From Publishers Weekly
The dean of San Francisco's Episcopal cathedral opens his new book with a gauntlet-throwing epigraph from James Baldwin: "[W]hoever wishes to become a truly moral being... must first divorce himself from all the prohibitions, crimes [and] hypocrisies of the Christian Church." So begins one of our day's great statements of liberal Protestantism. For Jones, religion is a love affair, a great story, an experience to be shared with community—not a creed to nitpick and defend. Jones invites spiritual seekers to "reimagine" Christianity. Who was Jesus? A "broken and ruined man" who asks us to live as though each day were our last and to "possess nothing." And what about Mary? How are we to make sense of her perpetual virginity? Jones muses, "Mary is a book we can read.... Don't get caught in the sticky mess of doctrinal controversy. Just look." The Trinity, he says, is not fuzzy math, but a radical statement about community. Jones is not only innovative but erudite. He draws on novels by Nick Hornby and John Updike; he laces his text with musings on Emily Dickinson and John Wayne. Indeed, with his literary flair, his emphasis on community and practice and his sharp-edged liberalism, Jones reads like a cross between Lawrence Kushner and John A.T. Robinson. This book is a winner, both charitable and bold. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Religious faith, Jones says, shouldn't be so much a refuge from the realities of the world as a launching pad for our imaginations. The dean of San Francisco's Grace (Episcopal) Cathedral begins by wondering whether there is a future for faith and concludes that there is, but that faith could be much more meaningful to a greater number of people if religion would shed its adherences to exclusionary, tribal attitudes and strict, dogmatic thinking. Focusing on Christianity, but hurling bouquets and brickbats at all the major religions, Jones doesn't demonize organized religion, nor does he stand up as its loudest cheerleader. Targeting primarily lapsed Catholics, atheists, and the simply lost, he abstracts their by now extremely familiar stories of religion gone bad and actually draws strength for his thesis from such straying believers' damaged faith. No complainer, he proposes ways to reimagine Christianity by embracing those who think differently and releasing notions of dogma as containing the answers to all the questions now and forevermore. Donna Chavez
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
Jones (Seasons of Grace) is dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and belongs to the wave of Christian preachers and theologians who are attempting to reclaim a sincere faith while accommodating critical reasoning. He tries to show how advantageous it might be for each person, as well as for Christianity as a whole, to reject a foolish or nostalgic literalism about the Christian message in favor of a broad inclusivity of all people. In his own words, "There are no outsiders." For most collections. (from the Spiritual Reading column by Graham Christian) (Library Journal, January 15, 2005)

The dean of San Francisco’s Episcopal cathedral opens his new book with a gauntlet-throwing epigraph from James Baldwin: "[W]hoever wishes to become a truly moral being... must first divorce himself from all the prohibitions, crimes [and] hypocrisies of the Christian Church." So begins one of our day’s great statements of liberal Protestantism. For Jones, religion is a love affair, a great story, an experience to be shared with community--not a creed to nitpick and defend. Jones invites spiritual seekers to "reimagine" Christianity. Who was Jesus? A "broken and ruined man" who asks us to live as though each day were our last and to "possess nothing." And what about Mary? How are we to make sense of her perpetual virginity? Jones muses, "Mary is a book we can read.... Don’t get caught in the sticky mess of doctrinal controversy. Just look." The Trinity, he says, is not fuzzy math, but a radical statement about community. Jones is not only innovative but erudite. He draws on novels by Nick Hornby and John Updike; he laces his text with musings on Emily Dickinson and John Wayne. Indeed, with his literary flair, his emphasis on community and practice and his sharp-edged liberalism, Jones reads like a cross between Lawrence Kushner and John A.T. Robinson. This book is a winner, both charitable and bold. (Oct.) (Publishers Weekly, September 13, 2004)

Review
"...Jones is not only innovative but erudite. This book is a winner, both charitable and bold." (Publishers Weekly, September 13, 2004)

Book Description
Advance Praise "From his pulpit at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Alan Jones has influenced for good an entire continent of struggling Christians. In this provoking and helpful new book, he extends his voice to those both within and beyond the Church. A thinking Christian in a thoughtless world is what he is and what he aims to make us. This is a very good start." –– The Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes The Memorial Church, Harvard University, and author of The Good Book "It used to be that Christian institutions and systems of dogma sustained the spiritual life of Christians. Increasingly, spirituality itself is what sustains everything else. Alan Jones is a pioneer in reimagining a Christian faith that emerges from authentic spirituality. His work stimulates and encourages me deeply." –– Brian D. McLaren, pastor (crcc.org) and author of A New Kind of Christian "This is a bracing breath of spiritual fresh air, an intelligent, witty, and passionate reclaiming of the goal of religious practice–the conversion of the heart to kindness and peace as the common faith in which we can all be believers." –– Sylvia Boorstein, author of Pay Attention, for Goodness’ Sake and It’s Easier Than You Think "Alan Jones is the best guide I know to lead us on the thorny but promising path that could lead to the renewal of Christianity." –– Sam Keen, author of Fire in the Belly "Compulsively readable, Alan Jones’s book is a brave and brilliant attempt to res-cue Christianity from the clutches of the cruel reactionaries into which much of it has fallen. Generous-hearted Christians of all persuasions will cheer him on." –– The Most Rev. Richard Holloway, retired as primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and Bishop of Edinburgh "Alan Jones combines the power of the mystical, the honesty of the skeptical, and the eagerness of the romantic. His vision of faith and ministry for the time to come will be a gift for many readers." –– Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia "A daring call to renew our relation to Christianity–and ourselves–through fac-ing the great questions of the heart that today permeate the life of every serious seeker and the life of our whole endangered world." –– Jacob Needleman, author of The American Soul and Lost Christianity

