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Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times
Using the seven deadly sins as a playful framework, popular podcaster Elizabeth Oldfield considers how to garden our inner lives so we grow towards developing the spiritual core strength necessary for when things fall apart.
How can I move from Sloth to Attention and make the most of my short life, focus on the most important things, and stop getting so distracted by trivialities.
Is it possible to move from Wrath to Peacemaking? How do I become a depolarising person in an age of outrage, deepening tribalism and division?
What might it look like to move from Gluttony to Awe and find my highs, my moments of ecstasy, awe and transcendence in expansive, life-giving ways, not in the bottom of a tub of ice cream or a bottle of wine?
And how can I move from to Pride to Connection - How do I overcome the disconnection which keeps me from intimacy, committed community, and ultimately perhaps from the divine?
Deeply serious, yet amusingly relatable, this part memoir, part philosophical reflection on modern life is a thought-provoking, practical and hopeful read.
How can I move from Sloth to Attention and make the most of my short life, focus on the most important things, and stop getting so distracted by trivialities.
Is it possible to move from Wrath to Peacemaking? How do I become a depolarising person in an age of outrage, deepening tribalism and division?
What might it look like to move from Gluttony to Awe and find my highs, my moments of ecstasy, awe and transcendence in expansive, life-giving ways, not in the bottom of a tub of ice cream or a bottle of wine?
And how can I move from to Pride to Connection - How do I overcome the disconnection which keeps me from intimacy, committed community, and ultimately perhaps from the divine?
Deeply serious, yet amusingly relatable, this part memoir, part philosophical reflection on modern life is a thought-provoking, practical and hopeful read.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published May 23, 2024
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March 27, 2024
The truth is that my recent years have been rather turbulent. From an upper limb amputation to dealing with two types of cancer to significant losses including a best friend, my brother, and my mother all within the past five years, I've realized in recent months just how much my mind, body, and soul are all incredibly tired.
Elizabeth Oldfield's "Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times" starts from the premise that in this world of turbulent change we need people who are resilient, kind, open, generous, and brave.
Oldfield also realizes that being such people can be difficult in this world. Rather uniquely, Oldfield uses the seven deadly sins (Can you name them?) as a framework to explore the journey toward tendering to our soul.
While "Fully Alive" is undeniably borne out of the Christian faith, Oldfield avoids a preachy approach in favor of a more conversational dialogue. As a popular podcaster, she takes that charismatic voice and brings it to life in print. She is funny, real, honest, intelligent, and accountable. "Fully Alive" feels like she's taking us on a journey she's taken herself. All too often, writers of faith can feel like they're trying to teach us lessons they haven't quite learned yet or that they're teaching out of a book knowledge that doesn't quite resonate.
Oldfield resonates.
How can we move from sloth to attention in order to make the most of our short lives?
Can we move from wrath to peacemaking? How do we become depolarizing people in this age of outrage, tribalism, and division?
What if we move from gluttony to awe?
For me, the most vibrant pieces here are centered around moving from pride to connection and independence to interdependence. How do we overcome the disconnection that keeps us from intimacy, community and, when it comes down to it, God?
Oldfield doesn't really utilize a theological approach here, though "Fully Alive" becomes more obviously theologically centered toward the end. However, her Christian faith is obvious throughout. She lives in an intentional community with her family in South London.
As someone who grew up in a more conservative home, I felt somewhat liberated by her embrace of the concept of sin - something we simply don't talk about as much anymore. It's something I've long embraced, however, it's fair to say from a less divisive perspective than I was taught in childhood. Like Oldfield, even in my most turbulent of times I embrace my faith and long for hardcore, genuine connections at home, at work, and most definitely in my church.
I'm not interested in being anything less than real.
"Fully Alive" offers a non-prescriptive journey toward spiritual strength that will support us when things fall apart. Oldfield writes with a quiet wisdom and relatable voice that often moved me and more often made me laugh. Oldfield's vulnerability made me feel safe and, indeed, "Fully Alive" brought me a little closer to being fully alive even in this time of turbulence.
Elizabeth Oldfield's "Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times" starts from the premise that in this world of turbulent change we need people who are resilient, kind, open, generous, and brave.
Oldfield also realizes that being such people can be difficult in this world. Rather uniquely, Oldfield uses the seven deadly sins (Can you name them?) as a framework to explore the journey toward tendering to our soul.
While "Fully Alive" is undeniably borne out of the Christian faith, Oldfield avoids a preachy approach in favor of a more conversational dialogue. As a popular podcaster, she takes that charismatic voice and brings it to life in print. She is funny, real, honest, intelligent, and accountable. "Fully Alive" feels like she's taking us on a journey she's taken herself. All too often, writers of faith can feel like they're trying to teach us lessons they haven't quite learned yet or that they're teaching out of a book knowledge that doesn't quite resonate.
Oldfield resonates.
How can we move from sloth to attention in order to make the most of our short lives?
