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Safer than the Known Way Paperback – January 27, 2023

by Maria Francesca French (Author), Barry Taylor (Foreword)

4.8 47 ratings

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What does it mean to speak beyond binaries of theism and atheism, conservative and liberal, fact and fiction? Why might a new type of theological imagination, one that defies categories and comparison, with the challenge actual deconstruction offers, be all that is next?

Here you will find a compelling read of story and personal journey with strong scholarship and deep theology. Significant and transformational thought that has lived in the ivory tower for too long but made accessible and resonant.

Read along as the tables are turned, head toward a horizon with no line, and follow a compass that doesn't point north. Prepare to be beckoned by ghosts and travel a path unknown. Because to go out into the elegant chaos of all that might be waiting for us after Christianity, while still engaging in meaningful faith, is safer than all that might be considered certain. If you have moved past traditional notions of god, beyond mechanisms of belief, and find yourself relentlessly curious about what might be next, this book is for you.

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Editorial Reviews

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"Maria Francesca French holds space for those who question their faith and the rules they've been brough up with. Safer than the Known Way addresses the buzz word, "Deconstruction," giving evolving Christians a safe place to go beyond liturgical and cultural traditons. Through personal stories and extensive theological study, Maria French encourages people on their journey to or from (little g) god or (Big G) God."
-TC Newman, television and digital journalist

"This is a gorgeous and orginal book. A tour de force weaing together personal, philosohpical and theological strands, this is a book that brings the reader into confrontation with the most fundamental questions about God and what it means to believe (or not). Always doubting, always warm and always provoking, Safer than the Known Way is a thrilling and moving journey of faith."
-Victoria Brooks, writer, researcher, and author of F**king Law and Mistress Ethics."

"A reverent provocateur, Maria breaks all the rules but manages only to prod and never poke. Refreshingly unbiased, her agenda is there shouldn't be one. Maria writes with an informed fortitude—academically and personally earned; yet, she manages within that strength to both offer up and invite vulnerability. An invitation to what she calls a "disruptive peace." Maria is always showing up for herself, both past and future, and emboldens the reader to have this same courage. All the while maintaining a surprisingly grounded-in-the-moment reflective tone. She crafts stunning prose that immerses the reader movingly in her most soul-altering memories. A memoir wrapped in a useful curriculum, Maria presents an integrative historical and theological narrative, but easily connects with readers who, like her, are on some level fond of the Christian clichés of their formative years—simply put, she knows her stuff and she knows you. She holds a relentless faith in faith, and an inspiring optimism in the toiling; she sits in awe of it. A religious memoir with surprising scope and depth, but with a glaring lack of anything to prove. In her readers' questioning, she offers companionship. So go, have a cry in the chapel. And take this book with you. She won't tell you what your relationship with Christianity should be, but she'll help you eulogize it and wait with you while a path forms. She'll wonder with you what undiscoverable "other" might lie on the other side. After all, it's safer there."
-Kim Stewart, licensed psychologist and religious trauma expert

"Maria Francesca French has penned an inspirational spiritual adventure just right for our time of constant white water. This text reflects the wisdom of Solvitur Ambulando, "it will be found in the walking," in which the journey itself is, as Nelle Morton asserts, home! Home is adventurous, on the move, alive, and constantly changing. Maria bids us to be comfortable with change and transformation, even when these uncomfortable changes involve letting go of "certainties" of faith and images of God. With the author of Lamentations, Maria reminds us that faith is new every morning. In the novelty of what is to be, the becoming of what is, and the transformation of what was, we experience abundant life. This book, even when it describes tears shed, is a celebration of life in all its Wondrous Beauty and Mystery. In walking with Maria Francesca French, you may find a faith without fences and foundations, and grace and gratitude without certainty. Rejoice, be amazed, and delight in the wonder of all being."
-Bruce Epperly, professor and author of The Elephant is Running: Process and Open and Relational Theologies and Religious Pluralism

"Contemporary debates around the question of God almost exclusively take place in the field of affirmation or negation. God exists, or God does not exist. With the most reasonable position often appearing in the guise of agnosticism. However, the most perceptive thinkers of religion have long since left this barren plot of land, seeing in the signifier 'God' a naming of that which is otherwise than being. In Safer than the Known Way, Maria French powerfully weaves together her personal story with deconstructive theory to entice the reader beyond that infertile field, into a rich world full of new horizons, new hopes and new (im)possibilities."
-Peter Rollins, theologian and author of The Idolatry of God and The Divine Magician

