Nick Fiedler traveled the world, and all he got was this lousy epistemology. Kidding. He did however end up with an honest memoir
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.
4 Comments
Dave, thanks for the thoughts here. They are encouraging, especially about the last chapter.
I would have loved to told more about the trip, but as I was working with publishers beforehand there was a concern with travel books. Two separate publishers made it pretty clear they were not interested in a travelogue. Likewise felt the same way so we agreed to leave it scarce.
Did you feel it was too didactic or apologetic at any point? What was it about the last chapter that resonted so much?
Hey Nick. I’m kind of surprised that the publisher would feel that way. Your trip in a big way seems to be the catalyst that the whole book concept comes from. And until TSK finally writes a book, there is really nothing out there that explores emergence from a globe-traveling position (at least that I’m aware of). The marketing of the book is confusing in that sense. The backpacked traveller image on the cover and the overall feeling of movement and journey, but then to limit how much you can speak of actual footsteps? Bad move by IVP, imho.
Your writing in the final chapter seemed to be the most relaxed in the book. There wasn’t as much repetition as there was in some of the other chapters.
Thanks Dave, that’s helpful.
Some really insightful and though provoking posts, Dave. I really enjoyed reading your ‘journey’ over this last decade. I can definitely relate to being a ‘different person’ today compared to the one who started ‘00. I truly believe I am a better and more compassionate one today. I also enjoyed the Hopeful Skeptic review and always like hearing about others’ life journeys and the changes they encounter.
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