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Recently, while doing research on St. Francis of Assisi for a new book I am working on, a friend mentioned the fairly recent novel “Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale” by Ian Morgan Cron (NavPress Publishing Group - July 5, 2006). I picked it upon a whim and was pleasantly surprised. In a style remeniscent to the fictionalize dialogues of McLaren’s “A New Kind Of Christian” trilogy, Cron demonstrates the important and relevant example St. Francis represents to the Church today.

From the back cover:

“Chase Falson has lost his faith-and he did it right in front of the congregation at his megachurch. Now the elders want him to take some time away: far away. So Chase crosses the Atlantic to visit his uncle, a Franciscan priest, where he encounters the teachings of Francis of Assisi and rediscovers his ancient faith. Follow Chase’s spiritual journey in the footsteps of Francis, and then begin one of your own through the pilgrim’s guide included in this book. Come discover Francis, the first postmodern Christian.”

This book is an excellent introduction to St. Francis, as well as how the older traditions of the church still have important lessons to teach us today. While there are clearly similarities between Chase Falson and Crom himself, it is a work of fiction. However, it could very well apply to many individuals and churches, be they mega-churches among wealthy New Englanders (the context of the story) or my own inner city ministry. While it won’t become a literary classic, I could only wish that my first novel would be this good.

Included in the book is an incredibly thorough and helpful study guide for personal or group use, meaning that those who might find the translation of ideas from fiction into their own context difficult will have immediate tools to help in the process. While not explicitly a book about the new monasticism, one can certainly see the seeds of it in the story. It presented for me a very accessible and enjoyable look at what it means to be missional Franciscan style.

So if the book is that good, why haven’t we heard more about it? Around the time “Chasing Francis” was released, NavPress lost several key members of its sales and marketing team, causing the book to receive a mediocre push. Thankfully, they have relaunched the book as of last month. Let’s help get this book the attention it deserves. Order a copy today and encourage others to do so too (again, the group study material is excellent). If you use the link above, a percentage will even go to support us as missionaries as well.

Anyone else read this? What did you think?