Wisdom Hunter

by Randall Arthur

This rerelease of Randall Arthur's bestselling novel presents the hypocrisy of Christian legalism and a man's search for the only surviving member of his family. The story's hero, Pastor Jason Faircloth, embarks on a journey that lasts eighteen years and takes him through four countries in a quest to find the granddaughter who is being hidden from him. In a process that mirrors our own spiritual journey, he discovers a rich relationship with God and the peace that finally comes with true faith.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Religion, Counselling, Contemporary, Adult

318 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1991

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! What a crazy and inspiring story of the dangers of legalism, as well as triumphing over adversity! Randall Arthur is an amazing writer!

[Darla Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was and still is my favorite book. There are so many golden nuggets of life and truth in this book. In my mind as I started reading this book I could actually picture some pastors from our era who are “righteous” in the United States that this could have happened to. Once I ended the book, I would pray that it could happen more.

I was excited when this book didn't hide from the sorrows of life, and touched on things like desperation, “Is that all there is” questions that come up in life, and about God and giving up and so many other things that I personally have thought and felt myself. I really wanted to see how he dealt with it all. Would he hide, or how well did he really know the Lord, was in my mind. Well, he blessed me in ways that another human being could never bless me, and so I thank the Lord for this book. The events might seem far fetched for some, but for those who have walked down some of these paths, it was like healing balm.

As a grateful “saved, redeemed and loved person” of our Lord Jesus Christ, I hope that if you read this book and you have some deep hidden major hurts that only you and the Lord know about, and you’ll know what I mean, it will touch you too.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Faircloth loses everything he cherishes in this world, and learns some very tough lessons along the way. The focus is on spiritual abuse in the church, and the tragic downside of "legalistic Christianity". This book is also about God's tough love, and how we can be Christian in our outward appearances (what we say, how we dress, etc), but if we aren't surrendered in our HEARTS to the Lord and willing to think outside the box, that no amount of "good works" matters without Love. I identified on so many levels with this story. The sequels to "Wisdom Hunter" ("Jordan's Crossing" and "Betrayal") are both intense stories also. I would suggest these books to anyone.

[DonnaJo Pallini · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most thought provoking book I’ve read in a long time!! Also one of the best books I’ve read!
Jason Faircloth, the fundamental preacher, goes on a life changing journey in search of wisdom!

[Chellie McGuire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this while spending Christmas in Costa Rica 2021. It gave me new layers to my own faith. An enjoyable read.

[Keiki Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you struggle with legalism, that dominating desire to do all things correctly and to condemn those who do not conform to your rigid view of personal conduct?

It is a lifestyle that lacks mercy. If that description fits you, this is the book for you.

In Wisdom Hunter, the main character, Jason Faircloth, is a legalistic Pastor with a tight reign on his congregstion and his family. Reading his prayers, one would think God is his servant. These are the character traits of a legalist and so very different than God intends as Jason soon discovers.

Reading of Jason Faircloth in the beginning of this novel reminded me of the words of Oswald Chambers “When a leader demands service, he ceases to have any authority.“

This novel begins with a descriptive character sketch of Pastor Jason Faircloth and his rigid legalistic views that have resulted in a the loss of his wife and daughter and ends with the freedom that comes from ‘loosing your religion’ and embracing the Grace of God.

Wisdom Hunter is an excellent story that reveals what holding fast to what you can pridefully control and forcing all others around you to do so as well can cost a person. It certainly cost Jason Faircloth.

After loosing his daughter and his wife, he sets off on a journey to find his granddaughter. What he finds along the way is tragic. It is heart breaking. But, in the end, Jason, as most Christians do, rediscovers the gift of Grace. The story ends with redemption, forgiveness and deep personal transformation. A must read for anyone who would dare to examine their own personal walk with Christ.

This is not a book written by a Christian that includes a moving, inspirational theme. This is a Christian novel that strikes to the core of one issue of the Church that is as deep seated today as it was when this book was originally released in the early 90′s.

If you are looking for a book that reveals the life of a legalist transformed by the Grace of God, this is it.

