The God of Wild Places

"In this unflinching memoir supported by theological reflection, Tony Jones lays bare his personal wounds and the injuries of humanity caused by a lack of deep natural connection. While groomed for a clerical career, he found more salvation in the woods with his trusted hunting dog at his side. "Hunting has always been for survival," he writes, adding to this fundamental human experience crucial spiritual and emotional dimensions. Jones' transcendent depictions of the various habitats of his prey -- ducks, turkeys, deer, and elk who roam vast mountains, lakes, and woods -- are like arrows targeting the divine sublime. He endures harrowing episodes and massive losses, always restoring himself in wild places. Ultimately, the lessons from his story of transformation offer an inspiring corrective to the corrosive consumerism and crude competition of modern life in America.”

-- Jessica Carew Kraft, author of Why We Need to Be Wild: One Woman's Quest for Ancient Human Answers to 21st Century Problems

“In The God of Wild Places, Tony Jones introspectively details his own spiritual journey that took him from his own ordination as a pastor to leaving religion behind. Like millions of Americans, Jones went on a quest to find a resting place for his soul only to discover it in the wilderness of God's creation. Those who feel spiritually anxious and religiously adrift will find solace and encouragement in Tony's words.”

-- Ryan Burge, associate professor of political science, Eastern Illinois University, and author of The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going

Tony Jones walked away from church and out into the woods, and his thoughtful reflections on that soulful transition are compelling, engaging, and full of the kind of transcendent faith that this world needs now, more than ever.

-- Phil Zuckerman Ph.D, associate dean, Pitzer College and author of Living the Secular Life, Society Without God, and Beyond Doubt

I have wanted to read this book ever since Tony first told me about it. He’s the only hunter I know who can speak theologically from a deer stand. More importantly, he can both sense and respond to the divine presence without using words at all. There's nothing squeamish or sentimental in what he has to say about meeting God in the wild. Nature is primal, not safe. Tony knows that, which is why I trust him to lead me farther in.

-- Barbara Brown Taylor, NYT bestselling author and TIME 100 Most Influential People

The God of Wild Places will be a blessing to those of us—agnostic, heretic, and faithful alike—who reflect on what we are truly seeking when we are afield. I very much look forward to sitting down with a copy of Tony’s book.

-- Tovar Cerulli, author of The Mindful Carnivore

Tony Jones can make anything interesting, from the theology of the atonement in the twelfth century, to the best time to hunt doves in Iowa. Funny, smart and courageous, he will engage with a vegan from his deer blind, and write about his dog lovingly enough to convince a cat person she is missing something. And now he debates his toughest character yet - himself. I’ve known Tony as a friend and followed his work for years, but this is the book I’ve been waiting for, an unvarnished and intimate look at his own life, his failings, his longings, his lessons and his love for the God who has followed him to all his wild places. From the great outdoors, to the interior of his broken heart, this is the story I have been waiting for Tony to tell the world, in the way that only he can.

-- Lillian Daniel, First Congregational Church, United Church of Ch