From the Inside Flap
"Alan Jones’s journey of faith will be of real help to those who are teetering on the razor’s edge between faith and doubt, hope and despair. It will challenge many to give Christianity a second look and recover the living heart of the tradition." –– Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions and Why Religion Matters "Here is a book for all who suspect that God is greater than religion, who regard imagination as a spiritual path, and who could use a wise companion on the way." –– The Rev. Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor, Episcopal priest, author, teacher, and lecturer In this provocative new book, the internationally renowned Dean of the Episcopal Grace Cathedral in San Francisco delivers a resonant and comforting message to anyone looking for spiritual solace in today’s troubled world. Some intelligent people have been turned off by the idea of spirituality. A religion based on love and forgiveness, Christianity now seems, for some, unforgiving. Some who call themselves Christians seem divisive and rigid, saying that their way is the only way. In Reimagining Christianity, Alan Jones passionately argues that there is hope for Christianity, Christians, and spirituality–and for all of us on Earth. Dr. Jones inspires you to think, to question, to dig deeper into the truths of existence as a way of deepening your spirituality rather than accepting rigid dogma. Drawing on his vast knowledge of history, religion, and the heart, Jones encourages you to open doors to those of all faiths and even to those who profess no faith at all. As you do so, you can better understand the powerful promise of Christianity. In Reimagining Christianity, Alan Jones shows us how to get past tribalism while heeding the call to unity; how to appreciate the poetry, metaphor, and mystery of religion while avoiding strict literalism; how to fill the wound inside of us that religion may once have filled; how even non-Christians can be more Christlike than some who profess to be Christians; and how we can unlearn hate while learning to love and forgive. Rich with moving anecdotes from the author’s life and work as well as eloquent excerpts from other literary and spiritual works, Reimagining Christianity will strike a chord with anyone who feels the need to reconnect the spirit without disconnecting the mind.

From the Back Cover
Advance Praise "From his pulpit at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Alan Jones has influenced for good an entire continent of struggling Christians. In this provoking and helpful new book, he extends his voice to those both within and beyond the Church. A thinking Christian in a thoughtless world is what he is and what he aims to make us. This is a very good start." –– The Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes The Memorial Church, Harvard University, and author of The Good Book "It used to be that Christian institutions and systems of dogma sustained the spiritual life of Christians. Increasingly, spirituality itself is what sustains everything else. Alan Jones is a pioneer in reimagining a Christian faith that emerges from authentic spirituality. His work stimulates and encourages me deeply." –– Brian D. McLaren, pastor (crcc.org) and author of A New Kind of Christian "This is a bracing breath of spiritual fresh air, an intelligent, witty, and passionate reclaiming of the goal of religious practice–the conversion of the heart to kindness and peace as the common faith in which we can all be believers." –– Sylvia Boorstein, author of Pay Attention, for Goodness’ Sake and It’s Easier Than You Think "Alan Jones is the best guide I know to lead us on the thorny but promising path that could lead to the renewal of Christianity." –– Sam Keen, author of Fire in the Belly "Compulsively readable, Alan Jones’s book is a brave and brilliant attempt to res-cue Christianity from the clutches of the cruel reactionaries into which much of it has fallen. Generous-hearted Christians of all persuasions will cheer him on." –– The Most Rev. Richard Holloway, retired as primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and Bishop of Edinburgh "Alan Jones combines the power of the mystical, the honesty of the skeptical, and the eagerness of the romantic. His vision of faith and ministry for the time to come will be a gift for many readers." –– Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia "A daring call to renew our relation to Christianity–and ourselves–through fac-ing the great questions of the heart that today permeate the life of every serious seeker and the life of our whole endangered world." –– Jacob Needleman, author of The American Soul and Lost Christianity

About the Author
Alan Jones, Ph.D., is an Episcopal priest and the Dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, California. He lectures all over the world as well as on the Webby Award—nominated gracecathedral.org. Dr. Jones’s books include Seasons of Grace: The Life-Giving Practice of Gratitude, winner of the prestigious 2004 Nautilus Award in the spirituality category.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In this provocative new book, the internationally renowned Dean of the Episcopal Grace Cathedral in San Francisco delivers a resonant and comforting message to anyone looking for spiritual solace in today's troubled world. Some intelligent people have been turned off by the idea of spirituality. A religion based on love and forgiveness, Christianity now seems, for some, unforgiving. Some who call themselves Christians seem divisive and rigid, saying that their way is the only way. In Reimagining Christianity, Alan Jones passionately argues that there is hope for Christianity, Christians, and spirituality - and for all of us on Earth.

