Raw Faith: Nurturing the Believer in All of Us

by John J. Kirvan

This companion of God Hunger explores the faith that is needed to live with an unknowable God. Offering fifty meditations rooted in the wisdom of mystics such as Henri J.M. Nouwen and others.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2000

Reviews

[Carole Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read this book recently, but I had read it many times before. Raw Faith is about people who have followed the spiritual journey most of their lives. Many have not found this journey an easy one, but one that led them deeper into their faith. For more modern readers, the life of Henri Nouwen, Simone Weil, and Karl Rahner may be more familiar than the perhaps Nicholas of Cusa, The Carthusians, Al-Ghazzali, or Pirke Avot. My favorite are the women, Teresa of Avila and Therese of Lisieux. This may be short book, but it is packed with thoughtful prayers and observations on the spiritual journey.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.
Let us Pray
As this night begins,
I confess
that freedom frightens me.
I don't want to let go
of what little security I know.
There is a part of me that is
afraid of the dark,
part of me that does not quite believe
that if I let go, you will catch me.
Every time.
Trust does not come easily,
I know I must choose.
But be patient , I beg you,
with my hesitant soul.

John Kirvan

[booklady]

Recommended by my dear friend and fellow pilgrim to Ávila.

[RevCC Coltrain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book of challenging quotes from people of great (sometimes frighteningly great) faith. The author's ruminations on the quotes further challenge the reader to "fall into God" in trust.