Endorsements

Praise for Jesus, My Father, The CIA, And Me: A Memoir… Of Sorts.

“Ian Morgan Cron writes with astonishing energy and freshness; his metaphors stick fast in the imagination. This is neither a simple memoir of hurt endured, nor a tidy story of reconciliation and resolution. It is – rather like Augustine’s Confessions – a testimony to the unfinished business of grace.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams

“Simultaneously redemptive and consoling with bright moments of humor…this story is chock-full of sacredness and hope. Cron is one of only a few spirituality authors who could articulate these themes as poignantly.”
Publishers Weekly

“Ian Cron has the gift of making his human journey a parable for all of our journeys. Read this profound book and be well fed, and freed.”

Fr. Richard Rohr, author of Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer

“Much tongue-in-cheek humor (and pain) in a fast-paced narrative…the author’s English major shines through with an interesting, well-written plot of pain and redemption. Cron’s realism and lack of bitterness are a refreshing blend. A powerful story of faith and forgiveness.”
Kirkus Review

“I like stories. And this is a good one. Ian Cron has a ton to teach the world. And he’s gentle as he does it. Here it is: The Gospel of Ian… not in the top four gospels, but it’s pretty magnificent. And it’s sure evidence that God continues to tell the extraordinary story of grace through the lives of ordinary people.”
Shane Claiborne, author and activist, and co-compiler of Common Prayer

“Ian Cron walks us through the drama of his life, making us laugh and cry with him every step of the way. His memoir is filled with everything from boyhood stories of celebrating communion in the woods with chipmunks and blue jays, to poignant reflections about growing up with an alcoholic father. Ian’s honesty, vulnerability, and humor will bring a measure of healing to all who go on the journey with him.”
Jim Wallis, President of Sojourners, and best-selling author of God’s Politics, and Rediscovering Values

“Ian Morgan Cron is a brilliant writer. This is the kind of book that you don’t just read. It reads you.”
Mark Batterson, author of Wild Goose Chase: Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God, Soulprint: Discovering Your Divine Destiny

“There are books you have to read because they are important for your work and books you want to read because they humanize you and deepen your soul. This is one of those want-to-read books, a portal that transports you into the struggles of childhood, the agony of alcoholism, the joys of coming of age, the terror and hope of parenthood, and the mystery of faith. Enthusiastically recommended.”
Brian McLaren, author of Naked Spirituality: A Life with God in 12 Simple Words 

“Ian Morgan Cron’s daring writing lays bare the human journey with grace and wit.  His confessional words combat despair and illuminate the path toward forgiveness and redemption we are all searching for.”
Makoto Fujimura, artist, author, and founder of International Arts Movement

“At once touching and profound, poignant and full of grace, this is compelling writing of the highest order.  I can’t imagine anyone not being drawn deeper into the momentum of God’s healing Spirit.”


Jeremy Begbie, musician and Thomas A. Langford Research Professor of Theology, Duke University Divinity School; author of Resounding Truth: Christian Wisdom in the World of Music

“Ian Cron’s story is a compelling one. Each turn of the page draws you closer to God.”
Craig Groeschel, author of The Christian Atheist

Praise for Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale

“I’ve now read it twice and found it equally compelling both times. It’s a remarkable book.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. Dr. Rowan Williams

“It seems the world never gets tired of seeking out, writing about, discovering, and falling in love with Francis of Assisi. Ian Cron does it again, but with real insight, imagination, and courage. Join in the chase! “
Friar Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico

“I was powerfully and wonderfully moved by this story of the conversion of an evangelical pastor to a broader vista of God’s passion for the world.” “I was powerfully and wonderfully moved by this story of theconversion of an evangelical pastor to a broader vista of God’s passion for the world.”
Marcus J. Borg, author of Meeting Jesus Again for the First TIme: The Historical Jesus & the Heart of Contemporary
Faith

“The moribund literary form of didactic fiction comes roaring to life in this novel. Cron’s genius lies in linking the timeless charism of Francis to issues confronting the contemporary church. And he pulls it off in compelling fashion.”
Brennan Manning, author, speaker

”Chasing Francis, Ian Cron’s first book, introduces us to a bright new writer with a rare combination of strong writing talent, storyteller’s art, and profound yet practical spiritual insight.  He interweaves a fictional contemporary narrative with the life of St. Francis, and creates a unique and meaningful contribution to the emerging conversation about faith and life in today’s world.  Expect good things from this gifted writer!”
Brian McLaren, author

“Ian Cron weds historical facts with his creative imagination to give us a twentieth century feel for a saint who, more than anyone since New Testament days, lived out Radical Christianity.”
Tony Campolo, PhD, professor emeritus, Eastern University

By guiding us to wrestle deeply with a crisis of faith experience and by re-introducing us to a giant of faith, Ian Cron paves for us a path of grace, humility, and ultimate joy even through our “ground zero” darkness. This is a life-changing work. I now find myself “chasing Francis” in my life as well as in my art.”
Makoto Fujimura, artist/writer, Founder International Arts Movement, New York City

“Chasing Francis is not a history or spirituality book, though it contains elements of both. It is a novel that touches a little of something in the inner troubles of most of us who try to follow Jesus faithfully in a modern western environment. Delightful!”
John Michael Talbot, founder, spiritual father and general minister, The Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage

Cron has done just about the best job I’ve seen of explaining the usefulness of a so-called postmodern view of Christian faith. I’d like to be part of a church that his hero ends up proposing.”
Gordon MacDonald, author; editor-at-large, Leadership Journal; chairman of World Relief