How's Your Faith?: An Unlikely Spiritual Journey

by David Gregory, Miranda Kennedy

In this “thoughtful, introspective, and moving account” (The Washington Post), former NBC news anchor David Gregory probes various religious traditions to better understand his own faith and answer important questions about who we want to be and what we believe.When David Gregory was a reporter covering the White House, President George W. Bush asked him a “Gregory, how’s your faith?” Raised by a Catholic mother and a Jewish dad, David had a strong sense of Jewish cultural and ethnic identity, but no real belief—until his marriage to a Protestant woman of strong faith inspired him to explore his spirituality for himself and his growing family. His spiritual journey has taken him inside Christian mega-churches and into the world of Orthodox Judaism. He’s gone deep into Bible study and asked big questions of America’s most thoughtful religious leaders, including evangelical preacher Joel Osteen; Mohamed Magid, the imam of a big northern Virginia mosque; and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Catholic Archbishop of New York. He has even reconsidered his own childhood, where a belief in God might have helped him through his mother’s struggle with alcoholism. How’s Your Faith? is “an unusual, probing book, part memoir, part cri de coeur, part exploration” (The Boston Globe). David explores spirituality with the curiosity and dedication you would expect from a seasoned journalist, coupled with the “genuine and deeply felt” (The Wall Street Journal) yearning of a true seeker of faith.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Memoir, Spirituality, Theology, Audiobook

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

David Gregory is the former moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press. He previously served as Chief White House Correspondent for NBC News, where he was hailed by Washingtonian magazine as a “firebrand in the front row.” How’s Your Faith? is his first book.

Reviews

[Rivki Silver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book a higher review because I appreciate Mr. Gregory's willingness to share these deeply personal memories and experiences with a broader audience. His message that faith is something that many of us can connect to and gain from no matter our background is a beautiful and inspiring message. His questioning nature and desire to connect is very moving.

Unfortunately, I found myself constantly frustrated by the organization of the book, which I felt was haphazard and detracted from his journey. I also would have liked more in-depth descriptions of why certain things or experiences were important instead of a superficial explanation or a sentence telling me something was pivotal in his life without actually describing how and why it was pivotal. I felt there was a lot of potential to go deeper than it did, and I found that frustrating. There was also a surprising amount of redundancy and clichéd language, as well as inconsistencies in punctuation (rabbi or Rabbi as a title, for instance).

[Dottie Resnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written as an autobiography I thought was a bit misleading. I thought Mr. Gregory would write more about his own spiritual journey (which was discussed) but he also wrote a lot about other people's faith, their thoughts, feelings and journey. In this I was disappointed, because I really wanted to hear and read about his quest and living a more spiritually engaged life.

[W. Whalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Intimate Look at the Spiritual Life of a Well-known Journalist

Journalists are taught the need for impartiality and not revealing such intimate personal details as your own spiritual journey. It is a rare treat for the public to learn the inside details of the spiritual journey of a well-known broadcast journalist like David Gregory. I applaud the risk he took in writing HOW’S YOUR FAITH? I found the book fascinating and insightful.

As Gregory writes in the Epilogue, “How is your faith?” is probably the most important question I have ever asked of myself or anyone else. The answers we give point to something essential about who we are and who we strive to be. In my life, asking the question helped me to pay closer attention. For so many of us, it feels uncomfortable to talk about spirituality or religion. It is one of those topics that we are raised to think of as distinctly personal and vaguely embarrassing.” (Page 257) A little later in the same section, Gregory continues, “Since I have started down this road, I have found myself wanting to help give people permission. I am not a pastor or a rabbi. I am not a religious scholar or any kind of expert. But I believe in asking questions, especially the question that is the title of this book.” (Page 259)

More than a memoir, Gregory gives his own spiritual journey with his Jewish roots but also broadens the book to include others that he interviews like Joel Osteen, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Tim Keller. The book is well-written and highly recommended.