Can we move from wrath to peacemaking? How do we become depolarizing people in this age of outrage, tribalism, and division?
What if we move from gluttony to awe?
For me, the most vibrant pieces here are centered around moving from pride to connection and independence to interdependence. How do we overcome the disconnection that keeps us from intimacy, community and, when it comes down to it, God?
Oldfield doesn't really utilize a theological approach here, though "Fully Alive" becomes more obviously theologically centered toward the end. However, her Christian faith is obvious throughout. She lives in an intentional community with her family in South London.
As someone who grew up in a more conservative home, I felt somewhat liberated by her embrace of the concept of sin - something we simply don't talk about as much anymore. It's something I've long embraced, however, it's fair to say from a less divisive perspective than I was taught in childhood. Like Oldfield, even in my most turbulent of times I embrace my faith and long for hardcore, genuine connections at home, at work, and most definitely in my church.
I'm not interested in being anything less than real.
"Fully Alive" offers a non-prescriptive journey toward spiritual strength that will support us when things fall apart. Oldfield writes with a quiet wisdom and relatable voice that often moved me and more often made me laugh. Oldfield's vulnerability made me feel safe and, indeed, "Fully Alive" brought me a little closer to being fully alive even in this time of turbulence.
May 20, 2024
this does an incredible job at what it tries to do--offer what the Christian tradition has to help us through the turbulence of life today. I didn't actually hugely enjoy reading this, as most of it I felt was nothing new, but I did take away some points (esp from the wrath chapter). I think that for the uninitiated this would be an incredible and helpful path into the sacred practices of the Christian tradition. and, not just the more sacramental and liturgical practices. Oldfield is unashamed of her charismatic-ness and the book is saturated with vulnerability in a powerful way, especially as she builds to the final "God" chapter. I think this is a really interesting and probably very effective way of doing "apologetics" in a very non apologetic-y way.
April 9, 2024
I was initially drawn to this book from its tagline, “Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times”, but was immediately pulled in by the author’s introduction. I could FEEL the author’s words resonating in my very being; my restless/chaotic and never relenting constant ruminations of why the world seems more dissociative than ever, more isolating, and at times more alien than what humanity could be or better yet SHOULD BE.
As a person often riddled with anxiety over everything from the grand scheme of things to what-ifs and even the very mundane, I felt a strong connection to the author’s voice and often to her inner dialogue that she bravely shares with us. I admire that soul-deep honesty and wit; there’s nothing shallow or superfluous.
I found myself highlighting so much and so frequently that if this wasn’t an ebook, I would’ve run out of ink. Seriously. For that reason, I’m going to buy a physical copy so I can scribble in the margins about how often I could relate and make note of the insights that I want to ingrain in my soul, especially when I find myself becoming judgemental or erroneously fearful of the differences between “PLM and NLM” (<--I love that this automatic human nature about tribalism is simplified to these acronyms, because now I use them to quickly reset my brain when I realize I may be doing that). I truly found Oldfield’s writing to be so profound and at the same time vulnerable and convicting.
Her journey to and through a Christian life is also quite relatable to me and I don’t think this to be a book missed even if you are not a Christian. From this book, you are introduced to a real thinker; a modern day philosopher about our human condition that screams to the part of you that’s groaning for a better way forward, a better understanding of self in relation to others, a better sense of community and an honest-raw fellowship that can’t be found when we are trapped in the pretense of NLM thinking.
I don’t know the author, this person, this stranger across the pond, yet I find a kindred spirit in her writing and that’s not often the case. She managed to weave in theology to her findings and as a Christian, found this beautifully done. Often I find Christian books, especially those “geared to women” (<--which this book doesn’t claim to be anyway) very surface level, too “head in the cloud”, or so “shiny happy people” that I simply can’t relate, but here Oldfield deep dives (even into minefields) and I love it. I haven’t included quotes or favorite bits because that would take more time than I could write or you would want to read in a review. You will have to read this yourself and find that you will also run out of ink.
I highly recommend this book no matter your sex and no matter of your religious beliefs or lack thereof. If you ruminate on life in all its intricacies beautiful and sometimes tragic, you will find a treasure trove of philosophical gems here.
I did receive this ebook as an advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher, but this is my own opinion and an honest review.
As a person often riddled with anxiety over everything from the grand scheme of things to what-ifs and even the very mundane, I felt a strong connection to the author’s voice and often to her inner dialogue that she bravely shares with us. I admire that soul-deep honesty and wit; there’s nothing shallow or superfluous.
I found myself highlighting so much and so frequently that if this wasn’t an ebook, I would’ve run out of ink. Seriously. For that reason, I’m going to buy a physical copy so I can scribble in the margins about how often I could relate and make note of the insights that I want to ingrain in my soul, especially when I find myself becoming judgemental or erroneously fearful of the differences between “PLM and NLM” (<--I love that this automatic human nature about tribalism is simplified to these acronyms, because now I use them to quickly reset my brain when I realize I may be doing that). I truly found Oldfield’s writing to be so profound and at the same time vulnerable and convicting.
Her journey to and through a Christian life is also quite relatable to me and I don’t think this to be a book missed even if you are not a Christian. From this book, you are introduced to a real thinker; a modern day philosopher about our human condition that screams to the part of you that’s groaning for a better way forward, a better understanding of self in relation to others, a better sense of community and an honest-raw fellowship that can’t be found when we are trapped in the pretense of NLM thinking.
I don’t know the author, this person, this stranger across the pond, yet I find a kindred spirit in her writing and that’s not often the case. She managed to weave in theology to her findings and as a Christian, found this beautifully done. Often I find Christian books, especially those “geared to women” (<--which this book doesn’t claim to be anyway) very surface level, too “head in the cloud”, or so “shiny happy people” that I simply can’t relate, but here Oldfield deep dives (even into minefields) and I love it. I haven’t included quotes or favorite bits because that would take more time than I could write or you would want to read in a review. You will have to read this yourself and find that you will also run out of ink.
I highly recommend this book no matter your sex and no matter of your religious beliefs or lack thereof. If you ruminate on life in all its intricacies beautiful and sometimes tragic, you will find a treasure trove of philosophical gems here.
I did receive this ebook as an advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher, but this is my own opinion and an honest review.
July 11, 2024
I first heard about this book on the Holy Post podcast, and was immediately intrigued by its premise of exploring the wisdom of the Christian tradition for our particular cultural moment. Its intended audience is the spiritually curious, doubtful, wounded or even resistant - and I found it honest and refreshing. I appreciated the author’s definition of sin as disconnection - from each other, God and ourselves. The author is from the UK so there are some differences in the religious/church context there vs. in the U.S. but there are lots of similarities too. She also expertly weaves in how the Christian tradition and faith actually align with current neuroscience. 4.5 ⭐️
July 24, 2025
ahh… as always what I’m writing here will be hopelessly inarticulate. I really, really, really liked this book. As, I think, with any nonfiction book- especially such a personal one (a self professed hybrid of personal essay, memoir and nonfiction/advice), I don’t agree with everything, but that’s okay. It’s been a year since I’ve been a Christian (crazy to think- and a label that I’m still navigating, reckoning with) and I’m struck by what this book says, how it resonates with me, my life and the way I want to live: intentionally and meaningfully. I was chatting to a friend about it, and I laughed, “I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve been increasingly indoctrinated into having the same beliefs as her, but I’m finding so much of it self-evident (not -mean - too simple, but rather, universal)”. Everywhere around me, I see evidence that we yearn for community, yearn for generative relationships that move us towards meaning and each other. Move us toward participation and communion (a word I use charged with both the mundane secular and the transcendent and divine). And, behold: Elizabeth Oldfield concretises how we might use Christian tradition to respond to this world, using it (whether religious or not) as a way to navigate modernity. While “tending to the soul in turbulent times” is, I think, a misleading subheading, and I originally bawked at the structure into deadly sins, I think there’s a lot of value to this book. It’s a book, that, I think is considered with a loving posture to the world (a posture that sometimes feels refreshing in circles where doom, gloom and Christian ‘counter-culturalism’ seem ubiquitous- although she does use that phrase once or twice to my chagrin). This book is wonderfully not oppositional to non Christians, written with compassion by a woman who has wrestled with faith, while also illuminating real aspects of what makes modern life hard and heartbreaking. Probably worth a 4 stars ngl, but I felt very full when I finished this, and, as Oldfield herself points out, we don’t need to over intellectualise and rationalise everything, so, purely based on how I’m feeling 10 minutes after finishing the book (perhaps because I’m literally sitting surrounded by my beautiful friends in Portugal! like, what?! how lucky am I!?), 5 stars it is.
July 3, 2024
hit and miss mostly hit!
September 17, 2024
A candid exploration of what it means to live fully alive in today’s hypermodern age. Part confessional, part devotional and part instructional, Elizabeth Oldfield presents a compelling vision of ‘life in the spirit’ - shaped and directed by Christian spiritual practices - modelled by Jesus and taught and practised by generations of Christian communities since. These spiritual practices move us - as a collective (community is very important for Oldfield) - from a state of disconnection and brokenness, to one of relationship - with each other and with the Divine.
A book to make you think inwardly and outwardly, and to inspire a desire for depth of living. I particularly appreciated Oldfield’s candidness and honesty, that made her vision and pursuit of fullness of life seem deeply grounded in the struggles and realities of life.
A book to make you think inwardly and outwardly, and to inspire a desire for depth of living. I particularly appreciated Oldfield’s candidness and honesty, that made her vision and pursuit of fullness of life seem deeply grounded in the struggles and realities of life.
