The Gospel of Falling Down
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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. Richard Rohr OFM 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
Product Description
We hear a lot about the gospel of success, whether from Christian or New Age sources. But most of us are more accustomed to failure, or at least not reaching our hopes. Which, surely, is at the heart of the life of Jesus and his message. This book is a radical departure from much of what modern day Christianity (and gurus of all kinds) seem to offer. Rather than seeing Christianity as a group of people trying to change themselves into the "ideal", it describes how such a practice is precisely what Jesus came to liberate us from. It brings a sense of freedom and hope to all those who feel unworthy of just "can't make the grade. The author, a clergyman, writes with brutal honesty, letting readers into the secret areas of his life, with all its faults and failings. The lessons are authentic, learnt by someone who knows how harsh life can be, and yet also how magic life can become. It connects with readers at a deep level. But not only does the message of clergy frailty come through, another truth hits home - that these very cracks and faults can potentially be the place where the most beautiful spiritual gold is discovered. It is not in "climbing the ladder of perfection" that we meet God, but in falling from it.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I often meet Christians whose attitude is aggressive, judgmental and critical of others. I often suspect that they haven't read the Gospels and the message of Jesus in a long time. They have just listened to others' interpretations and don't stop to think for themselves.
Any book, written by a human, is that person's thoughts. and that information is there for all of us to ponder over and wonder if they have a point.
I would recommend this book to anyone who does not like to be spoon fed information and facts. It is a good read, yet is challenging and inspirational. It is for people who have doubts, not for know-alls. And lets face it, it is impossible for anyone to know everything. The more I get to know, the less I realise I know.
I would like to see all Christians and all those who have been put off Christianity (because they have been misled) to read this book. It is an inspiration.
Any book, written by a human, is that person's thoughts. and that information is there for all of us to ponder over and wonder if they have a point.
I would recommend this book to anyone who does not like to be spoon fed information and facts. It is a good read, yet is challenging and inspirational. It is for people who have doubts, not for know-alls. And lets face it, it is impossible for anyone to know everything. The more I get to know, the less I realise I know.
I would like to see all Christians and all those who have been put off Christianity (because they have been misled) to read this book. It is an inspiration.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This startlingly honest book reminds us of the simple truth that life can be difficult and confusing for all of us and that it's impossible to get everything right all the time. It also reminds us that this 'falling down' is an opportunity to learn and grow, not a reason to give up or give in to self-loathing.
It seems to be part of the human condition to set ourselves targets and aims and then chastise ourselves if we do not reach them. Whilst we should not become complacent, why do we set ourselves up to fail and then think everyone will think ill of us when we do? True friends will not and to Mark God serves as a true friend.
It was humbling, in fact a privilege, to read of Mark's struggles with what he has perceived as his failings and shortcomings as a clergyman. What is so touching is that is probably his very ability to admit to these flaws that puts him in a better position to understand those of us that look to the Church for guidance.
Mark's magic is a way of communicating difficult and complex issues in an accessible and engaging manner which makes perfect sense at a time when the Church is often accused of having little relevance to everyday lives and making little effort to reclaim congregations from the DIY stores.
If there were more like Mark with the courage to admit how hard the life of a young clergyman can be whilst trying to make a real difference to his community, people might feel more comfortable with the idea that the Church is not there to judge and criticise but to support and enrich our lives.
It seems to be part of the human condition to set ourselves targets and aims and then chastise ourselves if we do not reach them. Whilst we should not become complacent, why do we set ourselves up to fail and then think everyone will think ill of us when we do? True friends will not and to Mark God serves as a true friend.
It was humbling, in fact a privilege, to read of Mark's struggles with what he has perceived as his failings and shortcomings as a clergyman. What is so touching is that is probably his very ability to admit to these flaws that puts him in a better position to understand those of us that look to the Church for guidance.
Mark's magic is a way of communicating difficult and complex issues in an accessible and engaging manner which makes perfect sense at a time when the Church is often accused of having little relevance to everyday lives and making little effort to reclaim congregations from the DIY stores.
