Review by Booklist Review
Perhaps the most beloved saint in any faith, St. Francis of Assisi's humility and love of nature are excellent models for a spiritual life. Talbot, a Franciscan and musician living in a monastic-style community in the Ozarks, compares and contrasts his journey to Christianity with that of St. Francis. His approach to the religious life is, as was Francis', a refreshing answer to those who mistake faith for hate. Talbot's early Christian life in the "Jesus movement" was marked by intolerance, he says, but his spirituality was radically altered after he read a book on Francis' life. In Francis he saw a balanced Christian life, and he strives to show how such balance is achieved by following the Franciscan model for living. If he does criticize non-Franciscan lifestyles despite attempting to avoid judgmentalism, this must be done to ascertain how to live simply. He covers every aspect of the best of Christianity lovingly, producing a book that could easily make converts. --Jeff Ahrens
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Well-known Christian musician Talbot founded the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, a Franciscan lay order. Here he discusses their way of life, which is based on the ideals of simplicity, service, and love for creation that St. Francis of Assisi inpired. Drawing on insights from the saint's enigmatic life, Talbot encourages readers to pare down the overwhelming demands of modern existence and to distinguish between the needs of interior life and the pull of worldly desires. Readable and filled with concrete suggestions, this is sure to appeal to seekers of a more simple and authentic life. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.