Walking the Edges: Living In The Presence Of God

by David Adam

This work explores what it means to be a saint, to always be walking on the edges - geographically, physically and spiritually. Saints give us an idea of what we could be if we had the courage and faith to move out of our comfort zones and truly begin to live in the presence of God. The author calls on us to take this path, painful as it may be, since it is the only way open to the Christian serious about growing in faith.

Genres: Christian

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 24, 2003

About the author

David Adam (b. 1936) was a British priest and author and one of the best-loved figures in Celtic Spirituality.


Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Errol Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a great fan of the saints nor really of Celtic verse but there is a truth in understanding that we walk with and in God. There is a lot of the deeds of some of the saints that I would regard as unacceptable just as I find that I disagree with many modern Christians who are locked into the capitalist / neoliberal framing story of our time. I reject the success gospel - trust in God and he will make you a success in this world. I don’t believe God worth’s that way.

But we are called to walk with Him at the edges. To learn from Him and be transformed by Him. Here, we can learn something from David Adam and the saints about learning to walk at the edges to allow God to slowly transform us. The Celtic spirituality seeks to live in God and Christ, to see God and Christ in all things. It doesn’t necessarily seek to change lifestyles as I would think is important but if we do not attempt to live in and walk with Christ, can we ever expect to be transformed.

[David Campton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have read a few of David Adam's books now, most of them on similar themes, using the lives of early Celtic saints, or those who influenced them, as a stimulus for reflection and prayer. This is no different, using the lives of St Martin, Ninian, Patrick, Oswald and Cuthbert, as jumping off points. I could take issue with him over a few points of historical fact, and some of the theological/spiritual issues raised may well be a little tangential to the historic realities, and/or filtered through David Adam's own spiritual journey, but it is a helpful and accessible short book. The devotional exercises at the end of each chapter are particularly helpful. Perhaps a useful basis for a weekly Lenten Study.

[Diane]

part of required reading for Scotland Trip