If there were more like Mark with the courage to admit how hard the life of a young clergyman can be whilst trying to make a real difference to his community, people might feel more comfortable with the idea that the Church is not there to judge and criticise but to support and enrich our lives.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Like many I had a negative experience with the Church at a young age and got away from it as soon as I was old enough to make my own decisions. Since then I have explored many paths and belief systems. When I first came across Mark Townsend's books and website I initially wanted to give it a miss because I didn't want to read another account of how we are all accountable to a jealous, wrathful God for our sins (especially not one written by an ordained priest!). Out of simple curiosity I picked up 'The Gospel of Falling Down' and for the first time in a long time I sat down and read a whole book in one sitting.
Marks writing style is open, understandable, not patronising and above all, and something I find very rare these days, honest. He does not seek to 'convert' anyone or persuade the reader to his way rather he invites you to consider possibilities and hey, if you don't like them so be it! I could directly relate to many things in this book (as I think will many people) and found the exercises (only a few so don't be put off!) insightful and thought provoking. Reading this book is more like having a conversation with an open minded, compassionate and understanding friend.
I have since ordered his two other books and have booked a place on one of marks retreats later this year.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who like me like to explore all paths and thoughts to find those that are of most use
Marks writing style is open, understandable, not patronising and above all, and something I find very rare these days, honest. He does not seek to 'convert' anyone or persuade the reader to his way rather he invites you to consider possibilities and hey, if you don't like them so be it! I could directly relate to many things in this book (as I think will many people) and found the exercises (only a few so don't be put off!) insightful and thought provoking. Reading this book is more like having a conversation with an open minded, compassionate and understanding friend.
I have since ordered his two other books and have booked a place on one of marks retreats later this year.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who like me like to explore all paths and thoughts to find those that are of most use
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Beautiful, simple and profound
At a time of deep pain and distress in my own life, a wise friend said to me, "Hilary, it's not God out there trying to get in - it's God IN HERE trying to get OUT. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Indigo Phoenix
The book for those who have nothing or everything to lose.
The Gospel of Falling Down is a book written by a Priest who has been taken to the edge and over it physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Mr. Matthew R. Hicks
A beautiful simple book, not just for Christians
Fantastic book. I am not a Christian by any stretch of the imagination, however if there was truely a God then i believe he would be exactly as Mark Townsend describes him. Read more
Published on 14 Jan 2010 by D. Tighe
A Great Book
The Gospel of Falling Down:
In The Gospel of Falling Down, Mark takes a look at failure and its place as teacher. Read more
In The Gospel of Falling Down, Mark takes a look at failure and its place as teacher. Read more
Published on 27 Jan 2008 by Mr. R. Chapman
The Gospel of Falling Down
I've got to be honest, I sat down with this book with the intention to
review it. Boy did I get that wrong! It's amazing just how far I was
drawn into Mark's words. Read more
review it. Boy did I get that wrong! It's amazing just how far I was
drawn into Mark's words. Read more
Published on 26 Oct 2007 by Magicbaz
A revelation
I read Mark's book with great scepticism initially (being a nonbeliever) but found it to be a very inspiring and thought-provoking read. Read more
Published on 23 April 2007 by Nr Thomas
The Gospel of Being Human
In his preface, Mark Townsend sets out two aims for his book - that the reader may come to know their own true value as a human being made in the image of God, feel liberated and... Read more
Published on 29 Mar 2007 by Simon Small
what a brill book!
even though i am a young girl i found this book inspiring and cleverly writen!to make it more apealing he seems to have made it easy to dip into. Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2007 by dizzy-t
Half of this is missing.......
Sorry, but I really had a problem with this book. Ok, I could just about about put up with the cheesy style of writing - dialogue between the author and God - come on!! Read more
Published on 9 Feb 2007 by Little Miss
Emma
Wonderfully therapeutic.
What a reassuring read, having been privy to Mark's pilgrimage for much of the last 19 years, to find that he has found a place where he can... Read more
What a reassuring read, having been privy to Mark's pilgrimage for much of the last 19 years, to find that he has found a place where he can... Read more
Published on 9 Feb 2007 by Emma
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