August 6, 2024
2.5 rounded down. It’s a shame because at the beginning of this book I was underlining so many parts of it, but by the end I wasn’t underlining anything at all. The book becomes very repetitive. The author completely lost me on her chapter on lust where she blamed lack of commitment for the reason people are not marrying as young as before (this just isn’t true). I also do not feel the subtitle - tending to the soul in turbulent times - is reflective of what the book is actually about, which is an analysis of how to live fully using the seven deadly sins as a means of reflection. I recommend reading the first half of this book, and then putting it down and moving on
August 21, 2024
Most of the chapters were great. The chapter on Lust missed the mark and dropped this down to a 4-star for me, but I would still highly recommend the book.
October 13, 2025
In the gospel of John, Jesus (somewhat cryptically) invites two disciples to simply “come and see” (John 1:29). That is the invitation here- come and see.
Oldenfield’s book is written to the agnostic. She assumes no shared belief, but she invites the readers to explore why the turbulent world feels this way, and even explore their own shortcomings (as she is refreshingly honest about her own). The seven deadly sins become a framework to explore what it means to be fully alive- to learn from the wisdom of the Christian tradition to experience something greater.
Oldenfield is candid about her own experiences- I think readers (Christian and not) will find this honesty appealing. Her own journey as a “failed atheist” (p. 16) and period of disillusionment with faith will resonate with many believers (I felt her experience is echoed in Rachel Held Evans’ “Searching for Sunday”). She cites a number of sources- Evagrius Ponticus, Andy Crouch, Audre Lorde, and John Donne to name a few. And her diagnosis of sin (& various expressions of it into what we call the seven deadly sins) will be curious to someone who is not a Christian- but perhaps they will ring true. Her exploration of a sin and a pathway out of it (I am struck by her chapter on community as an antidote to pride) is compelling.
Oldenfield’s context is important. She belongs to a charismatic tradition within UK Anglicanism- sometimes a bit foreign to my (American evangelical-ish) experience- but nonetheless I find her writing compelling. I think if you have ever grown weary of the failures of Christianity as an institution- or are curious what wisdom the tradition may have for our turbulent times- or even for your own life- you will find something to resonate with here.
This will not end in an altar call or gospel message- but, to echo Jesus’ words- an invitation to “come and see.”
And I will be adding avarice and acedia back to my vocabulary- and looking for a house create a mini commune of sorts with (she and her husband purchased a house with another couple as a step toward community- but that’s in the Pride chapter, I won’t spoil it further).
Oldenfield’s book is written to the agnostic. She assumes no shared belief, but she invites the readers to explore why the turbulent world feels this way, and even explore their own shortcomings (as she is refreshingly honest about her own). The seven deadly sins become a framework to explore what it means to be fully alive- to learn from the wisdom of the Christian tradition to experience something greater.
Oldenfield is candid about her own experiences- I think readers (Christian and not) will find this honesty appealing. Her own journey as a “failed atheist” (p. 16) and period of disillusionment with faith will resonate with many believers (I felt her experience is echoed in Rachel Held Evans’ “Searching for Sunday”). She cites a number of sources- Evagrius Ponticus, Andy Crouch, Audre Lorde, and John Donne to name a few. And her diagnosis of sin (& various expressions of it into what we call the seven deadly sins) will be curious to someone who is not a Christian- but perhaps they will ring true. Her exploration of a sin and a pathway out of it (I am struck by her chapter on community as an antidote to pride) is compelling.
Oldenfield’s context is important. She belongs to a charismatic tradition within UK Anglicanism- sometimes a bit foreign to my (American evangelical-ish) experience- but nonetheless I find her writing compelling. I think if you have ever grown weary of the failures of Christianity as an institution- or are curious what wisdom the tradition may have for our turbulent times- or even for your own life- you will find something to resonate with here.
This will not end in an altar call or gospel message- but, to echo Jesus’ words- an invitation to “come and see.”
And I will be adding avarice and acedia back to my vocabulary- and looking for a house create a mini commune of sorts with (she and her husband purchased a house with another couple as a step toward community- but that’s in the Pride chapter, I won’t spoil it further).
August 8, 2024
I love the thematic approach Elizabeth took with this book. How she applies the Seven Deadly Sins as a template, such an ancient and ubiquitous concept, to the (post-)modern western context in a very renewed and vibrant way was a brilliant move.
Elizabeth is a remarkably broad reader, and it comes through naturally here; she quotes sources from neuroscience literature to jewish philosophy and it makes for a very expansive and engrossing read. She’s also such a good writer. I’ve read many of her articles but her style really comes through in this debut book. I hope she writes more in the future.
Having been a follower of her work for a while now, I know she’s genuinely curious about people from all stripes and sensitive to the sensibilities of those like her and not like her, so for those looking for an ideologically siloed book, you might have to skip this one.
Most parts of this book I loved and agreed with, others I was positively challenged by, and others I was somewhat hesitant to receive, but the read was altogether edifying and refreshing. Would recommend.
Elizabeth is a remarkably broad reader, and it comes through naturally here; she quotes sources from neuroscience literature to jewish philosophy and it makes for a very expansive and engrossing read. She’s also such a good writer. I’ve read many of her articles but her style really comes through in this debut book. I hope she writes more in the future.
