Book Review - The Sacred Journey

After reading "The Sacred Journey" by Charles Foster, one thought keeps coming to mind. The most dangerous lie is the one that most resembles the truth. The theme of this book is that we should all go for a walk as though that is critical in our understanding of God and foundational in our relationship with Him. Mr. Foster pointed out that Jesus told His disciples to "Follow me.". Here is one major fault of this book. Jesus did tell His disciples to follow Him BUT Jesus wasn't on a pilgrimage. He was on a missionary trek. Jesus wasn't on a walkabout in an attempt to cleanse Himself or commune with God. He was walking to the next town to preach the gospel! How I wish I was able to say that the erroneous statements ended there. To say that Jesus tells us to remember Him when we drink wine is because of His "Bacchanalian taste" is nothing short of abhorrent. It is also one of many examples of Mr. Foster's poor taste in choice of words when discribing the Creator of the Universe, the one who holds his very breath.
Admittedly I was very intrigued by what was written about Cain and Abel. In fact this single chapter was quite enjoyable and profitable. Unfortunately it's the only chapter worth reading. This book may have majoritied on "christianity" but gave every other religion a day in the sun as well. Indeed other religions have plenty of sayings and proverbs that are not wrong but why give them such a deep role when the Author of Truth is standing, or as the author pointed out, walking right in front of us?
Mr. Foster believes that Jesus was being literal when He told us to Follow Him in terms of physically walking. If we are to believe that then we must take into consideration that in Mark 8:34 Jesus told us to not only follow Him but to take up his cross as well. It goes further in Luke 9:23 to say that we must do this daily if we're to follow Him. Is that literal as well? Hardly.
As for pilgrimages to the sites of relics, you would do infinitely better to stay at home an read your bible. Paul and Barnabas were downright distaught in Acts 14 when they were set up to be more then mere men.
The idea that going for a walk is beneficial is valid. It gives you time to sort out troubles and gives you a moment to speak quietly with God. The idea that going for a pilgrimage walk is quintessential to the christian life is wrong. If at any time you wish to speak to God all you have to do is speak.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”