Monday, June 15, 2009

Hunting for God and game

Rev. Classen, the author of the popular book, Hunting for God, Fishing for the Lord, has done it again. This time, in Tracking Virtue, Conquering Vice, he really takes us on an excursion into the wilderness.  And not just the wilderness of Missouri either.  But instead, just as C.S. Lewis took the reader through the wardrobe into Narnia, Rev. Classen takes the reader through the wilderness and into the soul.

In a very insightful and humorous way, Rev. Classen takes very complicated and deep theological thoughts and parses them into the language of the outdoorsman.  He, in his exceptional narrative style, is able to connect abstract spiritual truths with everyday experiences and life.

A good example is his ability to relate the theological virtues of faith, hope and love to turkey hunting.  It takes a gifted individual to pull this off but Rev. Classen does so in a winning and entertaining fashion.

Through the use of his excellent storytelling abilities, Fr. Classen brings to life the joy, adventure and struggles of hunting.  Even if you are not a hunter, you will enjoy these delightful, page turning stories.  Fr. Classen brings the woods to life and recreates the sense of beauty and wonderment that can only be found in the depths of the wilderness.

The hunter will find the stories truthful and real.  They will be able to relate to the many trials and struggles that every hunter faces and the joy that comes as a reward for those that are successful in their endeavor.

Above all, everyone will benefit spiritually from this book.  Fr. Classen demonstrates that, with a little reflection, everyday events in our lives are opportunities to put our faith into practice.  He shows the reader that theology is not just the subject of stuffy class rooms but real theology affects our response to the challenges we face and enhances the lessons we learn from facing those challenges.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Tracking Virtue, Conquering Vice.

alt="The Catholic Company">





Blogged with the Flock Browser

2 comments:

  1. i am a hunter will have to read this

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is great. You will enjoy it. I have hunted/fished all my life also. I live in Arkansas so I can really relate to Fr.Classen experiences.

    ReplyDelete