[Susan Stitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read. I was drawn to it as someone who always enjoyed David Gregory's broadcasting and journalism skills. I now have a whole new perspective of the man, and from the tales he tells in the book, so does he. How's Your Faith is the story of David's own journey to find, identify, and embrace his own faith. This book will appeal to those who are also searching for their own faith and also to those, like myself who are firm in their beliefs, and have never had to face the doubts and questions that many others go through. David reveals the difficulties of being raised by a dominating father and a mother who is an alcoholic. He discusses what it's like to be raised by a single parent after his parent's divorce. He shares intimate details of his marriage to a woman of a different faith; so those in or contemplating a mixed faith marriage will find honest and revealing discussion of the issues that arise from that situation. Mr. Gregory does an excellent job documenting the many multi-faith sources that he drew on and continues to draw on, as he researched the Jewish faith and other faiths as well. This book does touch on the 'situation' at NBC but it's about so much more than that. It's about obtaining the grace and wisdom to deal with a life changing event and becoming the man that God intended him to be.

[Lois R. Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newsman and former Meet the Press host, David Gregory, discusses his own journey from secular Judaism to a deeper tradition of faith and how he and his wife, Beth, a Methodist, created a faith-filled home for their three children. This is a warts and all book, exposing Gregory's Hollywood upbringing in a secular Jewish home (his father was Jewish, his mother Catholic) with an alcoholic mother. HIs parents split early, leaving David and his sister to cope with his mother's addiction. His anger and isolation was channeled into ambition and an early blooming career in news, only to crash and burn with his unceremonious dismissal for MTP. Along the way, however, Gregory discovered inner resources with spiritual guides from many traditions. This is a great book for religious seekers and especially for those trying to raise children in interfaith homes.

[Lorri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure what I expected, or if I even had expectations, before reading David Gregory's book.

It was an easy read, and not one filled with intensity regarding Gregory's spiritual journey. But, it was his journey, and I can't find fault with his spiritual quest.

He was raised by a Jewish father and a Catholic mother. During his childhood he identified more with the Jewish community, not necessarily the Jewish faith.

We each have our own way of incorporating G-d and religion into our lifestyle. For some it is mainly cultural (which was Gregory's initial mode as he grew into adulthood). Organized religion was not central in his family's lifestyle, as he was growing up.

It wasn't until he met his wife that he began to question and seek answers to his deeper feelings and concepts of faith.

Through meetings with several members of various religious groups, Christian organizations and churches, meetings with rabbis, and other clerical/religious individuals, he gained some insight and answers to questions that were prevalent in his mind.

I didn't find that Gregory had a deep sense of religiosity, and initially felt as if his journey was more of a project to be completed, as opposed to a spiritual quest for answers, meaning, and fulfillment. Perhaps his professional journalism career had something to do with that. He went down the spiritual path in his own manner.

I am not sure David Gregory is finished with his journey, and I expect there might be a sequel, in the future. If not, I do get the feeling that he will continue his journey towards understanding and giving himself over to G-d, not only during times of crisis, but in meaningfulness on a daily basis.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won an Advanced Reader's Copy from Goodreads Giveaways! Just arrived, can't wait to get started. Thanks Goodreads!
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Three stars probably looks like a harsher review than I intend - the five-star system has some weaknesses. Overall I enjoyed it. I always liked David Gregory on Meet the Press, a show I have stopped watching now mostly because I no longer have the time or leave the TV on as a matter of course. Partly, I think disconnecting from the "newscycle" (beyond NPR in the car and occasional "alerts" on my cell) has made me a happier person - and hopefully the same goes for Gregory. I enjoyed the insight into the fact that actual human conversation can take place between journalists and their subjects. And i think it's an encouraging book. It's simple, but can be a revelation for everyone, I think, that we can all try to become better people and eventually we just might.
Since I received an ARC, I'm not sure what may have changed before it was released, editing-wise, some places seemed a little jumpy. But charitably, felt like a conversation over coffee with someone who is storytelling.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book read by David Gregory. It's not only about the search for more meaning in Gregory's Jewish faith. It discusses his mother's alcoholism, divorce of his parents, marrying a Methodist, raising their kids In the Jewish traditions, and his fall from NBC news. Hope I see Gregory back on TV news soon. Good book.