Having been a follower of her work for a while now, I know she’s genuinely curious about people from all stripes and sensitive to the sensibilities of those like her and not like her, so for those looking for an ideologically siloed book, you might have to skip this one.
Most parts of this book I loved and agreed with, others I was positively challenged by, and others I was somewhat hesitant to receive, but the read was altogether edifying and refreshing. Would recommend.
October 31, 2025
I think the subtitle is a little misleading. It is about caring for the soul but the “in turbulent times” line kept me away for a while. I didn’t want to read about politics, etc. The amount of that is small because it mainly a book about caring for the soul.
The book is rewritten for those who don’t believe but as a believer I was greatly encouraged and convicted and I suspect I’m not the only one.
Thanks Mal and Deb for the recommendation!
The book is rewritten for those who don’t believe but as a believer I was greatly encouraged and convicted and I suspect I’m not the only one.
Thanks Mal and Deb for the recommendation!
August 11, 2024
Excellent, honest book about how to live a flourishing life, moving toward love through challenges. Oldfield considers the seven deadly sins, how they limit and harm our flourishing, and how we can experience freedom in a relationship with God. Beautiful and thought-provoking.
February 16, 2025
Loved this from start to finish
October 30, 2024
Elizabeth Oldfield explores the quest for a deep, meaningful life, addressing sin, specifically the seven deadly sins, and offering Christian virtues as alternatives.
While the book offers insightful reflections on attention, gratitude, and peacemaking, it struggles to give the only hope Christians have in life and death: Christ. A Christianity without Christ or the Cross is not true Christianity. Too utilitarian for me. You can’t merely use Christian beliefs.
While the book offers insightful reflections on attention, gratitude, and peacemaking, it struggles to give the only hope Christians have in life and death: Christ. A Christianity without Christ or the Cross is not true Christianity. Too utilitarian for me. You can’t merely use Christian beliefs.
November 10, 2025
oldfield reminds me of a christian fleabag. i can’t think of a greater compliment.
August 29, 2024
Oldfield is one of my new writer crushes. She evokes Spufford and Lewis, writing in that intelligent and witty (and a little bit cheeky) British style. She calls her project “theology for everyone else” and comes at truth subversively and practically. I don’t agree with everything (the chapter on lust/sex was less compelling, for instance) but her honesty and rawness as a writer is refreshing.
August 4, 2024
An accurate synopsis would be, in the author's own words, "This book is designed for those in search of spiritual core strength and curious about what the practices, postures and principles of Christianity might have to teach them." (Chapter: The G Bomb)
Personally, I felt that this book was about using the principles of Christianity and other belief systems to be a better person moreso than a self help book about becoming more Fully Alive in your Christian faith.
Positives:
This book made me think. A lot. It addressed everything from identifying triggers to pornography to neuroscience. Liz, as the author refers to herself in the text, offers lessons she has learned in her own life as ways to live a more meaningful life. I dig that.
Liz gives very good explanations for why she embraces Christianity that are sure not to offend literally anyone.
Negatives:
The tone of the book when it comes to God is almost apologetic. Repeatedly putting the word [God] in brackets is not only distracting, it's disrespectful. Or so it seems to me.
Liz explains very well why she embraces Christianity but seems to put it on par with other faith traditions. Not once does she mention that Jesus said "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me." Jn. 14:6
The book is littered with spelling bee words; why use a few little words when one big word will do. It feels like showing off to me. A thesaurus would be a good companion book.
Climate anxiety is a recurring theme. I'm not sure how to even address it. If someone is this stressed out about their perceived expectation that we're destroying the planet, maybe they aren't ready to write a book about living life to the fullest. Just a thought.
The chapter on Liz's sexual history including childhood masterbation was a little over the top. Good for her, but TMI is an understatement. She made it clear that she's not a prude, but some of that chapter was disturbingly cringe worthy. Maybe save it for a book on sex and Christianity rather than a book on living a more full life. I almost quit reading.
It will be interesting to know if the communal living Liz and her family have embarked on stands the test of time. I find great benefits to committing to our church but find the idea of buying a house with and living with another couple/family is just asking for drama, no matter how well you think you've vetted the people you're getting in bed with.
All in all, I would not recommend this book. To anyone. It's just plain weird.
Thanks to Netgalley and Baker Academic & Brazos Press for providing a free e-ARC for my review. All opinions are my own.
Personally, I felt that this book was about using the principles of Christianity and other belief systems to be a better person moreso than a self help book about becoming more Fully Alive in your Christian faith.
Positives:
This book made me think. A lot. It addressed everything from identifying triggers to pornography to neuroscience. Liz, as the author refers to herself in the text, offers lessons she has learned in her own life as ways to live a more meaningful life. I dig that.
Liz gives very good explanations for why she embraces Christianity that are sure not to offend literally anyone.
