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Love for the Journey

Reviewed by Chris Skilton.

This is a fascinating and engaging book. David Osborne describes and reflects on a journey on foot from Shropshire to Iona. He writes about what forms and shapes his life and faith, reflecting on the events of the journey through the lens of what sort of people we need to be and might be in Christ. His concern is then how we live well in God’s world – a world under threat through climate change and human despoiling of nature. It is an easy read in terms of Osborne being an engaging narrator and skilful weaver of tales, although the subject of the book is weighty and important.  It is the more fascinating for a journey that takes in places like Rochdale and Carlisle rather than holy shrines and beautiful places.

Each of the twelve chapters concludes with a ‘Resource’ section around a theme such as ‘Wonder’, ‘Simplicity’ and ‘Hope’. The section contains a brief reflection on a saint or theologian – ranging from Columba to Moltmann, with questions for reflection and discussion, Bible passages to study and further resources and reading. Action points are suggested for each chapter ranging from suggestions of stopping to ‘identify and affirm people who have influenced your life journey’ to ‘find a group that is working together on a project that interests you…meet them and decide whether to join in’. The book could be used either for individual or group study.

I have to say that I personally found the Resource section the least convincing part of the book, but I recommend the main chapters, which might yet inspire some readers to retrace David Osborne’s footsteps, reading his book as they go.