* Updated version of spiritual autobiography from an important voice in the church Insights on how parishes have confronted issues of changeAs a standard in the field of spiritual autobiography, Diana Butler Bass' Strengthfor the Journey has been a guide for thousands of Christians who have also foundthemselves "journeying" along a path toward a faith different from that discoveredin childhood. This new edition will retain all that drew readers to its pagesalongside the voice of those next generation Christians now walking that path forthemselves. In Strength for the Journey, Diana Butler Bass illustrates the dynamic strengthand persistence of mainline Protestantism. While many baby boomers left thechurch, only to come back later in life, Bass was a "stayer" who witnessed thestruggles and changes and found much there that was meaningful. Offeringthought-provoking portraits of eight parishes she attended over two decades,she explores the major issues that have confronted mainline denominations,congregations, and parishioners during those years-from debates over womenclergy to conflicts about diversity and community to scrimmages betweentradition and innovation.