Negatives:
The tone of the book when it comes to God is almost apologetic. Repeatedly putting the word [God] in brackets is not only distracting, it's disrespectful. Or so it seems to me.
Liz explains very well why she embraces Christianity but seems to put it on par with other faith traditions. Not once does she mention that Jesus said "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me." Jn. 14:6
The book is littered with spelling bee words; why use a few little words when one big word will do. It feels like showing off to me. A thesaurus would be a good companion book.
Climate anxiety is a recurring theme. I'm not sure how to even address it. If someone is this stressed out about their perceived expectation that we're destroying the planet, maybe they aren't ready to write a book about living life to the fullest. Just a thought.
The chapter on Liz's sexual history including childhood masterbation was a little over the top. Good for her, but TMI is an understatement. She made it clear that she's not a prude, but some of that chapter was disturbingly cringe worthy. Maybe save it for a book on sex and Christianity rather than a book on living a more full life. I almost quit reading.
It will be interesting to know if the communal living Liz and her family have embarked on stands the test of time. I find great benefits to committing to our church but find the idea of buying a house with and living with another couple/family is just asking for drama, no matter how well you think you've vetted the people you're getting in bed with.
All in all, I would not recommend this book. To anyone. It's just plain weird.
Thanks to Netgalley and Baker Academic & Brazos Press for providing a free e-ARC for my review. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2024
What a brave, quirky, vulnerable, and intriguing book! Oldfield’s writing is an invitation: a “well, if you’re up for it in this troubled era, try stepping into Christianity”. She understands people - their aspirations, their fears, and their paradoxes.
I suspect, however, some of my ‘more conservative’ Christian brothers and sisters may dismiss her work. This will be a pity. Then again, maybe this book isn’t for them all along.
In fact, what Oldfield does in her book reminds me of Emily Dickinson:
‘Tell all the truth but tell it slant…The Truth must dazzle gradually or every man be blind.’
I suspect, however, some of my ‘more conservative’ Christian brothers and sisters may dismiss her work. This will be a pity. Then again, maybe this book isn’t for them all along.
In fact, what Oldfield does in her book reminds me of Emily Dickinson:
‘Tell all the truth but tell it slant…The Truth must dazzle gradually or every man be blind.’
September 6, 2024
If you are familiar at all with Oldfield's The Sacred, a podcast where she spends time conversing with people from across different perspectives with the aim of fostering a posture of genuine listening and understanding, her book has the same flavor and the same vibe, simply looking from the perspective of examining her own values and her own convictions. In a way it is a book about why she decided to make the podcast.
Central to her approach is the question, what does sacred mean to you, and the subsequent question what is sacred to you. Titled Fully Alive, this is a fully fleshed out answer to those two questions using the seven deadly sins as a template and the choas of this world as her motivation
One of the things Olfield is trying to accomplish, aside from fleshing out her answers to the sacred questions, is modeling what it looks like to embrace one's convictions while also engaging the necessary questions and struggles that set us within a community as dialoge partners. This is built on the virtues of love, empathy and humility in a world built on division. We can see this in how Olfield approaches what she aptly calls the G-Bomb. A word that she knows can isolate and chase away believer and unbeliever alike. Rather than avoiding her convictions she leaves this part of the discussion to the final chapter, being upfront with this in the first chapter as she tables her convictions, inviting the reader to hold their own definitions in hand while allowing for the opportunity to understand a different perspective than their own. It's an invitation to practice what the podcast preaches while practicing the kind of vulnerability she hopes to mine from conversations with her guest in the telling of her own story.
The end result is a mix of philosophy, theology, practical lessons and memoir, all wrapped up in astute observations of the present state of things. What it means to be fully alive becomes an expressed desire on her end to know this in action not just in theory, and the marks of her journey reveal someone committed to not staying still when it comes to trusting in the idea of spiritual growth, a term she binds intimately to this material existence.
Undoubtedly there is going to be points every reader will think differently about or believe differently on. Olfield expects this to be the case. This is about what sacred means to her and what is sacred to her, and for us much as things look outwards necessarily, all she really has is her own story, her own perspective, her own experiences. Which is why community is so necessary. Thus there is a lot of room built into this conversation to disagree, but to disagree with purpose. Purpose being growth and understanding of the other, the world, and oneself. Where it invites you to see differently, if only for the time spent with her story, it also invites one to believe more strongly, to become more fully alive.
Central to her approach is the question, what does sacred mean to you, and the subsequent question what is sacred to you. Titled Fully Alive, this is a fully fleshed out answer to those two questions using the seven deadly sins as a template and the choas of this world as her motivation
One of the things Olfield is trying to accomplish, aside from fleshing out her answers to the sacred questions, is modeling what it looks like to embrace one's convictions while also engaging the necessary questions and struggles that set us within a community as dialoge partners. This is built on the virtues of love, empathy and humility in a world built on division. We can see this in how Olfield approaches what she aptly calls the G-Bomb. A word that she knows can isolate and chase away believer and unbeliever alike. Rather than avoiding her convictions she leaves this part of the discussion to the final chapter, being upfront with this in the first chapter as she tables her convictions, inviting the reader to hold their own definitions in hand while allowing for the opportunity to understand a different perspective than their own. It's an invitation to practice what the podcast preaches while practicing the kind of vulnerability she hopes to mine from conversations with her guest in the telling of her own story.
The end result is a mix of philosophy, theology, practical lessons and memoir, all wrapped up in astute observations of the present state of things. What it means to be fully alive becomes an expressed desire on her end to know this in action not just in theory, and the marks of her journey reveal someone committed to not staying still when it comes to trusting in the idea of spiritual growth, a term she binds intimately to this material existence.
Undoubtedly there is going to be points every reader will think differently about or believe differently on. Olfield expects this to be the case. This is about what sacred means to her and what is sacred to her, and for us much as things look outwards necessarily, all she really has is her own story, her own perspective, her own experiences. Which is why community is so necessary. Thus there is a lot of room built into this conversation to disagree, but to disagree with purpose. Purpose being growth and understanding of the other, the world, and oneself. Where it invites you to see differently, if only for the time spent with her story, it also invites one to believe more strongly, to become more fully alive.
August 24, 2024
Two years ago, I attended a church conference designed to help church leaders rebuild after the pandemic. Like many pastors there, I was likely experiencing burnout, though I hadn’t recognized or acknowledged it at the time. One of the seminars, led by Elizabeth Oldfield, focused on faith deconstruction. It stood out as refreshingly honest, helpful, and liberating. During lunch, some mutual friends briefly introduced us. I hadn’t heard of her before, and it wasn’t until a few months later that I started listening to her podcast, Sacred. Looking back, one of my biggest regrets is not realising who she was at the time. If I had known, I would have eagerly engaged in deeper conversations with her rather than making small talk about the buffet!
Fast forward two years, and I’ve gained invaluable spiritual and emotional insights from her podcast. Now, she’s released a book titled Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times. It’s part memoir, part philosophy, and part theology, aimed at burnt-out, cynical millennials who sense that the answers we’re searching for might be found, if not in the Church, at least in the spiritual realm.
Cards on the table, both the author and I are Christians. However, this book isn’t about arguing for Christianity or providing a rigorous intellectual defense of the faith. Instead, it offers a perspective, a lens, to help make sense of the turbulent times we’re living through, shedding light on the sources of our disconnection. Traditionally, Christianity has pointed to “sin” as the cause, and Oldfield reiterates this. However, drawing from one of her influences, Francis Spufford, she suggests that sin is best understood as the human tendency to mess things up, rather than as shame or a legalistic problem. Each chapter is built around one of the seven deadly sins, exploring how these manifest in our lives and society, preventing us from being fully alive.
Throughout the book, Oldfield candidly shares her own struggles with disconnection, both personally and in her community and relationships. Her vulnerability is a powerful testament to the kind of Christianity she advocates. The memoir-like sections are the strongest and most engaging, whereas the parts where she quotes various philosophers, theologians, and sociologists can feel less compelling. I often found myself skimming those sections. The book would have been even richer if she had shared more of her personal story—her experiences of disconnection and reconnection with the sacred are far more impactful than yet another quote from Blaise Pascal.
The writing is eloquent, so much so that, as someone for whom English is not a first language, I occasionally needed a dictionary to fully grasp some passages. It’s evident that the book is written by a highly educated, middle-class Londoner, primarily for a similar audience. This might make it challenging for some readers to relate to her perspective and experiences.
Nevertheless, Fully Alive is a timely and valuable book. It reframes the Christian story and practice in a way that might challenge some Christians, but Oldfield does so gently and with the best of intentions because she believes that the teachings of a first-century carpenter still have relevance in today’s turbulent times.
Fast forward two years, and I’ve gained invaluable spiritual and emotional insights from her podcast. Now, she’s released a book titled Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times. It’s part memoir, part philosophy, and part theology, aimed at burnt-out, cynical millennials who sense that the answers we’re searching for might be found, if not in the Church, at least in the spiritual realm.
Cards on the table, both the author and I are Christians. However, this book isn’t about arguing for Christianity or providing a rigorous intellectual defense of the faith. Instead, it offers a perspective, a lens, to help make sense of the turbulent times we’re living through, shedding light on the sources of our disconnection. Traditionally, Christianity has pointed to “sin” as the cause, and Oldfield reiterates this. However, drawing from one of her influences, Francis Spufford, she suggests that sin is best understood as the human tendency to mess things up, rather than as shame or a legalistic problem. Each chapter is built around one of the seven deadly sins, exploring how these manifest in our lives and society, preventing us from being fully alive.
Throughout the book, Oldfield candidly shares her own struggles with disconnection, both personally and in her community and relationships. Her vulnerability is a powerful testament to the kind of Christianity she advocates. The memoir-like sections are the strongest and most engaging, whereas the parts where she quotes various philosophers, theologians, and sociologists can feel less compelling. I often found myself skimming those sections. The book would have been even richer if she had shared more of her personal story—her experiences of disconnection and reconnection with the sacred are far more impactful than yet another quote from Blaise Pascal.