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quoir (January 27, 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 204 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1957007419
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1957007410
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.5 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.43 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,447,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #25,471 in Christian Theology (Books)
- #87,283 in Christian Living (Books)

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4.8 47 ratings

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Maria Francesca French

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As a post-Christian thinker and writer, Maria Francesca French has spent the tenure of her career in theological education as both professor and administrator, holding two MAs and a DMin. Maria has worked in innovative church contexts, planting, and denominational leadership focused on the intersections of faith and culture. Offering new forums for faith engagement and theological imagination that are viable and sustainable for an uncertain future, exploring Radical Theology and post-theist thought for the present and future of faith. For more on the author, please visit mariafrancescafrench.com

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wb56

Rediscovering true faith, hope, and love, which leads to an unquenchable joy

Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023

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Having spent most of my 68 years of life stuck in the prison of a Christianity that is itself stuck in Modernity, I finally escaped about 15 years ago. I was a former Southern Baptist pastor and Army Chaplain for 35 years. I discovered Jacques Derrida and John Caputo in 2017, and abundant joy has wonderfully replaced my despair.

I just recently discovered Maria Francesca French in 2021 as I read "Before You Lose Your Mind: Deconstructing Bad Theology in the Church" and as I read Maria's chapter, I was hooked. I knew then I would read everything she ever writes, and the only grief I have is my inability to get my conservative friends to read her. Please read this book, it takes the very complex thoughts of Derrida, of who I consider a prophet, to the 21st Century and beyond. She breaks down extremely complex scholarly thoughts into language that is easily understood and inspirational beyond measure. I impatiently await her next book.

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Barb

Faith after Belief

Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023

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Growing up in the Christian circles I did, questioning beliefs was a sign of lack of faith. For many years unquestioned belief carried me along fairly well. But gradually doubts and questions I dared not ask myself became prominent. Cognitive dissonance increasingly asserted itself. What does one do when dogma and doctrine expires its shelf life and becomes irrelevant? Is there room for a faith of some kind to rise from the rubble of religion? I’ve often wondered where Dietrich Bonhoeffer would have landed with his concept “religionless Christianity” had he not been killed by Hitler. I believe Maria Francesca French has presented one such avenue of thought: faith that is not merely secular, and not defined by the stale confines of the theist vs atheist debate. Of course deconstructing can result in a sense of loss or sadness, and Ms French handles this with great care and gentleness. But there is joy to be found in knowing that this life is worth living.

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Rev. Sadie Cullumber

Safer than the Know Way

Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2023

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Safer than the Known Way is needed by so many people who feel lost as they begin to walk away from old models of faith. Maria’s book offers a lesser known path, one that is rarely talked about—a path for those who still believe in mystery and connection and the spirit of life—but who feel trapped by old ideas and old constructs. She brilliantly offers new ways to engage the parts of Christianity that remain essential—things like community, and imagining a new way, a wide open future. Maria also weaves in relevant parts of her own journey so the heady concepts she delivers read easily and naturally, like a memoir. It was a delight to read and walk alongside Maria’s theological imagination that is calling us onto a new path that might really end up being safer than the known way. I have recommended this book to many already and I will continue to encourage my congregation to read this book as well. Thank you Maria!!! This book has been needed by so many for a very long time. I’m looking forward to your next publications!

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Chris Criminger

vulnerable and bold, a narrow difficult road that is open to endless possibilities

Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023

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I first came across Maria Francesca French in an article she wrote in an edited book by Keith Giles on understanding what people, especially Evangelicals, who were deconstructing their faith. I found her article the most informed and enlightening on the subject.

Now she has written a deep and open-ended book on what a post-Christian journey may look like for those who dare to risk the unknown way from the known way. Some may judge her journey as a falling away from being Christian yet the beauty of her story is she has fallen deeper in love with the Christ figure who continually haunts her and will not let her go. For those who are willing to go on this bold daring adventure with her, you will not be disappointed but you may find all your theologizing about God ends with the word, “perhaps.”

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Beth Hutton

A brilliant reflection on faith in our current culture.

Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2023

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As a pastor who has primarily worked in the field of youth ministry for the past 25+ years I’d like to recommend this to every one of my former students who have in their adult years found themselves floating about when it comes to their faith. For every student who answered an altar call at a conference, or “decided to follow Jesus” at a retreat after a sharing circle. Because as much as I’ve tried, there isn’t always a follow through on those experiences. Dr. French in this text Snares her own personal story of calling and response with a real and raw honesty that we need more of today. What is post-Christian? How is it different than agnosticism or atheism. And how can we claim our place in the new landscape of Christian faith as post-Christians. Looking forward to more work from Dr. French on these topics.

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Christopher Fletcher

A Storied Path to the Promised Land

Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2023

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“…we live in a desert with many lonely travelers who are looking for a moment of peace, for a fresh drink and for a sign of encouragement so that they can continue their mysterious search for freedom….The great illusion of leadership is to think that man/woman can be led out of the desert by someone who has never been there.”
~ Henri Nouwen

Maria has been through the desert and in "Safer Than The Known Way" she shares her pilgrimage into the unknown and gentle nudges all fellow pilgrims to listen to the whispers when they come and follow their path on The Way to freedom. Her story is one of courage to believe there is a better way forward to being fully human by walking bravely on our pilgrimages through the desert. Maria's book is a companion for those now looking for a way to jettison the known way and begin the trek to the Promised Land.

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Gina Esposito

Anyone who is concerned with god and faith, both for and against, should read.

Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2023

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In today’s day in age it feels like Christianity, in so many ways, has become unfeasible. Its immovable, immobile, and unadaptable stances on issues that could transform its culture and landscape has not gone unnoticed by society that has passed it right by. In “Safer than the Known Way” we are offered not only new ways of engaging a faith, but we find ourselves sidestepping the doctrines and ideologies that too often bog us down in cul-de-sac conversations.

Maria Francesca French has penned a book that anyone who is concerned with god and faith, both for and against, should read. It invites us into a new present and future of faith that religion has only dreamed about. If you are reading one book on Christianity today and all that might be next and after let it be this one.

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Top reviews from other countries

Nadime Ayoub

"Perhaps."

Reviewed in Canada on March 5, 2023

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Maria French's book captures the nuance of being human. It's a breath of fresh air. At least for me. It definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea. But if you're tired of traditional Christianity, if you feel like its just "not working", if you feel terrified to ask all the questions you're dying to ask, I think this book will do you good. My biggest take away: "perhaps." I don't need to have it all figured out. That's part of the journey of life, faith, of being human. So, perhaps. Perhaps, perhaps not.

guy

A voice for today.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 20, 2023

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A beautiful surprise awaited, as I opened and began to read safer than the known way. Surprised by its balanced voice whispering there is something more. It walked me down quiet village walks into a place beyond the voices and emotions of those hating their past and the teachings they know question.
Have you ever read a book that just states, this is for you, right now.

When the world deconstruction, exevangelical and post-Christian is about to go around the same circle and begin to follow the same patterns, the known way. A safer way, a more productive way is available but are you will to choose it?

A wonderful mix of history, recent history and Maria's personal story has been woven together to help others to see there are other ways. Let's enjoy this and find them together, this path is your own and it really doesn't have to look like anything you have been told it should look like. Faith is a work of art and one you should learn to create yourself as you experience life, spirituality and whatever you learn to define the Divine as. Belief on the other hand has the safety of numbers, and is often nothing more than a paint by numbers exercise. Less of an invite into a journey, more like a Christmas gift wrapped in rehearsed Christmas wrappings and ribbon.

Safer than the known way is an invitation, follow how you are being led into a world beyond the limiting imaginations of tried and died traditions and beliefs.

Karsten Risseeuw

Rethinking visualized

Reviewed in Germany on March 5, 2023

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Excellent reading about transitioning in faith. Well-readable introduction to a variety of topics. Some sort of theological road-movie, showing stages during her own thinking and re-thinking and going beyond deconstruction and reconstruction. Very well described: Post-Christian is not Post-God. It is more of being post certain views of certain types of Christianity, while asking what lies beyond. This might be difficult to swallow for die-hard evangelicals, but is eye-opening for those willing to engage.

While I could well grasp the concepts as presented, I realized my own processes were quite different. It's not my story, it's her story, and it's an excellent insight. Thx!