Disclaimer:
The review copy of this book was provided free of charge by Multnomah Books and donated to the library of Westwood Baptist Church.

Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: Multnomah Books

[Jill Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Jason Faircloth thought he had God all figured out. He knew the rules, and he made sure his congregation knew them too. There was no excuse for failure. He expected the same at home, but his teenage daughter could not abide by such standards and ran away. Jason prays faithfully that God will send his daughter home, and he is certain that God will grant his request in time.

Jason is visited out of the blue by a lawyer who brings horrible news: his daughter died giving birth to her daughter. Her husband is shipping her body back to Jason and his wife, but he has declared that the Faircloths will never see their granddaughter.

Jason didn't even know his daughter had married, let alone was expecting a child. He cannot understand how God could allow such tragedy to happen to him, a man who has given God everything. Jason is suddenly lost in his faith. He no longer knows what to believe, except that he cannot go on as he had been. He leaves his congregation and sets out in search of the one thing he hopes will bring meaning to his shattered life: his granddaughter.

This book was amazing. Jason's journey for new faith reached out and grabbed my soul. I've never read a story where the character experienced such a life change as a result of tragedy. It was inspiring, though-provoking, deep, and a wonderful look into Christ's heart. This book gives new insight to 1 Corinthians 10:23: "`Everything is permissible'--but not everything is beneficial. `Everything is permissible'--but not everything is constructive." Jason's journey to understanding humanity, love, and forgiveness changed the way I will look at it forever. It also changed the way I teach faith to my children. This book was heartbreaking and touching. I highly recommend it for readers looking for a gripping story that just might change their lives.

[Jennifer Defoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read so many books lately that they've all seemed to kind of run into one. Shortly after reading one I loose some of the intricacies of the story. This book, was definitely not one of those. I was completely blown away by this story. I wish I would've heard about this one years ago, when it originally came out. But I'm glad that I was given the chance to read it, even if it was 18 years late.

While there is alot going on in this story I felt that the main idea was that Jason, a pastor, questions his faith when his life is thrown into a chaotic string of events. So many things that Jason questioned about his faith are things that I have too questioned. This one just really resonated with me as I could relate on almost every level with Jason.

The story not only has a great premise, but there are some pretty action intense scenes, as well as some very emotional scenes. I was literally drawn into this story from the opening line and was hooked till the end. I didn't want to put this book down. It was a fast read, but it really made me think. Character development was great, dialog was realistic, descriptions were perfect.

I have already recommended this, and will be recommending it many many times in the future. I normally will lend my books out to people, however I think this one will not leave my possession. I can see myself reading this many times over.

I think this is one that just about anyone can read. It does deal with a few difficult subjects, but the struggling with religion was (at least in my opinion) the basis of the story.

[Brian Pate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book; great lessons. My only criticism would be that he tends to paint legalistic fundamentalists with a broad stroke. Fundamentalism definitely suffers from the weaknesses highlighted in this book, but they are not all as mean, ugly, and narrow-minded as the author portrays them to be. I fear the author may have alienated a potential audience that could have really benefited from this book by his "straw-man" caricatures of fundamentalists.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written novel that contrasts religion and following Christ in a real way that will change your life.

[Scotty Jinks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-5 different Trigger warnings

[Timothy Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty years ago, a friend told me about this book—the author, he told me in awed tones, had been fired by his mission board for writing it. I was intrigued, but never got around to reading it, although I read and enjoyed Arthur’s second book, Jordan’s Crossing.
Well, I just got around to it. It’s a good yarn: moving, deeply real, fun at times and hard to read at others. Jason’s journey from a religion of straitjacketed formula to love and mystery is well worth following. I wish more people would follow it.
I did find the momentary lapse back into typical ministry metrics (x number of people called into ministry, y number of people in the church, etc.) as a summary of Jason’s later ministry a bit off-putting. I can’t complain too loudly, since the book of Acts occasionally talks numbers too. Healthy things are fruitful; numbers are one indicator.
But that’s a quibble; I unreservedly recommend this book.

