How's Your Faith

September 21, 2015
"How's your faith?", a question President George W. Bush posed to NBC reporter Gregory, infuses Gregory's itinerary for the midlife spiritual journey described in this sturdy study. Gregory grew up in a mixed religious home, and faith was never a large part of his upbringing: his mother is a lapsed Catholic and recovering alcoholic, and his father is a non-practicing Jew. After leaving home, the former moderator of "Meet the Press" chose to identify (and eventually study) as a Jew while married to a Christian; her sacrifice to raise their children as Jews proves poignant. Through this mix, Gregory defines a goal for his family: fitting Judaism's traditions to "a pluralistic society and interfaith marriages." Ever a reporter, Gregory writes in plain English with few descriptions and seldom any humor. He asks earnest questions, researches diligently, and looks for common ground through the guiding words of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Gregory's insights are clear and he's always humble during his search, admitting his own failings and proclaiming his promise to grow "a heart for God."

September 15, 2015

In the past few years, several books have appeared that connect a person's personal life to their spiritual quest. Journalist Gregory, who for many years was the moderator of Meet the Press, writes this account about his spiritual maturation by tracing his religious journey through each period of his life. He was raised in a Jewish family (with a Jewish father and Catholic mother), but his faith was undeveloped throughout his early years. That is, until he married a faithful Methodist, and through her he began to think through his religious beliefs and identity in a deeper way. Over time, Gregory visited with several leaders with strong faith, such as Cardinal Timothy Dolan (archbishop of New York), Tim Keller (Redeemer Presbyterian Church), Joel Osteen (Lakewood Church), and Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman. It was former president George W. Bush who asked Gregory a question that formed the title of this book: "How's your faith?" A key challenge for the journalist and his faith was wrestling with memories of a difficult childhood with an alcoholic mother. VERDICT Fans of Gregory as well as those interested in spiritual growth will find this insightful book helpful.--John Jaeger, Dallas Baptist Univ. Lib.

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