Showing posts with label christian spirituality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christian spirituality. Show all posts

Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology Review

Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology
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Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology Review"Christ Plays" is the opening salvo in Eugene Peterson's multivolume series on "spiritual theology." Peterson aims to recover the word "spiritual" for Christians out of the popular but vague fog it frequently refers to in contemporary culture. He wants to rejoin "spiritual" with "theology." When Peterson unites the two, he envisions a Christian faith that is robustly practical and unapologetically biblical. Spiritual theology is not solely for monks or academics; it's for everyday disciples of Jesus.
Peterson allows each section of the book to grow out of specific "grounding texts," biblical stories that shape the arenas of creation, history, and community. But these grounding texts are not a mere verse here or parable there. They are entire biblical books - Deuteronomy or Acts, for instance. Peterson masterfully navigates us through the details of their respective landscapes while never losing sight of the broader horizon. In fact, I was regularly amazed throughout "Christ Plays" by how Peterson managed to focus the reader not only on the story at hand (Acts, for example) but also on the sweep of the entire biblical story. "Chris Plays" demands multiple return visits.Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology Overview

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This Tremendous Lover Review

This Tremendous Lover
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This Tremendous Lover ReviewIf you're a Catholic looking for an intelligent and easy-to-read book on how to deepen your appreciation for your faith and for the Church, this is it! Boylan speaks in very eloquent, practical language and convinces you at the end that you just "gotta have" a relationship with this tremendous lover, Jesus the Christ. A priceless classic! Buy it now!This Tremendous Lover Overview

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Foundations of Ministry: An Introduction to Christian Education for a New Generation (BridgePoint Books) Review

Foundations of Ministry: An Introduction to Christian Education for a New Generation (BridgePoint Books)
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Foundations of Ministry: An Introduction to Christian Education for a New Generation (BridgePoint Books) ReviewThis is a non-fiction how-to book on Christian Education.
It's probably not going to be a classic, but it is very good book if you are interested in thinking about all different needs and different spheres of education -- that is curriculum, environment, and so on.
The book has 25 chapters, each given to one special theme. Some of the chapters address psychology, special education, home schooling, Christian schools, mission education, Christian education in the church and in the home, and some other topics.
It's a good book to read through and then put on your shelf for reference, pull it out when you need it. (Not the type of book that you want to read over a number of times!) It's also very practical in a number of ways, suggesting how to approach the issue of Christian Education. You'd benefit most from this book if you were a Christian Educator (teacher, administrator, principal, on the board of directors for a school, teacher of Sunday school, homeschool), on a committee for Christian Education, or you were a pastor or seminarian.Foundations of Ministry: An Introduction to Christian Education for a New Generation (BridgePoint Books) Overview

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TrueFaced Experience Guide Review

TrueFaced Experience Guide
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TrueFaced Experience Guide Reviewthank u john lynch, for making this dvd and book. i've seen it touch and heal so many people (me too being one of them) and minister Truth to people and helping them come closer to God and Who He REALLY Is TrueFaced Experience Guide Overview

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Love Has a Price Tag: Inspiring Stories That Will Open Your Heart to Life's Little Miracles Review

Love Has a Price Tag: Inspiring Stories That Will Open Your Heart to Life's Little Miracles
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Love Has a Price Tag: Inspiring Stories That Will Open Your Heart to Life's Little Miracles ReviewElisabeth Elliot always amazes me with her grace and wisdom. 'Love Has a Price Tag'is an excellent collection of inspirational essays that may be used as a daily devotion. I have given several of these as gifts to women in all stages of life. Mrs. Elliot is a godly women who gives excellent read-world counsel and encouragement based upon her many experiences and knowledge. I highly recommend this book if you want to see what God's grace has done in the life of a wonderful woman, and if you want to be inspired yourself.Love Has a Price Tag: Inspiring Stories That Will Open Your Heart to Life's Little Miracles Overview

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Christian Spirituality: The Classics Review

