The Gospel of Falling Down: The Beauty Of Failure In An Age Of Success - Softcover

Townsend, Mark

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1846940095 ISBN 13: 9781846940095

Publisher: Circle Books, 2007

Synopsis

Failure, rather than success, is at the heart of the life of Jesus and his message. He came to liberate us from the "gospel of success". It is not in "climbing the ladder of perfection" that we meet God, but in falling from it. And it is then that we discover the most beautiful spiritual gold.

About this title

About the Author

Mark is a both a Priest of the Church of England and member of the Magic Circle. He sees both roles as essentially to do with evoking the 'priest' / 'magician' within those whom he has the privilege of meeting. He often performs close up and stage magic, entertaining such diverse groups as Massai Warriors and retried Roman Catholic Nuns. Mark has led retreats, and given talks, that combine magic and spirituality. He has also had many of his original magical stories and magic effects published, some of which he has performed on television.

Review

Mark's book is humble, searching, faith-filled, and yet risky and creative at the same time. He is vulnerable throughout, much of it showing the depth and fruitfulness of having suffered along the way. Father Richard Rohr, Franciscan Priest. This book encourages us to value brokenness as much as accomplishment. Philip Carr-Gomm, Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids. The forgiveness and unconditional love of God are our starting point, our present reality and our destination. That fundamental truth of the Christian faith, too often distorted by the Church, shines out of Mark's book. There is much wisdom here, and I found it rang a whole bell-tower's worth of bells for me. Trevor Dennis, Vice Dean of Chester Cathedral This little book is tackling one of the biggest and deepest questions which, unexpectedly, brings us to the foundation of the Christian faith. Mark has discovered this through his own experience of falling down, or failure. Bishop Stephen Verney Mark's vision is insightful. What comes across to me is his willingness to penetrate those places that the 'church' so often stops short. This book will be an opening of the heart for many readers. Canon Peter Spink - Author and Founder of the Omega Order What I most like about Mark's book is the zest, quirkiness and sheer fun with which he creates and keeps open for us the space of brokenness and vulnerability as the highroad to Gospel living. May Mark's hints at falling become ever more contagious! James Alison, theologian and author In our consumer age of programmed experiences and packaged spirituality here is a gift from an authentic pilgrim - a journey of vulnerable faith, - with scars to prove it - offered with gentleness, wisdom and not a little mischief!. David Runcorn, theologian and author

About this edition

• Publisher: Circle Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1846940095
• ISBN 13: 9781846940095
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 144