[Paul S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good work on Christianity and how it is approached at times in today’s society. The book takes you on a ride in a very systematic way entwined in a story of a Pastor searching for a lost granddaughter. The story is embedded with nuggets of knowledge that make the reader stop and think. There were times in the early parts I wanted to put the book down because it didn’t “fit” with what I felt it should be saying and I took it to almost be negative on Christianity. But as they say, the best was yet to come. The parts that disturb are needed to open your mind to and set up the good that comes later. The book does a great job of taking Christianity to a personal level and de-industrializing it. It’s full of things that make you stop and think and to look at things a bit different. A really good read!

[Brandy Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read this book in years but it’s one I’m going to have to read again soon! While I do remember some facts about this book, I don’t remember a lot of details. But I do remember that I read this book in 2 days! I remember I couldn’t put it down!

So from what I remember is there is a tragedy in this pastors life that makes him loose his faith and through trials, he finally finds his way back! But the best part to me was when he was in Europe and he didn’t realize what the package was he was taking across lines!
Now I could be mistaken on some of me details since I haven’t read this book in over 10 years, but it was one that I felt was amazing! And a must read. It has suspense, and thrills and you could feel the emotions.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this over twenty years ago but recent events in my life caused me to pick it up again. Having many years of life experience since my first reading, it was even more meaningful. There is an interesting story to read but the real story is about discovering wrong conceptions and doctrines through painfully awful circumstances in life and plowing through them to discover God patiently and lovingly waiting on the other end. A thoughtful look at the damage legalism effects in people's lives, this story is meant for the entire world.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It had been highly recommended to me by a friend.

The positives:
1. The character of Yoma is wonderful. He exudes Christian wisdom, grace, and love.
2. The book does show the dangers of Christian legalism.

The negatives:
1. The plot was highly unbelievable. How can two people without jobs afford to bounce all over the world?
2. The writing is quite stilted.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rev Jason Faircloth loses all that is important to his life. He abandons his life as a pastor at a mega church. Jason drifts from place to place, country to country In search of the one link to his daughter, a precious granddaughter. Overseas travel less Jason into the dark side. Can his faith be restored and will he ever be able to find his last link to his family, his granddaughter

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. DNF

The beginning of the story I absolutely loved. About half way through it become muddled. I was going to totally give up so I started skimming. It ended okay but I am glad I didn't finish.

[Benita V. Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

This book was outstanding. It was an eye opener and gave a lot to think about with Christianity. This is a must read if you have any questions about God's love for his people.

[Martin Wiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the Read

Some might consider this a Hallmark movie put to words, but the message of love makes it worth the read. And in the midst, the author shows how religion gone wrong can destroy someone’s life.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Message really good, but several places in the plot just seemed unrealistic and predictable. Some technical errors, too. Worth reading for the message. Definitely not children or young teen reading. But a very strong message regard the dangers of legalism

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I credit this book with helping me extract myself from the morass of legalistic Fundamentalist Christianity that I was brought up under. It also allowed me to not "throw the baby out with the bathwater" in keeping the full truth of undiluted Scripture in living a balanced Christian life.

[Rob Markley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christian fiction. Main object is to get away from the 'religious' and find the true heart. Enjoyed it this time around but perhaps a little naive and idealistic

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some good things in this book but I can't say the writing was great. I think someone who was raised in a very legalistic type of Christianity would probably get the most of it.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. I found it a bit difficult to get into, but the entire story (taking place over the course of almost 20 years) was quite satisfying.

[Josie Siler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with so much pain and loss, yet hope, forgiveness, and new life are found.

[Corinthia N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read this book in years and i give it five stars, it kept me on my toes and was a true page turner!

[TransparentFilter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing was rather drab but as you get into this book you will realize this is not the run-of-the-meal Christian book. Very good.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never really read Christian fiction and didn’t know what to expect or think but I really liked this!!! Definitely don’t read it if you don’t want to cry though

[Will Lohnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with great applications. Get this one and enjoy the view.