[Keith Haan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting telling of Gregory's faith journey. He is Jewish; his wife is Methodist. They are raising their children Jewish. He tells of his faith search, leaving NBC after many years, growing up with a distant father and an alcoholic mother, eventually growing close to his parents, and his search to become a good father.

[Sam Hakes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good and interesting read with many insights into American Judaism as well as Christian religious practices. It is mostly about one man's faith journey with God and his desire to go deeper than the surface and cultural levels of religion. Perhaps there is a God beyond the traditions.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great spiritual journey book.

[Terri Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was different from what I thought it would be and I even saw an interview with the author. I thought this book would be a look at different faiths or the author's own views about faith. While there is plenty of both of those things, this book is primarily an autobiography of reporter David Gregory. He does explain, however, that he feels the circumstances of his life are important to understand his faith journey. I didn't see the connection except in a few instances: his parents' Catholic/Jewish heritages, his marriage to a Methodist woman and his departure from "Meet the Press."

When he does speak to people of different faiths, he stops talking to them and then suddenly returns to them several chapters later. It's a very windy path to try and follow (maybe like Faith itself). I really liked the idea of this book, but it needed a better structure. Perhaps 1-2 opening chapters about Gregory's life and his decision to write a book about Faith; a dedicated, finite chapter to each different faith leader he interviews; and a closing chapter about where he is in his faith journey now.

[Cathryn Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though a spiritual journey is often centered in a community of faith, it is by nature intensely personal. So it is a privilege to read this book by CNN political analyst and former "Meet the Press" moderator David Gregory, who has presented a thoughtful and soul-revealing account of his own spiritual journey. But it is more than that. He also courageously reveals painful personal secrets because they are such a vital reason for his quest to find God.

His is a complicated story. His father is Jewish, his mother is Roman Catholic and his wife is Methodist. But Gregory identified as Jewish and set out to figure out what that meant to him and the children he and his wife agreed to raise as Jewish. Ever the reporter (and thanks to his extraordinary access), Gregory talked to a host of religious figures—from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York to Rabbi Danny Zemel of Temple Micah in Washington, D.C. to televangelist Joel Osteen to Imam Mohamed Magic, executive director of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society.

No matter your faith (or lack thereof) or where you are on your spiritual journey (or lack thereof), I highly recommend this book. I was mesmerized!

[Beverlee Jobrack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and clearly meaningful to David Gregory, I often felt annoyed while listening to it. Instead of humbleness, I sensed a whiff of what I so often feel from religious people, an air of superiority, that they have found the answer and you haven't. Even if you are a devout person, you haven't found the right answer. I know how important religion has been throughout history and how important it is in so many lives, and I know that I am infinitesimal in the great scheme of things but I don't know that that higher being is God. Maybe it's nature finding the best ways to live and survive. I appreciate my community found through faith and common values but what I like most about my spiritual life is the focus on the here and now and living a kind and generous life focused on leaving your campsite better than you found it. The whole focus on a higher power and afterlife is nothing but superstition to me.

[Larry VanZalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

David was born into a Jewish family. His father worked in Hollywood and changed the family name to Gregory in order to keep his career moving in the right direction. I always liked David's reporting and his NBC shows so I *had* to read his first book. He delves deeply into his childhood and being raised with his sister by a single, alcoholic mother. He includes many interesting personal glimpses into his career and his marriage. Somehow, he and his wife found a way to meld their Jewish and Protestant identities while bringing up their three children. And all of this while both partners hold down very high-power careers! It's an engrossing and thought provoking read. He writes in an easy going style with a pleasant mix of theology and personal stories in his search for his own religious identity. I highly recommend it.

[Zhelana · Rating 4 out of 5]

George W Bush asks David Gregory "how's your faith?" which sets in motion a long process to answer that question. Along the way he interviews clergy and members of other faith traditions, but really sets about living a Jewish life for himself and his kids. The book begins and ends with his alcoholic mother, and really seems to be about his ability to forgive his parents for putting him in danger. I wish that he had put the answers he got from other clergy in more context and answered how he drew them into his own faith. I also wish we had gotten more about faith than actions, though I know Judaism is more about actions than faith.

