I had no intention of writing a book about my hiking and backpacking trips that took me to some of the most ancient trees in the world. The journey began in 2019 and extended over the next six years, and beyond. What I found was incredible peace, connection and appreciation for some of the remaining old-growth forests and ancient trees in the United States and Great Britain. As I began writing I realized I wanted more people to have these spiritual experiences. I wanted to tell a story that might encourage others to create their own stories. Tree Pilgrim takes the long path, coming to spiritual connection through the incredible goodness of the natural world. God’s ancient forests are remnants of what once was. In Tree Pilgrim we find that all of creation is sacred, all of life is sacred, everything is spiritual and everything is worth loving and protecting; old-growth forests and newly planted urban gardens and everything in-between. — John Creasy

Endorsements:

I” love this book. I love the way John Creasy writes, but even more, I love the way he sees -- the way he sees trees, and life, and forests, and what it means to be human. I am already thinking of people with whome I want to share this wise and jhoyful book.”

-- Brian D. McLaren, author of Life After Doom and The Last Voyage trilogy

“Tree Pilgrim is a gorgeous weaving of storytelling, drawings, history, and the connections John Creasy has with all of creation, but especially with what he calls God’s ancient forests. Having spent time with John, I’m not surprised that as a young man he once loved an old red oak “wolf tree” so much that he conspired (unsuccessfully) to stop a development company determined to build houses in his beloved woods. This beautifully illustrated love letter to creation includes personal stories, theological reflections, details about the trees he’s encountered, harrowing hiking accounts, and spiritual practices to help us see creation through the Creator’s eyes. His fascination and reverence for nature is the kind of love he begs Christians to embrace in order to reclaim, honor, and get busy cleaning this precious giver of life we call the earth”.

—Teresa Blythe, author of 50 Ways to Pray and Spiritual Direction 101

“I love this book! I yearn to see and walk in the world as my friend John Creasy does— with a posture of artistic wonder, scientific curiosity, practical care, and prophetic lament. Tree Pilgrim is a gentle invitation to an embodied spirituality that addresses the earth’s cry and the soul's longing for a new world to be born.” 

—Mark A. Scandrette, author of The Ninefold Path of Jesus and other titles. 

“Tree Pilgrim is a breathtaking reminder that the natural world is not just a backdrop for our lives, but a sacred text waiting to be read. Through his evocative journeys into ancient forests, John Creasy invites us to trade the frantic pace of modern life for a more grounded, contemplative spirituality. This book is a soulful guide for anyone looking to re-enchant their faith and find the Divine in the deep roots and towering canopies of the world around us.”

— Doug Pagitt, Pastor, Activist