Diary of a Heretic: The Pagan Adventures of a Christian Priest by Mark Townsend

by Mark Townsend

In June 2007 Rev. Mark Townsend resigned from his ministry as a priest after his decision to share his story of brokenness and failure with the hierarchy. This book is the irreverent and whimsical, yet honest and gut-wrenching, story of his struggle to hold on to a faith within a world that seemed to be against him. It is a story that brings hope to all those who feel the established Western religious path has lost sight of compassion, grace and the one who could easily have been called Friend of Failures. As the author gradually digs himself out of the consequential gutter the reader will discover that all such failures can be redeemed and may even produce glittering nuggets of gold. More importantly, the reader will begin to see that his or her own failure can also lead to real moments of magic - so long as it is not repressed but accepted. A major underlying theme of the whole diary is the notion that real magic does exist, and that the magical traditions such as Druidry can be a major blessing for those who crave for something more.

Genres: Spirituality, Paganism

Paperback

First published September 7, 2013

Reviews

[Nimue Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very open, vulnerable book, exposing deep doubts, fears and struggles. It’s not an easy thing, to bear your shortcomings and insecurities in a public way, but there is real magic in it. I don’t think anyone walks a spiritual path seriously without finding conflicts, bitter challenges, times of lost direction and moments of real pain. Growth is not always comfortable, truth is sometimes hard to bear. Watching someone else through a year long struggle may give other spiritual travellers more courage in facing their own dark nights of the soul. Mark has done a brave and generous thing in sharing his journey with us, and that is to be honoured.

Don’t read this, though as a book ‘about’ Christianity, or ‘about’ Paganism for that matter. There’s a lot of content on both sides, but these are not the important bits, I think. What Mark shares are stories about people. Some of these people are warm hearted, giving, trusting, open and forgiving. Others put career, status and public face first, they are fearful, unkind, and unreasonable. This is a story about the difference between the cold, hard structures of religious organisations, and the good-heartedness of spiritual people. When we put appearances before love (no matter how we name our gods) we fail as spiritual people. Diary of a Heretic is in many ways a parable of what happens when people get into religions and become so obsessed with the religion itself that they dishonour the faith. There but for the grace of god, gods, goddesses… (name them as you will)

[Yvonne Aburrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading even more than when I read it the first time. Such refreshing honesty and a sense of deep connection to All That Is — whether the All is seen as Nature, Goddess, or Cosmic Christ. A reminder to look at the humanity of a person rather than their label. Some of the people encountered in this book are open to new light wherever they may find it, and some are not. And sometimes those who are open can be found in very surprising places.

[Alanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heartfelt, raw book. Mark is so transparent about how the Anglican Church can't seem to make up her mind about him, and how he can't make up her mind about her. Druidry is constantly pulling at him, but he can't shake his love for Christianity. He finds hospitality and belonging in both religions. He finds similarities between these belief systems- or synchronicities- everywhere. I've personally been seeing these same synchronicities more and more all the time. I found this aspect of Mark's journey so encouraging.

I was hoping that by the conclusion, Mark was going to explain how he finds balance walking the line dividing (seemingly) opposite fields. But this isn't a book about how to be a druid and a Christian at the same time. By the conclusion, Mark admits that he's likely never going to be comfortably settled in any spiritual path. And he's certainly not alone in his search- and I also find that very encouraging. While there may be plenty of theological points I can't align myself with here, there were even more that I can.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very thought provoking. "Diary of a Heretic" is a warts and all chronicle of one year in the life of the author, Mark Townsend. It is a turbulent year in which he does much soul searching. As Mark bares his soul, his honesty shines through, and one can't help but be moved by his bravery in standing up for what he believes in.

[Derek Ost · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring read

Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Mark's journey, I admire his honesty and courage and is an inspiration to others to be true to themselves.

[Rachel Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew of Mark Townsend, who he was and had read a few articles about him...but when I was given his book to review the thought did cross my mind "why am I reading a book about a Priest, not sure about this..."

My doubts were totally unfounded, never judge a book by it's cover as they say...

Mark writes as if you are sitting in his head, listening to his thoughts and watching his day through his eyes. Mark's writing is open, honest and quite often funny, he has a unique view on people, life and the divine. Diary of a Heretic takes you on his own personal journey, day by day, trying to make sense of it all. It was a pure joy to read and certainly gave me a lot to think about. Whatever faith you follow...you will love this book.