"In the tradition of Kurt Neilson's Urban Iona, this book explores 'missional living in the radical way of St. Patrick' -- in other words, it's a reflection on how the spirituality of the ancient Celts remains increasingly relevant in our postmodern age, when propositional arguments matter less than a radical commitment to live one's faith, with joy, hospitality, and a dash of mystical prayer to boot. Arpin-Ricci understands the problems facing believers in today's secular wilderness, and finds both joy and challenge in bringing ancient Celtic wisdom and contemporary realities together in this coherent -- or should I say vulnerable -- vision of discipleship." --Carl McColman, Patheos

"Jamie is an expert storyteller who with compassion and imagination seamlessly weaves together the old and the new, the saint and the sinner, the practical wisdom of the 12 Steps with the timeless wisdom of the Scriptures. But his greatest feat in Vulnerable Faith is showing how transformative spirituality can be woven into the context of restorative community, where it belongs. Using the life of Saint Patrick as his guide, Jamie paves a way for all of us - on our own and in community - to approach a vulnerability worthy of our redemption. Vulnerable Faith is a primer on authentic community, a personal devotional book, and an insightful look into the human heart, all in one" --Amy Hollingsworth, author of The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers and Runaway Radical

"In Arpin-Ricci's hands Patrick's story becomes a compelling picture of our spiritual journey. Patrick's context is different from our own and none of us longs for violence, oppression and slavery to shape our spiritual life, any more than we long to be enslaved by addiction and alcoholism. By blending Patrick's story (and his own story) with twelve-step spirituality, Arpin-Ricci invites us to take our own journey of transformation, admitting our powerlessness, living in right orientation to God and others, making restitution for the places we have wronged others, and spread the good news we have experienced. This isn't just a description of super sainthood. This is not just a prescription for addicts. Saints and sinners both need to walk this road if we are to experience all that God has for us and our world." --James Matichuk

"Arpin-Ricci (The Cost of Community) combines the story of St. Patrick with Alcoholics Anonymous's 12-step program to illustrate what a life beyond pretense looks like. Humans, Arpin-Ricci says, normally live in fear not only of death but also of rejection and loss of control. It's only as people have the courage to embrace vulnerability, as Patrick did on a path that inadvertently followed the trajectory of the 12 steps, that they can live as whole people. The idea of a 12-step/St. Patrick mash-up is intriguing, but the book soars highest when Arpin-Ricci writes about his true subject: the radical Jesus that animates both Patrick and AA. This Jesus transforms the world and emerges in community as people face fears and reach out to others. Social justice permeates Arpin-Ricci's message: focus not on perfecting the self, but on seeking the other as Christ. For anyone yearning to find a more full-bodied Jesus than the version that only saves individuals from hell, this is a worthwhile read." (Apr.)--Publisher's Weekly