Pagan, Shinto & Spiritual Book Reviews March 2016

Last updated on: August 29, 2016 at 10:33 am by Megan Manson

Pagan, Shinto & Spiritual Book Reviews March 2016 2016-08-29T10:33:58+00:00 Megan Manson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Gospel of Falling Down: The Beauty of Failure, in an Age of Success, Mark Townsend

As a working professional adult, I certainly experience the pressure to succeed all the time and the feeling of failure probably generates more anxiety for me than almost anything else. I therefore really liked the idea of a book that tries to examine failure from a positive, spiritual perspective, so I thought I’d give The Gospel of Falling Down: The Beauty of Failure, in an Age of Success a go.

Some readers may already be familiar with Mark Townsend as a Christo-Pagan writer (he’s one of the contributors of Paganism 101 reviewed below). Be warned though: The Gospel of Falling Down has no Pagan content at all, focussing primarily on Townsend’s Christian views (albeit eclectic, non-Orthodox Christianity). A self-help book, The Gospel of Falling Down looks at the meaning of “failure” from a Christian perspective, while challenging society’s obsession with perfection and success.

The Gospel of Falling Down is an extremely personal book. Townsend writes straight from the depths of his heart; he’s experienced the pain of failure and is brave enough to share his ordeals with us, including his battles with alcoholism. These private insights even include conversations that he has had with “God,” or rather what Townsend interprets as his “spiritual” self. I get the feeling that writing this book has all been part of the healing process for Townsend himself. That in itself will no doubt help readers who can identify with Townsend’s experiences.

The personal nature of the text is reflected in the writing style, which is informal, impassioned and at times a little rambling, which isn’t always the easiest for the reader. I thought that the book’s strength really lies in its inclusion of short stories, exercises and even magic tricks that convey messages about the nature of failure and why it’s important not to give up. My favourite part was a little story by Mike Riddell, about a man who goes in search of the meaning of life. I’d never heard this story before and genuinely found the message inspiring – so much so that I read it out to my husband who happened to be sitting beside me while I was reading.

While the message of The Gospel of Falling Down is a comforting and hopeful one, I suspect that many Pagan readers used to Mark Townsend’s more syncretic Christo-Pagan approach will be put off by the heavy Christian emphasis and language, lacking any Pagan perspective. But readers who are happy with that, particularly those who are suffering from feelings of failure or despair, may find this book helpful to them as part of their recovery.

Go back Continue Reading

Previous Post

March 25, 2016

Why Doesn't Japan Celebrate Easter?

Next Post

March 31, 2016 Becoming One with the Genius Loci

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Art, Craft & Expression Musings & Miscellaneous Nature & Science News & Reviews Ritual & Festivals Secularism, Politics & Human Rights Shinto & Japanese Religion Uncategorized

Select a Month August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

True or False: Luke's Gospel is dedicated to someone named Theophilus.

Select your answer to see how you score.

FALSE TRUE