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Sacred Pathways By Gary Thomas Summary

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“Sacred Pathways” by Gary Thomas is about how Christians relate to God and how they draw near to him. Thomas discusses the nine spiritual temperaments. By understanding the spiritual temperaments, people can develop the tools they need to grow spiritually. The first sacred pathway is naturalist. Thomas explains that naturalists often learn their best lessons outdoors. These lessons include learning to visualize spiritual truths, seeing God more clearly, and lastly, learning to rest. God can speak to Christians through creation only if they listen. When Christians listen to God, they are able to see him more clearly. In addition, God’s creation can remind us of God’s beauty and therefore, his power and judgement, as well. Nature can also bring …show more content…

Not all Christians are called to care for others in the same way. Caregivers must not judge those who serve God differently than them nor judge the validity of their worship. Some other dangers Thomas mentions are serving one’s self through serving others, as well as, holding narrow definitions. Both of these dangers are important to recognize and understand. The last danger Thomas explains is the idea that caregivers often neglect those closest to them. Their ministry must begin in their home before they can serve those around them. The seventh sacred pathway is enthusiasts. Enthusiasts learn to love God with mystery and celebration. Enthusiasts long to preserve the mystery of faith. Thomas gives three ways that mystery can be a part of faith: the use of dreams, expectancy, and prayer. In addition to mystery, enthusiasts are fed through celebration. However, celebratory worship must still include reverence. Enthusiasts would often prefer to spend time with others as opposed to by …show more content…

First, they must be careful not to lose balance. God can reveal himself to Christians just as much in a conversation with a fellow believer as he can when they are on their knees in prayer. Secondly, God is greater than any human. Christians can relate to God, but they cannot be absorbed into God. In addition, contemplatives must grow beyond an adolescent infatuation so that they incorporate self-discipline and self-control into their lives. Lastly, contemplatives must be aware of “spiritual gluttony” in which they begin to seek the feelings instead of

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