I have several copies of this book on my book shelf. I used to have many more, but, over the years I’ve given them out to young people with the words “pass this on to a friend or someone else when you’ve finished reading this” written in the front cover. And, when I see some copies of this book in a “for sale” bin I usually grab them all up so I can pass more on to others to read.
This was written back in 2003 and is a God-send.
Dr Phil Daughtry (PhD) is the head of the Youth Work faculty at Tabor College, South Australia. Phil’s specialty is the spiritual & professional formation of new youth workers & the dialogue between Christian spirituality & contemporary society and professional life.
He has written this book as a short, easy-to-read, down to earth and authentic “guide” for young Christians, in it he shares his beliefs, struggles and thoughts on a wide variety of issues including reading the bible, creating sacred space, prayer, vocation, sexual love, love, relationships, sexuality, church and much more. In approaching these issues he tries not to dumb things down, but to intelligently raise the issues in a way that he’s not telling you what to think but instead is trying to engage the reader in a sort of discussion.
I’ve been particularly impressed with the way that he talked through sex and sexuality, using the grace, wisdom and honesty that I guess he’s learned to live with over many years in youth ministry and relationship with people who have also been honest and wise around him.
I’ve also passed this book on to older people, elders and mentors within communities with the idea that they may learn something from the way that Phil explores and discusses his own faith. Don’t agree with him because I’ve given you this book, but instead learn from the way that he is honest and authentic in his dialogue about these issues and his faith.
In this way the book is a mentor’s guide to sharing one’s faith with others. I can only imagine how good this book would be to read as a parent(s) with one’s child when they’re between 13 and 18.
One of the more helpful things about this book is that it’s short… very short, at only 118 pages he’s managed to put together a handbook that is very readable and not frightening to the average or non-average person (young or old).
This is one of the best books to be released from Australia’s Youth Ministry “community” a must read, and a must-hand-over-to-others-to-read book.
Don’t believe me?
Read what other people have said about the book:
This is the best book to come out in this area for the last decade in the region. – Fuzz Kitto, Spirited Consultancy
I found myself cheering along the way, laughing out loud a lot – which is not something I generally do when reading ‘religious’ stuff… – Linda MacQueen,Editor,Lutheran Church Australia magazine
It deals with the big issues that young people face regularly in a pastoral and biblical manner. It is very readable and uses good humour for a young person who doesn’t read much. – Andrew Menzies, State Youth Director and Youth Ministry lecturer, South Australian Baptist Union and Burleigh Theological College
Phil Daughtry’s significant youth ministry experience and practical approach shines though this very easy and enjoyable read. He approaches a range of issues from prayer to church membership to sexuality with sensitivity, openness and a great sense of humour. Young people find this book “funny” which is not what you would usually expect from this kind of offering. It is certainly not “preachy” or typically conservative. – Bruce Mullan, Director of the Youth and Children’s Ministry Unit, Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of Queensland
Phil Daughtry has written a book that, in my opinion, should be read by everyone! So many books on spirituality impose burdens on people that make living a spiritual life seem hard and dry. Phil Daughtry’s approach is just the opposite. It is fresh, sensible, realistic, and contemporary. Phil’s concern for youth and their relationship with God and others shines through on every page in an engaging, and sometimes humorous, style that is a pleasure to read. – Steve Parker, The Thinking Christian’s website
Phil what an amazing book, it should be compulsory reading for all youth workers and young Christians (actually make that all Christians)… – Peter Hobson, Sydney UCA Youth Worker and Ordination Candidate
Book Details:
Title: The Sacred Life of Us
Author: Phil Daughtry
Published: 2003
Publisher: Open Book Publishers
ISBN 0 85910 967 4
My Rating: 
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