Christian Spirituality: The Classics
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Christian Spirituality: The Classics ReviewEditor Arthur Holder has in "Christian Spirituality" assembled thirty prominent scholars to provide us with a comprehensive guide to the origins and richness of Christian Spirituality. Each scholar offers their expert views on thirty foundational texts, each authored by one of the giants in the Christian tradition, from "Origen and Augustine to Jonathan Edwards, Therese of Lisieux and Thomas Merton."
Each chapter provides an introduction to a highly regarded classical text, background on the author and his or her audience, a synopsis of the text, an understanding of key learnings, the influence of the text over time, and the relevance of the text today.
A sampling of the Chapters includes:
*Benedict of Nursia's "The Rule"
*Bernard of Clairvaux's "Loving God"
*Catherine of Sienna's "Dialogue"
*Martin Luther's "Freedom of a Christian"
*John the Cross' "The Dark Night"
*Francis de Sales' "Introduction to the Devout Life"
*"The Way of the Pilgrim" (Anonymous)
*Dietrich Bonhoffer's "Life Together"
Each text is powerful and the scholars bring them to life inspiring us to reflect and meditate on their wisdom, on their religious truths, and how they can make a difference in our lives. These texts have "made a profound difference in the lives of generations of readers over hundreds to thousands of years" and will continue to do so for many more years in the future.
Holder, the John Dillenberger Professor of Christian Spirituality at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Ca and former President of the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, invites us to learn from "Christian Spirituality" about:
*The meaning of life?
*How we can find truth?
*How we can discover who we really are?
*How we can live together in peace?
*And, how we can live more fully in God's presence in this world and be united with God in the world to come?
That, to me, is a pretty good deal for twenty-five dollars (the price of a movie for two and popcorn).
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Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology Review

Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology
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Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology ReviewThis is one of those rare books that excites you as you read. May speaks of contemplative prayer and spirituality as both a long time practitioner and a psychiatrist. This is neither a book of inspiring piety not a book of the mechanics of prayer. Rather, it describes the dynamics of the human mind as it comes into contact with the transcendent in contemplative prayer. As I read through the book, I was frequently saying "Yes, that's it exactly!" The section on the defenses the self comes up with in "protecting itself" from unitive experience especially impressed me.
May has spent much of his professional career focusing on the area of spiritual direction. Rather than building his psychological model on experience obtained from treating pathology, May builds his model on "unitive experience" in the context of contemplative prayer. The model is especially helpful in understanding what goes on in us as we attempt to practice the methods of contemplative prayer. It gives a practical look at the obstacles to prayer, why they arise, and how to understand and work through them.
May's pivotal concept is the role of willingness and willfulness as life attitudes and the critical standards for our spiritual lives. He presents willingness as an openness to God's will in all circumstances. This attitude is critical, as it allows God to work through us. The real danger to our relationship with God and with one another is an attitude of willfulness. This attitude places our will as the standard. It is dangerous because there is no room for God in this attitude. It is especially dangerous when the person thinks that he or she is God's gift to humanity.
When I read anything other than novels, I underline important ideas. My copy of Will and Spirit is so filled with yellow from my highlighting marker that at times the pages almost seem to be printed on bright yellow paper.
This is an excellent book on the topic of contemplative prayer and the spiritual life. It is not an easy book. It requires serious reflection as you move through it. It provides practical advice that is available only from one who is experienced both in contemplative prayer and providing direction to those who are trying to follow the contemplative path.Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology Overview

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A Glimpse of Jesus: The Stranger to Self-Hatred Review

A Glimpse of Jesus: The Stranger to Self-Hatred
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A Glimpse of Jesus: The Stranger to Self-Hatred ReviewI read half of this book in less than an hour, seated at BORDERS. I was absolutely mesmerized by the passion, the honesty, and the integrity of the author. I was at times gripped by compassion, at times almost brought to tears, at times feeling myself smiling broadly, all this because the book is written from the heart, straight to the heart.
Brennan Manning addresses the issues of legalism, religion, and the need for the real love of Christ without holding back any punches. He shows himself as an unashamed, unapologetic defender of the truth, and of all who are downtrodden, alienated and sickened by the self-righteous, law-toting wing of present Christianity. He is fearless in his articulation, bold in his assertions, and deeply, tearfully compassionate in his appeals, so he wins the heart of this here ragamuffin Christian!
His protrayal of Jesus will melt your heart. He supplements his own views with great quotes from many notable Christians, bulking up the integrity of this book.
All in all, this is Brennan Manning at his fieriest best, but it is a fire that stands in defense for all who feel a deep need for a true sense of God's love and who aren't receiving it from the church at large. This is one of the best books on the person of Jesus Christ, as it delves deep into His heart.
If you have been hurt by the church and by legalistic Christianity, then this is a book that will bring healing to your soul. Be assured, this isn't a mushy book on God's love. It is not fluff. It is a strong, clear, articulate presentation of the love of Christ and a passionate argument for the revealing of the true heart of Jesus at the same time. Take along tissue; you may laugh and cry all at once reading this!
Enjoy!A Glimpse of Jesus: The Stranger to Self-Hatred Overview

