I am trying to find the title and author of a book I read about 7
years ago, which would have a publication date of 1997 or earlier.  I
have only vague recollections of the story, although its message had a tremendous
impact.

The story is fiction, but it is one man's search for 'meaning'.  I
believe he begins his search with a gorilla--one that can communicate
with sign language.  The message is  of 'oneness' with the
environment, getting back to nature, and how organised religion has
distorted what we were originally meant to do with our lives.

I also recall a passage (which I THINK but am not sure came from this
book) which basically expressed the idea that:
"There are 47 (?) degrees of losing faith, but only one degree of not having it."

I would greatly appreciate the help of anyone who can direct me towards this book.

By the way, the concept of the book is similar to 'The Life of Pi',
which is a much more recent novel (but most certainly not the one I'm
looking for!).

Thank you.

Hello.

It sounds like you're describing "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn (or one of
the sequels to that book).  Quinn's "Ishmael" books concern a gorilla
who telepathically teaches people about the environment, getting back
to nature, the meaning of life, etc.

More information at:
Ishmael.com
http://www.ishmael.com/origins/Ishmael/
FriendsofIshmael.org
http://www.friendsofishmael.org/

--------
search strategy:
"about a gorilla who" environment

I hope "Ishmael" is the gorilla you had in mind. If not, please let me
know via the "request clarification" feature. Thanks.

That's it!!!  Thank you SO much!  In my head, I had things like "The
Story of Id" and "Sebastian"...but I couldn't come up with that name. 
"Ishmael" -- well, I guess I know what I'm buying myself for
Christmas!

A few years ago, they made a lousy movie based on a character from
Quinn's novel. In one scene, Anthony Hopkins bares his teeth and jumps
around like a gorilla.

IMDB: Instinct
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0128278/

leapinglizard

bjcjapan:
Thank you for the tip.
-juggler