Nick Fiedler traveled the world, and all he got was this lousy epistemology. Kidding. He did however end up with an honest memoir, and even managed to get it published.
As an aside, the books being published by IVP’s Likewise imprint over the last three years have been some of the most important and challenging books on the religion book shelves. I’ve read a handful of them and have been impressed with the immediacy of their content. None have been overly spiritualized or have offered quick fix Christian solutions to find you a better life. They have documented struggle and heartache, faith and doubt, and a beautiful way to live in a real world. Big-time recommendation here.
So back to the latest kick-ass Likewise title. Nick invites as along with him as he sorts through the pieces of his Christian faith and determines what to throw away, what to put into storage, and what to take with him on his journey ahead. These mental exercises are mirrored by his real life preparation and experience of a trip around the globe to see what he hasn’t been able to see growing up deep in the Bible Belt of the USA. Nick gets instant credibility by taking actual steps to live out his developing outlook.
Since I’ve been keen on learning from the emerging and missional christian community I had heard pretty much all of his positions and references before (many via his self-titled “The Nick and Josh Podcast“). There wasn’t any new territory covered. But there were a few points where Nick’s straightforward speech refreshed and energized my thoughts. I wish I had the book with me at the moment so I could quote a couple spots.
Nick apologizes at the beginning of the book for anything he might say that might anger some people. His insists that nothing he writes is intended to be critical for sake of being angry and rebellious. I was ready for a firestorm to follow, but it wasn’t there. There really is way more Hopeful than Skeptical here, and Nick is very careful to be civil and respectful throughout. Or at least that’s how I read it. Other people may be raging right now, I don’t know. (I just edited this paragraph in. I’m writing this at work so I am rushing and forgetting things I originally wanted to say. Any further edits will be in a follow-up post. Actually, there will definitely be a follow-up post tonight when I get home. I really want to share a couple specific spots that I enjoyed.)
My big question for Nick is, “why didn’t you tell us more about your travels?” We were given brief glimpses and stories, but Nick almost seemed apologetic when he started telling too many stories and quickly switched back into preaching mode
Nick and Leslie went on this marvelous trip all over the globe, but the majority of the book is about preparation and reflection. I wanted so much more dusty roads and footsteps. I guess I’ll just need to do my own traveling.
My one critique is more technical that topical. I think more stringent editorial work would have helped the message be much more powerful.
Oh, and the last chapter is worth the price of the book alone. Great writing there.
Great book, Nick.






