CFR

GMP

Fr Benedict J. Groeschel is the nation's pre-eminent Franciscan. Author and TV personality, he is perhaps the most genial apologist for Roman Catholicism since the days of Archbishop Sheen. In THE JOURNEY TOWARD GOD, Fr Groeschel has put together an anthology of spiritual writing that he values. Insouciant about the ecclesial membership of the authors, Fr Benedict has given us a mixture of Roman Catholic neo-Scholasticism, a few writings from the Saints, a surprisingly large amount of Protestant sources, and a shockingly small selection from the treasures of Eastern Orthodoxy (the book's subtitle implies a generosity of representation that simply is not there).

A significant vexation is the absence of an index, needed so that readers might more readily find those passages they value most. The book's primary problem, however, is that there are few selections in it that set our hearts ablaze, truly, precious few that we wish to read more than once. Mostly, Fr Groeschel seems concerned with keeping to his scheme of describing the various stages of religious conversion, and finding selections that fit his categories. He seems less concerned with finding selections that "grab" the reader by the heart or soul and keep the reader enraptured. Most of the selections can be aptly abridged to read, "Be good and pray often." A noble admonition. But to get to that message, we are made to endure a disaffecting prolixity.

What we miss most of all when we peruse THE JOURNEY TOWARD GOD is the sound of Fr Groeschel's amiable, tough, intelligent, wry, humorous, charitable voice. For this, we must put aside his anthology, and turn to his other books.

I have had the privilege of hearing Fr. Groeschel speak on several occasions on different topics. He is a great speaker. I really enjoyed this bok a lot. In this book the reader is entitled in reading passages from some of the great spiritual writers that have been around. From reading these different passages from these great writers, the reader gets an insight into these great minds. Also from these passages the reader is "offered" some ideas on how to live a life of serving other people. I would recommend this book to anyone that feels that they want a closer relationship with someone.

I have had the great opporunity to hear Fr. Benedict Groeschel speak on several occasions. Each time had been a great learning experience. I have read several of Fr. Groeschel's book and he knows how to say things in simple terms - terms that the average person can understand. This book would make a good present for anyone. By reading this book you get an insight into several of the greatest religion thinkers and writers ever. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Very difficult to read and reference. Subparts are not clearly marked and writing is extremely small.