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A creative and compelling examination of the impact--800 years ago and today--of St. Francis of Assisi.
Description:
Chase Falson has lost his faith so he 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.
Chasing Francis
ISBN-13:
9781576838129
Trim Size: 5.5 x 8.25
Cover: Paperback
256
Pages
$14.99
Percentage Discounts for Bulk Purchases of Single Items
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Downloadable
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Part of a Series
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Available in Spanish
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View all reviewsCustomer Reviews
Interesting Food For Thought
Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron
Chasing Francis is a different sort of book about St. Francis of Assisi. Instead of the usual biography this was a fictional account of a modern day pastor on a journey “chasing” after Francis going to the literal places that Francis went to all over Italy.
I was surprised to see several negative reviews of this book by other reviewers, but I must admit that I knew almost nothing about Francis of Assisi beforehand so I cannot attest to its historical accuracy. Neither am I an avid reader of fiction, so may not have as many fiction works in my own reading history to compare this one too.
That being said, this book seemed so “real” to me. I thought numerous times, that surely someone must have done a very similar journey as did the main character, Chase Falcon. I had to keep reminding myself that it was fiction.
I was pleasantly surprised at how truly interesting this story was to me. Never did I find my mind wandering while I was reading it. Several times I even found it “gripping”—that is the passion infused into the story gripped me.
The choice to discuss Francis of Assisi’s beliefs in a fictional context was an unusual but very interesting way to discuss some of Francis’ ideas around beauty, peace, poverty, arts, environmentalism etc. I found the author to make a compelling case on Francis’ behalf and at the very least, interesting and substantial food for thought.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Posted by
Cheryl Cope
on
3/3/2011 8:44:49 PM
Chasing Francis
In his historical novel, Chasing Francis, Ian Morgan Cron explores the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Instead of simply writing another biography of the early Catholic priest and friar, Cron retells the story through the perspective of a modern evangelical minster, named Chase falcon, who has lost his faith. Midway through a service, Chase breaks down and admits his growing doubts about Christianity. Shocked and outraged, the church elders advise Chase to take a leave of absence from the church. Chase travels to Italy where he is lead on a spiritual pilgrimage that introduces him to the ancient teachings of St. Francis.
Cron seamlessly incorporates theology lessons and history into his novel without distracting from the plot. The novel includes several of Chase's journal entries that reflect on what he is learning about Francis. Although Chase is a minster at a megachurch, he comes across as somewhat childish with respect to the Catholic faith. Early in his journey, he often jokes about religious activities the priests engage in. By having other characters correct and explain things to Chase, Cron is given more opportunities to insert historical information.
The book's plot is entertaining and enjoyable. Most characters are dynamic and believable. Maggie's story, however, is slightly cliché. She is an ex-convict whose young daughter has recently died. Instead of returning to drugs and crime, she becomes an important figure in the Chase's church. Nevertheless, Chasing Francis is a great read for anyone interested in learning about St. Francis, or wanting to read a Catholic conversion story.
Posted by
Destiny
on
2/19/2011 2:07:58 PM
Great Book
“Chase Falson has lost his faith – and he did it right in front of the congregation at his megachurch…” begins the back cover of Chasing Francis. The author, Ian Morgan Cron, combines a search for faith with a trip to Italy, throwing a megachurch pastor in as the one on this unlikely pilgrimage. I loved the sights described in the book and the way Chase traces the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, ultimately rediscovering a faith that looks entirely different than it originally did. Through an unlikely cast of characters, Cron takes us all on a journey to meet St. Francis and I have to admit that I am now fascinated with Francis.
Chasing Francis is a critique of modern day Evangelicalism, but it is a critique without malice, readily acknowledging that we could sit around all day critiquing or we could live the lives that reflect the gospel and the church we want to see exist. As Cron says, “Francis was more than an entertaining street preacher. He didn’t want to win people to faith through theological arguments or by reasoning with them. His way of evangelizing people was through the example of this own life. That’s what gave his simple words so much gravity and impact. His life was his theology” (p.149).
