In Search of Belief: Revised Edition

I was quite disappointed reading this book after author`s wonderful "Wisdom Distilled from the Daily", which I liked very much and found full of practical inside regarding spiritual life. But not this one. When reading it, I asked myself continually: Is it spiritual, or merely activist book?I understand that women`s rights and authority problems are needed to emphasise also in the context of Christian spirituality. But these passages are lengthy, never ending, gradually starting to be boring and repetitive. I would understand that if we were living in 1960`s. But I believe that we now live in quite a different world of 2015 and I do not need to read book which tells me that women should have the same rights as men do. I know it. You know it.And I am sorry, but my spiritual problem is not whether to use "He" or "She" when thinking about God. My questions go way deeper.I would be tolerant towards these passages in case I would find more interesting content in the book, helping me broaden understanding Creed from other perspectives. But the only I could find was: "old Church and everything before Vatican II was bad, was chauvinistic, was heavily limited. Lets change it. Change is needed. No theology, no understanding in too complicated historical perspectives. Just lets use inclusive language and lets see Jesus as big revolutionary and lets follow him." Again, for me too 1960s. I am not saying that this position is not correct at all, however it is too limited as such and especially in today context. The only good use of the book would in my opinion be to offer it for naive reader from traditional, strictly conservative Catholic background finding himself in crisis of faith stemming from his shallow understanding of theology, who would need to show that there is more than literal, shallow interpretation of every sentence in Creed and that Bible language is mythopoetic, not factual. But....is it enough for general reader? Isnt it something most of us who have read more spiritual/theological books know?I believe there are much more interesting books from the author ("Wisdom Distilled from Daily" among them).

I found this book through my Catholic reading group. Joan Chittister is a progressive nun who is very much on the side of groups of people that have been historically been ignored or dismissed by the Church. She has tried to eliminate/modify gender-biased language in prayers and creeds, and has attempted to stand up for people to whom no one else is listening to. She challenged my views on criminal punishment and enlightened me on how following Christ can mean having an opinion that goes against the status quo. In short, she's not a fan of organized religion! But it's more than interesting ideas; her writing is beautiful, and she reveals her fears, failings and joy in her faith in every chapter, as she comprehensively--but not ploddingly--revisits the layered meanings of the Nicene Creed. Best if read more than once.

Great read and resourceful for those like myself who are searching for relativity and growth in the Christian faith in our lives.. The author is a Catholic nun and I found her observations intelligent and refreshing. She very much grounded in the teachings and humanity of Jesus and was without bitterness where she disagreed with the church policies. I took out a pencil and marker and highlighted and even re-wrote my new understanding at the beginning of each chapter. I bought this for one of my adult daughters for Christmas this year . Perhaps she can find a way to be more comfortable in reciting the Apostle's Creed. It certainly helped me to use words that I have come to believe of the Creed and to tolerate any I found did not reflect those beliefs.

This book was classic Joan Chittister in the best possible way. Looking deeply at the truth she expresses when stating the Creed will force you to examine what you believe when uttering statements of faith at Mass and re-examine what you are claiming to believe and why. The text is challenging yet not prescriptive nor harsh. The chapters were quite profound and many could stand alone as individual reflections. The serious treatment of the material makes this book more suitable for mature spiritual searchers with some background in Catholicism. I also appreciate Joan's vulnerable anecdotes that delve into how she has grown theologically and changed as she has had new life experiences and thought through things differently over time. A marvelous read!

So this is the first Sr. Joan book I've read. I guess I was looking for something that would help affirm and strengthen my faith -- this does and doesn't. Probably I'm not as brilliant and intellectual as she is, and am looking for more simple thought processes. Although I consider myself a moderate feminist (I'm all for a greater role for women in the Church -- including our being priests), I did find some of the emphasis on sexist language in the liturgy a bit tiresome. Maybe Chittister believes that language enables the discrimination against women in the Church, and that it must be de-genderized before true reform can be undertaken. Could very well be, but still this focus is tiresome. I'm somewhat younger than Chittister, and benefited from the result Women's Lib Movement. So I just tend to ignore all the "He's" in the Bible and Creed, and want to get on with my spirituality.

I have never had faith and religion explained to me so clearly. The gospels can make sense. With a fresh eye, the prayers I have recited my whole life have depth and meaning.This book has been profound for me and I know my place in an ancient church. I don't need to leave a church; I am the church and the mystical writings of the fathers belong to me!

I found this book very helpful to get a balance between "how the church could be" and "how it is". It has helped me become more patient and merciful with "how the church is at the present century".

It is a deeply reflective book peppered with Gospel passages, stories from Joan's rich tapestry of life brought together with wisdom to engage all readers. Book clubs and reading circles would find it a little gem or individuals wanted a readable yet pithy volume for quiet contemplation.

Excellent. Makes seemingly outdated belief-structures powerfully relevant for. r today

The book was honest and open to many possibilities of interpreting BELIEFS. As a Catholic, I had some issues with some ideas such as gender. If we believe that God was a spirit, to call him father did not come as a problem to me....I was blessed with an uncle who adapted me and loved me like his only child...which I was as they were not blessed to have one. I believe that the place of a woman is not to be equated as inferior...it did complement the purpose of creation...however, that was the author's prerogative,,,I respected that...other than that I did give it as a gift to my daughter in law in the hope she finds a way to believe in Christ and the Trinity...

Stimulates deep thinking with regard to the beliefs of the catholic church. I hope Chittister continues writing.

Fantastic book very inspiring Hope Sr Joan keeps calling us to be more human The clergy need to read this book