06.22.07

Leaving Church

Posted in ekklesia, reviews, transition at 9:03 am by len

Adam Walker Cleaveland at Pomomusings reviews “Leaving Church” by Barbara Brown Taylor.

“Sarah’s mom read Leaving Church first, and then gave it to Sarah, who read it a few months ago. I am a little late on reading it, but am so glad that I did. I went to a lunch a few weeks ago that Barbara Brown Taylor spoke at, and did some Q&A about her book. I had only read a few chapters at that time, but hearing her speak about her transition from ministry into the teaching world sounded very intriguing. Her book is basically a memoir of her journey into the ordained ministry in the Episcopal church, and then her journey out of church. When I heard her speak at the lunch, she said some very interesting things about her time as an ordained priest:

  • From the beginning, it was doomed because of the neverending job description.
  • She felt more like a mayor, than a priest. Always present at community events, leading prayers at Rotary events, etc.
  • She thought the church/synagogue/mosque should model a different way of life; but she found the church simply reflecting the lifestyle of the culture.
  • She found herself defending the institution a lot, and at times wondered, “Why?”

More..

2 Comments

  1. Adam Walker Cleaveland said,

    June 22, 2007 at 9:43 am

    Thanks for the link – though my real name is Adam Walker Cleaveland. Thanks.

  2. len said,

    June 22, 2007 at 10:11 am

    THanks adam, fixed. I notice you also reviewed “Does This Dress…” I mailed Stephen yesterday to request an interview.. should be interesting eh?