In Search of Grace: A Religious Outsider's Journey Across America's Landscape of Faith

by Kristin Hahn

Like so many of us these days, Kristin Hahn was raised without much religion. And like so many of us, she sometimes wondered if the practice of a faith might offer some solace or substance otherwise lacking in her life. An adventurous spirit, Hahn set out to explore faith in America. Wary of the dogma that too often separates both religions and people, she homed in on the actions that speak most convincingly of one's beliefs. Her journey commenced at a unique point in history, at a time and place marked by a vast array of choices -- ancient and new, sacred and secular -- and the freedom to choose among them. Crisscrossing the nation, Hahn spent a week cloistered in prayer with convent nuns and a month of Ramadan fasting with Muslims. She went door-to-door with young Mormon missionaries and head-to-head with turbaned Sikh yogis. She sat through marathon meditations with Buddhist masters and spent days in conversation and ceremony with an Ojibwe medicine man. Her explorations exposed her to the rich, ancient culture of the Jews and brought her into the enclaves of Christian Scientists and Amish farmers, as well as the less traditional realms of Scientology, neopagan witchcraft, and the congregations of new-age gurus. And this was only the beginning. What started out as curiosity soon blossomed into something greater, a powerful appreciation for the ways in which Americans observe their faith and how these rituals infuse lives with dimension and meaning. This book is Hahn's chronicle of an unaffiliated pilgrim's progress across a uniquely American topography of sacred traditions, practices, and beliefs. Openhearted, insightful, humorous, and always thoughtful, it is a book that will speak to the universal need in all of us to seek a spiritual home.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Kerith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Kristin Hahn's account of her wide-eyed and open-minded journey through many of American's differing faith traditions. She visited, discussed and worshiped with a veritable tapestry of believing people -- witnessed with Mormons, shared peyote with the Native American church, listened to many a Christian preacher, went on retreat with Roman Catholic nuns and Sikhs and Buddhists and Wiccans, had auditing sessions with Scientologists, and fasted for Ramadan with Muslims (including wearing the hijab). There are still many she visited that I didn't mention (the Amish, for instance), and many yet that she didn't get to (the Shakers, perhaps) -- we are that diverse in this country. Very, very engaging read.

[Joy-Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the different view of faith communities offered by Kristin Hahn. It wasn't the usual "World Religions" overviews and included some not usually presented religions.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish I could do 3.5 stars. Really interesting, less academic take on multiple religions with a focus on the people that practice them. Had to read for school but more interesting than you’d think!

[Katy Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at the world through the eyes of various religious groups. A thought provoking journey that deals with some of the most important questions that we have as human beings.

[Janene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave a little insight to a lot of different religions. I learned some new things even about common religions and learned a little about religions that I had never heard of. Obviously, not EVERY religion in the world could be covered, however I was a bit dissapointed that a few were missing that I thought would've been covered for sure (maybe in the next book). Also, there was a few instances where something the author wrote lead to unanswered questions which was frustrating because I have a feeling she knew the answers (asked the questions herself), but forgot to record them.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in this book! I met Kristin in 1998 or 1999 when she was writing this book and I was on a mission for my church. It was before she had her son. We had the chance to spend a few days together exploring faith, belief, and the different ways one can come to peace with faith, spirituality, and belief. If I may add an unbiased note: it's an insightful commentary of one woman's search to find the grace of God through the experiences of others.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hahn talks about various experiences with different religions, including tagging along with Mormon missionaries in Boston, partaking in a Peyote ceremony and attending a witches' gathering in Vegas.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Need to read chapter by chapter with breaks in between or all the religions will run together.

- Informative and professional, yet not boring - she adds personality to the discussions without taking away from the credibility.

[Rayleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. She explored different religious practices for a year. It gives a glimpse into many regions. I was left with a belief about practicing rituals within religions. Some religions were very interesting, some I just wanted to get beyond them.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a terrific and well written overview of all the major religions in America from one persons perspective. I really enjoyed this book and gave copies to others.