Dr. Jones inspires you to think, to question, to dig deeper into the truths of existence as a way of deepening your spirituality rather than accepting rigid dogma. Drawing on his vast knowledge of history, religion, and the heart, Jones encourages you to open doors to those of all faiths and even to those who profess no faith at all. As you do so, you can better understand the powerful promise of Christianity. In Reimagining Christianity, Alan Jones shows us how to get past tribalism while heeding the call to unity; how to appreciate the poetry, metaphor, and mystery of religion while avoiding strict literalism; how to fill the wound inside of us that religion may once have filled; how even non-Christians can be more Christlike than some who profess to be Christians; and how we can unlearn hate while learning to love and forgive. Rich with moving anecdotes from the author's life and work as well as eloquent excerpts from other literary and spiritual works, Reimagining Christianity will strike a chord with anyone who feels the need to reconnect the spirit without disconnecting the mind.

SYNOPSIS

"Alan Jones’s journey of faith will be of real help to those who are teetering on the razor’s edge between faith and doubt, hope and despair. It will challenge many to give Christianity a second look and recover the living heart of the tradition."---- Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions and Why Religion Matters

"Here is a book for all who suspect that God is greater than religion, who regard imagination as a spiritual path, and who could use a wise companion on the way."---- The Rev. Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor, Episcopal priest, author, teacher, and lecturer

In this provocative new book, the internationally renowned Dean of the Episcopal Grace Cathedral in San Francisco delivers a resonant and comforting message to anyone looking for spiritual solace in today’s troubled world.

Some intelligent people have been turned off by the idea of spirituality. A religion based on love and forgiveness, Christianity now seems, for some, unforgiving. Some who call themselves Christians seem divisive and rigid, saying that their way is the only way. In Reimagining Christianity, Alan Jones passionately argues that there is hope for Christianity, Christians, and spirituality--and for all of us on Earth.

Dr. Jones inspires you to think, to question, to dig deeper into the truths of existence as a way of deepening your spirituality rather than accepting rigid dogma. Drawing on his vast knowledge of history, religion, and the heart, Jones encourages you to open doors to those of all faiths and even to those who profess no faith at all. As you do so, you can better understand the powerful promise of Christianity.

In ReimaginingChristianity, Alan Jones shows us how to get past tribalism while heeding the call to unity; how to appreciate the poetry, metaphor, and mystery of religion while avoiding strict literalism; how to fill the wound inside of us that religion may once have filled; how even non-Christians can be more Christlike than some who profess to be Christians; and how we can unlearn hate while learning to love and forgive.

Rich with moving anecdotes from the author’s life and work as well as eloquent excerpts from other literary and spiritual works, Reimagining Christianity will strike a chord with anyone who feels the need to reconnect the spirit without disconnecting the mind.

Author Bio:Alan Jones, Ph.D., is an Episcopal priest and the Dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, California. He lectures all over the world as well as on the Webby Award—nominated gracecathedral.org. Dr. Jones’s books include Seasons of Grace: The Life-Giving Practice of Gratitude, winner of the prestigious 2004 Nautilus Award in the spirituality category.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

The dean of San Francisco's Episcopal cathedral opens his new book with a gauntlet-throwing epigraph from James Baldwin: "[W]hoever wishes to become a truly moral being... must first divorce himself from all the prohibitions, crimes [and] hypocrisies of the Christian Church." So begins one of our day's great statements of liberal Protestantism. For Jones, religion is a love affair, a great story, an experience to be shared with community-not a creed to nitpick and defend. Jones invites spiritual seekers to "reimagine" Christianity. Who was Jesus? A "broken and ruined man" who asks us to live as though each day were our last and to "possess nothing." And what about Mary? How are we to make sense of her perpetual virginity? Jones muses, "Mary is a book we can read.... Don't get caught in the sticky mess of doctrinal controversy. Just look." The Trinity, he says, is not fuzzy math, but a radical statement about community. Jones is not only innovative but erudite. He draws on novels by Nick Hornby and John Updike; he laces his text with musings on Emily Dickinson and John Wayne. Indeed, with his literary flair, his emphasis on community and practice and his sharp-edged liberalism, Jones reads like a cross between Lawrence Kushner and John A.T. Robinson. This book is a winner, both charitable and bold. (Oct.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal