Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale
Chase Falson is the founder and pastor of a successful megachurch in New England who faces a spiritual crisis. The certainties of faith and scripture are no longer so clear; his theological foundation has collapsed. When church elders insist that Chase take some time off, he heads to Italy, embarking on a spiritual odyssey that follows in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi before returning with a renewed and invigorated vision of Christianity and community. Cron’s blending of the fictional and historical allows him to offer a polite challenge to those elements within Christianity that peddle entertainment and attract those “disappointed that happiness hadn’t come as optional equipment in their Lexus SUVs.” As Francis demonstrated, Christians should be communities of peacemakers, stewards of creation, givers of hospitality, restorers of dignity, and seekers of the divine through beauty. Although clearly addressed to Christians, Cron’s story is a charming read for anyone interested in spiritual autobiography and the quest for meaning. --Christopher McConnell