality. Using examples from the lives of renowned Christians, such as Martin Luther, John Bunyan, Jonathan Edwards, J. I. Packer, C. S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and John Stott, he shows readers how to overcome the obstacles that block their journey to God: doubt, distraction, temptation, tiredness, emptiness, and low self-esteem.

The Journey is an essential book for any Christian, whether they are new to the faith or have been traveling on the Christian pathway for years.



From the Inside Flap
In The Journey, Alister McGrath has created a map for Christians who wish to explore and enrich their spirituality. Using examples from the lives of renowned Christians, such as Martin Luther, John Bunyan, Jonathan Edwards, J. I. Packer, C. S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and John Stott, he shows readers how to overcome the obstacles that block their journey to God: doubt, distraction, temptation, tiredness, emptiness, and low self-esteem.

The Journey is an essential book for any Christian, whether they are new to the faith or have been traveling on the Christian pathway for years.



From the Back Cover
"Here is a golden book on Christian life, guaranteed to excite, encourage, and energize plodding pilgrims. Buy it, treasure it, and invest in a stack of copies to give away."
--J. I. Packer

"Nothing could be more relevant to the current spiritual search than seeing life as a journey, and McGrath does just that, illustrating it with the wisdom of distinguished Christians who are our companions on the way, and giving us a wonderful insight into his own struggles and joys. A superb book for all who want to go deeper with God."
--Michael Green

"I couldn't put down this humble, moving testimony to God's grace. It excites me because it has the potential to change the prayer patterns of countless Christians in a way that could deepen their encounter with God and make them more effective for the Kingdom."
--Joyce Huggett

"An inspired and creative account of how a brilliant mind is shaped and developed by other brilliant minds of surprisingly different backgrounds."
--R. T. Kendall

"Alister McGrath charts a spiritual journey that engages the heart as well as the mind. Along the way he unearths hidden treasures from classical writers which, with freshly polished biblical images, nourish both the emotions and the intellect. Loving God should involve the whole person; mind, heart, soul, and strength. This book evokes such a holistic response."
--James Jones



About the Author
Alister McGrath is Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and Professor of Systematic Theology at Regent College, Vancouver. He is consultant editor of Christianity Today, the author of numerous books including Theology for Amateurs, the NIV Bible Commentary, To Know and Serve God, and In the Beginning. He is General Editor of The NIV Thematic Study Bible. He lives in Oxford, England.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Here is a golden book on the Christian life, guaranteed to excite, encourage, and energize plodding pilgrims. Buy it, treasure it, and invest in a stack of copies to give away."
—J.I. Packer

In The Journey, Alister McGrath has created a map for Christians who wish to explore and enrich their spirituality. Using examples from the lives of renowned Christians such as Martin Luther, John Bunyan, Jonathan Edwards, J.I. Packer, C.S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and John Stott, he shows readers how to overcome the obstacles that can block the journey to God—doubt, distraction, temptation, tiredness, emptiness, and low self-esteem.

These preachers, writers, and pastors encouraged their followers to look beyond the transitory concerns of this world, and to focus on God and what He offers to those who prevail on their spiritual journey—advice that continues to have merit today.

The Journey is an essential book for all Christians, whether they are new to the faith or have been traveling on the Christian pathway for years.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

McGrath (Oxford University professor of historical theology and author of A Journey Through Suffering and To Know and Serve God) offers an extended journey metaphor to help Christians deepen their spirituality. McGrath describes the ultimate barrenness of using only a cerebral approach to the Christian life to the exclusion of imagination, meditation and real-life application, doubtless speaking to many who have attended Bible studies for years, perfecting their knowledge but not necessarily experiencing changed lives. Next, McGrath presents his intricate journey metaphor, speaking of the Exodus as a basic pattern--from "our own Egypt" to our promised land. The second part of the book groups the chapters around four "landmarks" on the journey: creation, exile, redemption and consummation. Within each chapter are three subsections: landmark, wilderness and oasis, symbolizing the motives, the difficulties and the rewards of that stage. In addition, in each subsection, McGrath "hitches a ride" with a Christian saint whose writings offer guidance; his exemplary pilgrims range from Anselm of Canterbury to C.S. Lewis and include some who are still writing today, such as John Stott and J.I. Packer. The Journey should appeal to readers who enjoy Christian spirituality works along the lines of Richard J. Foster's Celebration of Discipline and Dallas Willard's The Divine Conspiracy. (Apr.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

Library Journal