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Chrysalis
A Forgotten Phase in the Journey of Faith uses the life-cycle of butterflies as a metaphor for the faith journey that many contemporary people are experiencing. Increasing numbers of Christian people find their faith metamorphosing beyond the standard images and forms of Christian faith but questions about where this may lead remain. Is this the death of personal faith or the emergence of something new? Could it be a journey that is Spirit-led? Drawing on the three principal phases of a butterfly's life and the transformations between these phases, the book suggests subtle similarities with the zones of Christian faith that many encounter. For butterflies and Christians change between these 'phases' or 'zones' is substantial, life-changing and irreversible. This book accompanies ordinary people in the midst of substantive faith change. Chrysalis is primarily pastoral and practical drawing on the author's experience of accompanying people in the midst of difficult personal faith changes.
- GenresChristian
132 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 8, 2022
There were some interesting points in the early stages of the book but I didn't necessarily agree with some of the conclusions that he came to at the end of the book.
I agree that we need to talk more about the deep, faith questioning phases of life and be more open to the fact that troubles do arise that can deeply shake our faith and force us to reexamine what we believe. I agree with his premise that dark things happen and that through that period there is the opportunity to enter into a deeper faith.
However, it felt like he almost romanticised this journey as one that all Christians should strive to go through in order to become a more rounded Christian, almost like a Christian who no longer needed the church or could no longer relate to Christians who had not gone through this stage (as if they had come to a place where they were above "pre-critical" Christians as he put it). I find myself in a very similar faith situation to the picture that he paints of the "chrysalis" but I don't see myself as being on some deep spiritual journey that will eventually lead me to being some form of higher Christian.
Rambled a bit but my main take away was that, going through hard stages in life that force us into a dark place where we no longer can see God should be seen as part of faith, not part of losing our faith. But, we should also not feel that we will eventually come to a place where we have to move on from our initial places of faith to find similar "post-critical" Christians who are the "real" Christians of faith.
I agree that we need to talk more about the deep, faith questioning phases of life and be more open to the fact that troubles do arise that can deeply shake our faith and force us to reexamine what we believe. I agree with his premise that dark things happen and that through that period there is the opportunity to enter into a deeper faith.
However, it felt like he almost romanticised this journey as one that all Christians should strive to go through in order to become a more rounded Christian, almost like a Christian who no longer needed the church or could no longer relate to Christians who had not gone through this stage (as if they had come to a place where they were above "pre-critical" Christians as he put it). I find myself in a very similar faith situation to the picture that he paints of the "chrysalis" but I don't see myself as being on some deep spiritual journey that will eventually lead me to being some form of higher Christian.
Rambled a bit but my main take away was that, going through hard stages in life that force us into a dark place where we no longer can see God should be seen as part of faith, not part of losing our faith. But, we should also not feel that we will eventually come to a place where we have to move on from our initial places of faith to find similar "post-critical" Christians who are the "real" Christians of faith.
February 4, 2011
It's about hitting a certain point in your faith journey where things seem dry and lifeless and you really wonder what it is you believe. Jamieson really nails the feelings of discouragement, doubt and disatisfaction. And that it's okay to step back totally and reassess everything. In fact, if you don't, you just can't move forward.
I read it at a time when I really needed it. And I think it's probably altered my belief system totally. BUT, I no longer feel bad or wrong about it. Just because my way doesn't fit into an established system doesn't mean it's not the right path for me.
It was a relief to learn I wasn't alone or totally crazy.
I read it at a time when I really needed it. And I think it's probably altered my belief system totally. BUT, I no longer feel bad or wrong about it. Just because my way doesn't fit into an established system doesn't mean it's not the right path for me.
It was a relief to learn I wasn't alone or totally crazy.
April 29, 2009
re-reading currently. Described my faith journey almost completely. Lots of "yes, yes" moments.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews