A good sequal

A great continuation of Leaving Church, that follows the author as she teaches a college course on world religions. A very good read. ( )

Reading Taylor's work continues to be a pleasure. As she outlines her experience teaching Religion 101 at a small private college in the south, she also shares her very personal response—something like a spiritual crush—on aspects of orthodoxy and orthopraxy as she keeps company with different faith traditions.

Once upon a time I may have found such "holy envy" disorienting, even distressing; however, right now, Taylor's curiosity, respect, and engagement felt refreshing and delightful. Timing is everything.

Thoughtful and thought-provoking. ( )

wonderful, full of insight, inspirational, comforting

Recommended

It's a tale of a woman looking for her faith and finding it among the other world religions. Lots of entertaining anecdotes from her teaching days are included. ( )

WOW! Much to think about. The author may become one of my favorites. She at least helped me get through this election day, 2020. Definitely a keeper.

I chose to read this book after reading a friend's rating on Goodreads. I was somewhat unsure about the direction this book would take, but ended up learning a lot and would definitely recommend this to anyone (as the book jacket says): tackling the questions, worries, and concerns that arise when we encounter "difference" and "others."

The author writes clearly and with humor. I felt like she was a friend I was having a conversation with, and that made the book easily readable. Taylor describes the concept of "holy envy" as cherry picking from others' religious beliefs and traditions. When she realized that was what she was doing, she decided it would be better to let her attraction to other teachings transform her love for her own beliefs. Some of the things she discusses: not to change your religion, but to change the way that you look at things. To see the world in another way and remember you are probably viewing through your limited lenses. At the same time, keep in mind the grass is always greener.

I appreciated that she wasn't rejecting her Christian faith for another, but in learning about other faiths as she taught Religion 101 at a small liberal arts college in the Appalachian foothills, she answered questions we all ask: What does it mean to be a person of faith in a world of many faiths? If God is revealed in many ways, why follow the Christian way? Is Christian faith primarily about being Christian or becoming truly human? What do religious strangers reveal to me about God?

I felt like I was on this journey of discovery with her, and the conclusions drawn were reassuring and thought provoking. One thing the "great religions" all have in common is that the truth of their teaching hinges on how people treat one anther. Strangers turn into friends. It's about relationships with human beings, puncturing stereotypes, and challenging conventional ideas about God. ( )