Josh de Keijzer

A Great Introduction to Radical Theology and an Invitation to Journey Beyond

Reviewed in the Netherlands on February 26, 2023

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Maria French’s “Safer Than the Known Way” comes highly recommended. It offers both an introduction to the field of Radical Theology but, more than that, is an accessible and helpful aid for those who are, like so many of us, no longer at home in the house of Christianity.

Radical Theology exists as a minority report in the theological landscape. As such, it has, apart from the very beginning of the movement with its death-of-god theologians, never gained a lot of traction. In Europe, where I’m writing this review from, this is felt more keenly since Radical Theology has mainly been an American movement.

Yet, its influence is significant, even in Europe. It reaches beyond the confines of the bubble of Christian theology and offers a voice that critiques not just religion, but ideology as such. Once god is understood as an ideological trope, tools come available to critique the varied ideological incarnations of Western thought.

It should come as no surprise that Radical Theology, despite its name, bears little similarity to more traditional forms of Christian theology. It derives its sources from the full breadth of the Western intellectual tradition, be it idealism or phenomenology. Not only Nietzsche, but also Derrida and Žižek and many other thinkers in Continental Philosophy are important sources for Radical Theology.

The movement is thus both marginalized in the official halls of theological discourse and unnervingly influential in both giving the lie to Christian metaphysics and ideological blindness.

How nice it would be if there was an accessible work that introduces the non-academic reader and offers tools for those no longer feeling at home within the walls of the church.

Oh, wait. There is one. Maria French’s “Safer Than the Known Way” is precisely that book. It will help people map their post-Christian journey, not as a step-by-step guide of what to do. “Safer Than the Known Way” is in-depth and yet not too academic. It is accessible and short, but doesn’t offer easy answers. And most of all, it is both conceptual and biographical.

My own journey is a lot like Maria’s. Having grown up as an evangelical, I decided at one point to attend a seminary for an MA in Christian Thought. This study set a lot in motion. Before I knew it, I found myself at odds with my fundamentalist upbringing. Further studies acquainted me with the radical tradition, which I eventually embraced. Not as another flavor of theology, but as a narrative that subverts all narratives.

Why Radical Theology? As Maria writes in her introduction. There is a conversation beyond the pros and cons of various conceptions of god. It is the conversation beyond all concepts of god. But without succumbing to atheism, because atheism is itself a certain conception of the god.

Maria weaves her personal journey through her conceptual analysis. As she does, she touches on a number of important topics.

(1) The decline of Christianity in the West. A non-starter in many places in Europe because that conversation has been over for at least 3 decades. Indeed, Maria partly writes from an American perspective. And yet, is there a place for a new conversation in Europe about god beyond ideology and outdated metaphysics, not as religion, but as a way to engage society and the world? That question is worth exploring.

(2) Is there space for a renewed interest in Jesus beyond the one with the savior-complex?

(3) French unpacks the difference between deconstruction à la American post-evangelicals who often succumb to the very patterns of thought they seek to flee from, on the one hand. And deconstruction as used (and invented) by Jacques Derrida. French shows that Derrida’s deconstruction goes so much further than post-evangelical anti-religious rants.

(4) French also does constructive work as she ponders the future of faith and offers Radical Theological perspectives on meaning-making. Her answers point out the importance of loss and pain and seeks redemption in paradox.

For those leaving behind the Christian faith, the narrative of Christianity lingers. That’s why the nomenclature of post-Christian is appropriate. And yet, “Safer Than the Known Way” also points forward to a time and generation where such lingering no longer comes naturally.

Radical Theology, is, after all, a discourse that looks back at the meta-narrative that dominated Europe for some 15 centuries. As such, this discourse is well suited for taking on the gods of today, the ideologies that haunt us and enslave us.

“Safer Than the Known Way” fills a need. It is well written and will not disappoint.

Richard Wiltshire

Profound and radically insightful exploration of the post-Christian landscape!

Reviewed in Australia on February 26, 2023

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I can honestly say that this book is profound, beautifully written and incredibly compelling by its utter honesty, and will resonate deeply with anyone who is searching for what is possible after traditional, fundamentalist and even progressive forms of Christianity.

In this accessible book, Maria unpacks many of the key insights and new conversations emerging in radical theology through her own personal story and experiences by offering the reader a way forward when exploring what faith (after belief) can mean in a 21st century post-Christian world.

This is a truly fascinating and exceptional book and is a MUST read for anyone exploring what comes next after undergoing faith deconstruction when mainstream church and Christianity has stopped working for you!

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