I especially liked the definition of the church Cron gave: “Churches should be places where people come to hear the story of God and to tell their own. That’s how we find out how the two relate. Tell your story with all of its shadows and fog, so people can understand their own. They want a leader who’s authentic, someone trying to figure out how to follow the Lord Jesus in the joy and wreckage of life” (p.67).
This image of the church is refreshing to the doubters among us, those of us who have grown to appreciate a more down to earth approach to faith, stripped of the fancy buildings and expensive sound systems. It reminds me of an old Matt Redman song about coming back to the heart of worship. Sometimes I wonder what faith people would be left with if all the extras were removed. Like Chase, I had to leave the church for a bit in order to find a faith that is a lifestyle, a theology that I can live, day in and day out.
I don’t know if there will be a sequel to Chasing Francis, but I’d love to someday read more about the new community Chase has dreamed of seeing.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Posted by
Katie
on
2/8/2011 8:42:20 PM
Not Always Believable
Chase Falson has lost his faith in a big way. The founder of a mega-church, he has a breakdown in front of his congregation on a Sunday morning. The other church leaders quickly give him a leave of absence and everyone is left wondering how to put the pieces back together. For Chase, it isn't about putting his church back together, it's about putting himself back together. His journey takes him to family in Europe where he learns about Francis of Assisi. As Chase learns of Assisi's faith, he rediscovers his own. He's not alone on his journey, but is surrounded by friends who help him.
Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron sounds appealing on many levels from the whole idea of mega church development (the good, the bad, the ugly) to life long friendships to Francis. I enjoyed most of Chase's journey, the sites he saw and the thought process he went through. His excitement is almost tangible as are his low points. Over all, it was an enjoyable read. I do wonder if the author took liberties with some of Francis' beliefs, stretching what the man said to meet a more modern perspective. I can't say for sure either way as I have never studied Assisi. I make my claim based on study of the time in which he lived. I also have some questions about some of the actions the Franciscan monks make. I think over all, they are interesting characters, I just don't find some of their actions believable.
Over all, I think this book will make most readers think about their lives and their journey. I think many people will be curious as to St. Francis and want to learn more. Those two things were the main goals of the book, according to author's words included in the book. Having met those goals, the book would be a success. Personally, I give it a 3 out of 5 stars.
Chasing Francis is written by Ian Morgan Cron and published by NavPress. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Posted by
Thia
on
2/6/2011 12:36:59 PM
Dear reader:Please read your Bible
Although this book is a novel, I kept wondering how much is somewhat autobiographical because the author is(was) the pastor of a church in Connecticut. When I went on the church website it shows another person as being senior pastor and he is not listed among the staff. So, being curious, I googled him and found that he is a doctoral student, studying Thomas Merton.
Well, anyway, I do agree that we should be "the body" of Christ and therefore, be His hands and feet when it comes to helping the poor and ministering to the sick and downtrodden and that is basically what the book is about. The book follows Chase Falson around Italy as he discovers who St. Francis of Assisi is, and then follows him home to face the mega-church he founded as it proceeds to ask him to resign because he questioned his Christianity.
However, there were some things that really trouble me. On page 128 it states, " We should love our enemies because their injurious conduct gives us an occasion to gain eternal life by returning love for hatred". Oh no, my Bible says that eternal life is a free gift from God when we confess our sins and accept it. Then again, on page 173 it's talking about Chase giving a bath to someone who is dying of aids. His friend says, "What happened up there?" He responds, "I think I became a Christian". Dear readers, please get your Bibles out and read the book of Romans. We are saved, not by works, but by Christ's sacrificial gift to us. It's free. We don't deserve it and we can't earn it. Post-modern Christianity must not throw out what Christ did for us.
Posted by
LaVerne Ombadykow
on
2/5/2011 11:29:25 AM
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