Godawful: Connections Between Biblical Journeys and Life Transitions Book

Whether it's leaving home, having children, losing a parent, or retiring, we spend much of our lives passing through transitions -- and it is often very stressful to cope with changing circumstances, as we feel lost, confused, and depressed, sometimes even wondering ""Where is God in all of this?""The scriptures offer valuable guidance for navigating these difficult passages. Andre Papineau suggests that if we think of biblical journey stories (such as the Prodigal Son or Jonah's journey to Nineveh) as accounts of life transitions, we can begin to understand the profound spirituality of our own transitions -- no matter how ""godawful"" the experiences may seem. By viewing transitional experiences and journey stories through a common lens, this enlightening book provides abundant insight into both the scriptures and the human condition, helping us to see how the hand of God, yes even ""Godawful,"" is at work in our everyday lives. Each chapter includes helpful exercises and discussion questions, making it an ideal individual or group study resource.Andre Papineau writes about identity and authenticity with penetrating clarity. He grounds the religious search and the human equation in our passion to be truthful. The truth will make us free. This book shows us how that is accomplished. The sources used, the stories told, even the discussion questions are compelling.Anthony T. PadovanoDistinguished Professor of American Literature & Religious StudiesRamapo CollegeAndre Papineau brings to this book his deep familiarity with the scriptures, his knowledge of psychology, and his common sense honed in a lifetime of experience. With deep wisdom and perceptive insight, he helps us understand better both important biblical passages and the transitions that occur in all our lives. All pilgrim Christians can learn much from this book.Charles E. CurranElizabeth Scurlock Professor of Human ValuesSouthern Methodist UniversityAndre Papineau is the maestro of the liminal, emcee in the cabaret called Transition, which is always open and whose customers are always edgy, confused, and desperate to get out. It isn't simplistic psychobabble pabulum he offers here, but hard, good advice, the kind grownups need in order to advance to the next grade. Each of these chapters is a meditation on the strange and intermittently glorious thing called being alive.Russell ShortoAuthor of Gospel TruthOnce again, Father Papineau has gifted us with a unique blend of theology, psychology, and biblical savvy. He reminds the reader that life is a process and, as such, is a succession of transitions reflected in innumerable personal and collective stories. Using this as a central template, he takes the reader deep into the exegetical and imaginative core of several critical biblical events. This is a book of inclusive theology in understandable and relevant story form. Father Papineau has helped restore integrity to what should be a loving and meaningful Christian paradigm that has been so misused, misunderstood, and cruelly distorted in our times.Frederick R. GustafsonEditor of The Moonlit Path: Reflections on the Dark FeminineAndre Papineau is a Salvatorian priest and associate professor of pastoral studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Franklin, Wisconsin. A frequent lecturer on life stages and the co-founder of the C. G. Jung Center in Milwaukee, Father Papineau is the author of ten previous books, including Lightly Goes The Good News (CSS), and is a member of The Abraham Group (www.abrahamgroup.com). He holds degrees in theology and drama from Catholic University and the University of Notre Dame.Read More