Reviews

Speaking of Faith by Krista Tippett

artandwhimsy's review against another edition

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4.0

This was an interesting read on my part, especially as someone who does not identify as Christian, listen to Krista Tippett's "Speaking of Faith" radio show, and am not entirely sure how this book ended up on my shelf. I am in the process of clearing out books and I figured this would likely be an easy read that I could process and then happily give away to someone or donate -- freeing space on my shelves for books that are more to my flavor.

Having read this, it honestly exceeded my expectations and went in a different direction than expected. I opened it thinking it was a book about "how can I speak about being a Christian in today's culture?" when in reality, it's more about how we, as a world, as various cultures, ethnicities, belief systems, can come together and openly discuss our different variations of faith that ultimately all circulate around love and philosophy. It touches on interpretations of Bible readings (this is written by a Christian, so while other religion POVs are included and explored, Christianity is the dominant presence), the importance of not being an extremist, the importance of separation of church and state, and many other world view explorations. It also serves as a memoir in some moments where Tippett speaks to her own family lineage and its relation with religion; her time in Berlin and having spent time living on both sides of the wall; and how her faith and divorce intersected.

I am probably rating this higher because my expectations had been quite low (why doesn't Goodreads have ".5" in their rating system?), but honestly, if you consider yourself Christian or are curious to read an exploration on how to have kind discourse around the subject of faith, maybe give this a read. Or maybe listen to her radio show -- though I can't honestly speak to that.

bethpeninger's review against another edition

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5.0

"We speak because we have questions, not just answers, and our questions cleanse our answers and enliven our world." (Krista Tippett)

Sometimes words really are inadequate. At least in my case and with this book by Tippett I find that to be true. I have no words to adequately discuss this wonderful book. It was, well, beautiful. Tippett is so well-spoken and so thoughtful. She explores why religion matters and provides beautiful stories to provide context and texture to her thoughtful exploration of this topic. I spent six months reading this book - off and on. Life got in the way but when I picked it back up I was embraced by the insightful discussion Tippett has with her readers. This "review" isn't much of one except a high recommendation to read it. But don't just read it for the sake of reading. Read it with an open heart and mind and ready to learn. Read it with curiosity. Read it for personal growth. Just read it, please and thank you. xoxo

kedixon's review against another edition

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4.0

A thoughtful and accessible review of modern theology.

blueeyedvt's review against another edition

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5.0

Fantastic book. SO well written, full of big ideas to reflect upon in terms of the world and directly in your life. Loved how Tippett wove in her personal stories, guest interviews from her NPR show, and how it left me wanting to read/listen to it again.

favoritereadingplace's review against another edition

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4.0

Loved this book.

northstar's review against another edition

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4.0

Krista Tippett writes just like she speaks on the radio--measured and respectful and curious. She crams a lot into 230 pages: her own faith journey and theological education, highlights from her public radio show of the same name and stories from a wide range of religious thinkers. Her goal is to find a new way of talking about religion that is respectful toward all traditions but also critical when religion and politics intersect to creat havoc and war. I felt I barely scratched the surface of her ideas with one reading and I may reread this book.

blikesbikes's review against another edition

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5.0

This was great!

crikkett's review against another edition

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3.0

I think there is a lot of value in this book, and I just wasn't in the right mood at the time I picked it up. I sort of pushed myself through, instead of setting it aside until I really felt like reading it. I will plan to give this another read-through sometime in the future, and hopefully get more out of it (in which case I will likely add a star to the rating).

sara_seagreen's review against another edition

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3.0

This book provided many insights, but was unfocused and did not seem to accomplish the purpose set out in the subtitle.

lillybobilly's review against another edition

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informative reflective slow-paced

4.75