The writing is eloquent, so much so that, as someone for whom English is not a first language, I occasionally needed a dictionary to fully grasp some passages. It’s evident that the book is written by a highly educated, middle-class Londoner, primarily for a similar audience. This might make it challenging for some readers to relate to her perspective and experiences.
Nevertheless, Fully Alive is a timely and valuable book. It reframes the Christian story and practice in a way that might challenge some Christians, but Oldfield does so gently and with the best of intentions because she believes that the teachings of a first-century carpenter still have relevance in today’s turbulent times.
June 15, 2024
Beautiful, brave, inspiring, profoundly thoughtful
This is one of the wisest and most thought-provoking invitations to living life to the full that I've ever read - and I've read a lot. It also made me laugh, which was lovely, and cry, because I recognised in it so much of the 'really real' that life and [God] offer us if we pay attention. Elizabeth's writing is beautiful and incisive and I loved the gentle graciousness of her soul, as well as the strength and integrity of her challenge to us. I'm so glad she found time between recording her fabulous 'The Sacred' podcast to write this.
This is one of the wisest and most thought-provoking invitations to living life to the full that I've ever read - and I've read a lot. It also made me laugh, which was lovely, and cry, because I recognised in it so much of the 'really real' that life and [God] offer us if we pay attention. Elizabeth's writing is beautiful and incisive and I loved the gentle graciousness of her soul, as well as the strength and integrity of her challenge to us. I'm so glad she found time between recording her fabulous 'The Sacred' podcast to write this.
July 23, 2024
Over the years, I have been inspired and challenged by 'The Sacred' podcast in which Elizabeth Oldfield interviews people from all kinds of backgrounds. Her open mindedness to others and seeking to understand their world as part of her faith, is something deeply attractive and positive.
So I was intrigued to see what this book would be like. It does not disappoint. It too inspired and challenged. I made lots of notes. All kinds of things really resonated, sometimes painfully so (but that does not mean bad).
Thankful for having read this.
So I was intrigued to see what this book would be like. It does not disappoint. It too inspired and challenged. I made lots of notes. All kinds of things really resonated, sometimes painfully so (but that does not mean bad).
Thankful for having read this.
May 19, 2025
I don’t know that I’ve ever read a book where the author was as vulnerable and tender as here, it was lovely. As a Christian woman of almost the same age and similar background, I share a lot of experiences and perspectives with Oldfield, so there was a lot I could easily relate to and apply, but even if one doesn’t have so much in common with her, I think this is a gentle, kind, reflective book that anyone could enjoy. I felt grounded and renewed by the material she covers as well as gently challenged to seek out more community, more faith, more opportunities for connection :)
August 23, 2025
3.5 stars. Maybe if the book hadn’t come with such outstanding recommendations from a few writers I follow, I would have been less disappointed. It’s not a bad book, by any means. Oldfield’s is very aware of our contemporary moment, and offers observations on how the Christian seven deadly sin tradition offers wisdom for today. Her apologetic approach is an interesting one: talk about morals and wisdom for the bulk of the book, and then (apologetically) explain how God and Jesus might make sense. What annoyed me most was the writing style: punchy sentences often missing an object, and bit too much fluff. I guess I wanted a book with a bit more linguistic beauty in it?
January 9, 2025
I loved this!! Love the framing of sin as disconnection and her writing style felt very warm and relatable and non-shamey (which is always important when talking about sin). This book is definitely targeted towards people who are spiritually curious but maybe skeptical of religion so the tone felt almost apologetic re: God which I personally didn’t need (like you don’t need to convince me girl I’m with you) but still lots of valuable deep theological insights!!
March 10, 2025
This is a really, really cool book that uses the framework of the "Seven Deadly Sins" to talk about the journey of life. It's a very pastoral book, but it's even more personal, as the author uses her own life story to guide us through the framework. Like she says in the afterward, this is a "Theology for everyone else." It's funny and light, serious and heavy, just like life, drawing the reader towards Love.
November 22, 2025
A wonderfully candid and inspiring book, giving hope and an alternative response in the fear-inducing times we live in. As someone who shares the author's faith it was weird how her faith was both central and slightly danced around, but perhaps that is more because of my own tendency to want to have things well defined. I really appreciate this book and Oldfield's wider mission to listen and connect across tribal boundaries.
July 14, 2024
I needed this book. After turbulent years that don’t look to be moving toward anything better in the next few years, I needed Oldfield’s straightforward facing of what is going on inside of me and ultimately my relationship with God.
December 25, 2025
Oldfield wrote the book on Christian spirituality I wish could write. Here’s an urgent, accessible read for anyone—believers and non-believers alike— curious about how the Christian tradition might offer a compelling exploration into the human condition. It’s also funny and refreshingly honest.
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