[David Askanase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. Gregory is married to a Methodist and they have agreed to raise their children (3) as Jews. Gregory is struggling with how to better embrace his faith after George W. Bush asked him "How's your faith". This book documents his search and goes into very personal areas including his wife's feelings about being "left out", his trying to come to terms with his alcoholic mother and his discussions about faith with many well known individuals accessible to him because of his stature as a newscaster with NBC.

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio -- Gregory, himself, narrates. My conclusion: This is like a mediocre sermon you would hear at your religious service. Gregory's life and spiritual journey have the potential to be very interesting, but he is not an engaging story teller. He comes across as earnest, admittedly ambitious, and rather humorless. I did appreciate some of his observations about interfaith marriage, which made this a worthwhile "read" for me.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is readable, but it is also somewhat generic and contains too much about his mother's alcoholism. Sure, it affected him and sure, he resented her for it and he had to forgive her, but it seemed more of an emotional, "everyman's" battle that may or may not include deep spirituality. David's spirituality, due to his eclectic background and family life, stuck me as rather broad and a bit beyond shallow (he did write about it), but still a First World, upper-middle-class sort.

[Jennifer Hornbuckle · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Gregory writes with candor, and I felt he went deeper as he explored and wrote. His openness, and his family's openness to sharing their stories and their struggles was moving and inspiring. However, I most appreciate, perhaps, his sharing about finding and making meaning in life, and how his and his family's faith (each member) is integral in that.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up this title since I've been doing a lot of reading and thinking about my own faith lately, so thought this might be an interesting perspective and was available on my audiobook app from library. Thought it was pretty ho-hum and really lacked a lot of the depth that titles with similar themes have since this was mostly a mediocre memoir.

[Christine Rix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspective for this former hard-nosed journalist. He chose to structure his biographical story through the lens of learning about faith, religion and spirituality. There is a lot of emphasis on the Jewish religion in his book and his relationships with his family. It's a quick easy read.

[Keyla Rhoades · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this a three because I appreciate his mindset and openness to growing spiritually but I couldn’t give it higher because the organization was distracting and repetitive in ways. It was refreshing to hear someone express concerns I have so openly and honestly, it just didn’t flow well as a book

[Stacey Trumble · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dull. Very self agrandizing. David Gregory obviously thinks more of his faith journey then the average person it seems because he was in the public eye. It is a very average story told in a wordy and less then interesting way. There is nothing special about the story and the writing is clearly from a first time author.

[Tracy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

How is your faith? What a simple question....and yet complicated. At times I had a tough time getting through this story, for personal reasons and for my own loss of faith after my Mom died suddenly still full of life. This book taught me several tools I can use to go forward and get beyond “stuff”.

[Laurelle!!! · Rating 2 out of 5]

Conceptually interesting but the execution fell flat. I did not find the author particularly likeable, nor his spiritual journey particularly unique or profound, though he clearly feels differently.

Yet another memoir from a “public figure” who really doesn’t have that much to say. (I use the term public figure loosely, as he seems to perceive himself as such but I’d never heard of him)

[chrisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting autobiographical account of one man's religious journey. I did feel that the book skipped from topic to topic at times. I found his recollections of his childhood probably the most interesting aspect of the book.

[Kerr Howell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is always interesting to read a person's life story about faith. I enjoyed this book mainly for the honesty and struggles the author presented in the book specifically about his anger. I too struggle with anger. If you want to be encouraged about your faith, this is a book for you

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. Its rare to find a male voice thats willing to be vulnerable and honest about success, flaws, and spirituality. It was also interesting to hear about practicing Judaism.

[Margot Timbel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A DNF for me. I have seen him speak. The book was repetitive w his speaking points. It was too self absorbed for me. My faith journey is nothing special but the book didn’t make me want to look deeper. It was not worth more of my time.