The Sacred Journey is part of a series of books on the ancient practices. Its intent is to bring you to the realization that man is, from his origins, created to walk and be a pilgrim. In the beginning chapters, Foster shows how God is also a fan of pilgrimage.
The next major sections deal with convincing the reader to become a pilgrim, wanderer, traveler, [insert adjective here]. Why go? Foster asks. To get rid of junk, to encounter, to know yourself, others, God.
The remaining half of the book focuses on preparing for the journey, journeying, and returning from the journey.
Initially, I took a liking to the concept of this book. I consider myself a strong adventurous type who enjoys backpacking and travel. Issues plagued the book for me, however.
For example, Foster mentions a man named John who “got drunk in a field and laughed for the first time in a decade without worrying whether the incident would find its way onto his appraisal.” Is this God’s intent? Is this the sacred journey?
Foster is a good writer with misconceptions of what he is really getting at. Pilgrimage is not the core issue here. Are we less of a Christian if we cannot afford the plane ticket to the “holy land”? No. Pilgrimage is not the answer to our problems. Simplicity in life and deed is at the core of what pilgrimage can only pretend to do for us. The idea behind this book is still on a journey of its own. A premature book with an incomplete concept.
