Safer than the Known Way: A Post-Christian Journey

by Maria Francesca French, Barry Taylor (Foreword)

What does it mean to speak beyond binaries of theism and atheism, conservative and liberal, fact and fiction? Why might a new type of theological imagination, one that defies categories and comparison, with the challenge actual deconstruction offers, be all that is next?
Here you will find a compelling read of story and personal journey with strong scholarship and deep theology. Significant and transformational thought that has lived in the ivory tower for too long but made accessible and resonant.
Read along as the tables are turned, head toward a horizon with no line, and follow a compass that doesn't point north. Prepare to be beckoned by ghosts and travel a path unknown. Because to go out into the elegant chaos of all that might be waiting for us after Christianity, while still engaging in meaningful faith, is safer than all that might be considered certain. If you have moved past traditional notions of god, beyond mechanisms of belief, and find yourself relentlessly curious about what might be next, this book is for you.

204 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2023

Reviews

[Heather Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Safer Than the Known Way, Maria became a familiar voice in the wilderness for me. Finally, someone else who was thinking past the reductionist debates between theism and atheism and calling it for what it is: boring. To boldly make such a declaration and simply move on to insisting there is more than what most of us are seeing and talking about excited me so much. What I love about Maria’s writing is the way she insists and persists in such a whimsical way that one cannot help but be curious as to where she’s going. She helps reframe religious experience as something one can travel through to the other side of; not something one must compulsively try to rid themselves of. What a liberating idea. I’m this book, Maria undoubtedly establishes herself as a visionary and leader for the post-Christian who is ready to imagine again and build something new. In the spirit of this book, I insist you read it. It’s time for a new conversation, and that excites me!

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally I found an author who is speaking my language and who is asking the same questions I am asking. We are no longer seeking new answers to the same old questions, but are asking new radical questions. Maria lays out a path for those of us who are tired of debating between theism and atheism and want to move beyond to something even broader. I highly recommend this book for those of you who sense there is something bigger than ourselves, but none of the answers religion has to offer ring true anymore.

[Bruce Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ratings and reviews are subjective. When a book is read, also plays a role. If I had read this book when I was initially moving away from traditional paths, it may have garnered a five star rating. Some of my favorite theological authors, Tillich and Caputo, have been given three or four star ratings. For me the most poignant part of the book was the discourse around what “post” means. I find myself certainly out of the religious circle but not comfortable with the atheistic circle either. Where does that leave one? In very real sense it doesn’t really matter. But Maria’s words about we’re leaving things behind, things are just done with us sheds more light. It allows our journey and traditional thinking to be part of us….. but we are just on the other side. It’s similar to the Buddhist parable of leaving the boat (teaching) aside once you’ve reached the shore. You don’t carry it with you. It’s done it’s job.

[E.G.D.Tuddenham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Startling in its presentation of the positive rejuvenating possibilities of being post Cristin

As a struggling member of a dying church this book rejuvenated my outlook on faith. Full of memorable thoughts and exclamations. Finding ways to go onwards and upwards when all seems lost. God is dead. Yes but look at what happened next in the garden at Gethsemany. God is dead and we are his disciples in a secular post Christian society. Totally refreshing and inspiring.

[Wayne's · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me quiet amazing book, I will be dipping back into this for a while I think.