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TrueFaced Review

TrueFaced
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TrueFaced ReviewTrueFaced has become one of my favorite books. the truths found in this book have brought me higher in my christian life than anything else. these authors tell us not to try to take care of our sins, but realize that Jesus has already done this on the cross. we must live, if we've accepted Christ's sacrifice, as though nothing, not even our sin issues, are hindering us from God. only pride, not trusting what God says, can hinder us from this peace. the Bible tells us countless times to live in the new life, to put away the old man. this is what it is talking about. God wants us to trust in Him, not take care of all of our problems. that will come later, He merely wants us to TRUST Him. what did we do in our salvation except believe? nothing. and we must live that even after our justification --that we have no power over our sin, and only God can take care of them. yes, some things are hard to be understood and pursued in this book, but the truth mentioned above and the learning of it is more than worth the price.TrueFaced Overview

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Daily Reader for Contemplative Living: Excerpts from the Works of Father Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O., Sacred Scripture, and Other Spiritual Writings Review

Daily Reader for Contemplative Living: Excerpts from the Works of Father Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O., Sacred Scripture, and Other Spiritual Writings
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Daily Reader for Contemplative Living: Excerpts from the Works of Father Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O., Sacred Scripture, and Other Spiritual Writings ReviewFrankly, The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living has surpassed any other of its kind in my experience. For me, the selections are exactly the right length and the Scriptural accompanient is very a propos. The selcetions are chosen with so much awreness and care. The book is a gem of ogranization: the meticulous indexes, the appendix, etc. not to speak of the arrangement of the selections themselves.Daily Reader for Contemplative Living: Excerpts from the Works of Father Thomas Keating, O.C.S.O., Sacred Scripture, and Other Spiritual Writings Overview

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Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life Review

Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life
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Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life Review
This is my second taste of Nouwen, and it has been even better than the first ("The Inner Voice of Love"). This book is a valuable component of the amazing turnaround of my depression.
Some Christians say that when you find yourself burnt out and needy, you should go back to the basics. They offer no new solutions, and point you back to daily quiet times and church attendance and service. But here is a book that offers a completely new and refreshing look at God and life. It offers a chance to slow down, to deal with your own heart and soul before rushing to "perform" as a Christian should. Nouwen shows that only when we take time to love and hear ourselves, to become comfortable with who we are and be content with solitute, only after those steps are taken can we reach out to others in true love. We simply must love ourselves and deal with our hurts and needs before we can help and learn from others.
We often reach out to others when we are hurting. We are afraid to deal alone with our needs. We are desperately seeking someone or something to drown out our own voice, to give us new answers. We watch television, listen to music, read books, socialize. This book points us back into ourselves. For we are indeed God's children, and the Spirit is in us. When we learn to be still, we can offer that very stillness and peace to others. We can commune with God in prayer. We can break the illusions of business, of our circumstance ruling us. And we can once again be in touch with ourselves, others, and our God.
This is a life-changing, pain-shattering book. In these pages, we meet the Healer, the God who loves us infinitely and takes the time to fill us up and heal our wounds. We meet the God who gives us the peace to live a centered life, not a chaotic one.Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life Overview

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Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts: A Workbook (Pathways in Spiritual Growth) Review

Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts: A Workbook (Pathways in Spiritual Growth)
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Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts: A Workbook (Pathways in Spiritual Growth) ReviewThe book is very easy to read, the subject is clear. The arguments are really good and it had been well researched. In addition, it has many sciptures quotations. The only problem, that I see in the whole book was about the questionaire, that are a suggetion in order to help you discover what gifts do you have. That is my personal opinion. However, people could not agree with me. It was worth the time reading and meditating on the subject.Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts: A Workbook (Pathways in Spiritual Growth) Overview

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Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth Review

Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
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Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth ReviewThis is a Christian classic. Foster has written a comprehensive guide to spiritual disciplines. It is deep, yet accessible. Most of the reviews here agree with that.
I've read this book 5 times in 8 years. I've been in churches where multiple people were reading it at the same time. I've been in small groups where everyone read it together. I've seen mature Christians read it. I've seen new Christians read it. And I've concluded that THIS BOOK CAN BE DANGEROUS.
The reason I say that is that even in the most non-legalistic churches I've ever seen, I've seen immature Christians stumble in part because they are overwhelmed by everything in this book. And when I say "stumble", I'm talking about people going back into severely addictive lifestyles. And the pressure they felt from feeling like they have to do all these disciplines contributed to that.
Unfortunately, it's easy for any of us to filter even the most well-intentioned, well-written book through our false self, that part of us that is performance- and fear-oriented. Spiritual disciplines do not change us; they open our hearts to the change that the Spirit of God wants to bring.
Again, I think this is a phenomenal book. But lest we feed our heads instead of our hearts and lest we frustrate ourselves with a standard of righteousness that Foster never intended, I'd like to humbly, humbly suggest some things:
* I personally recommend that people start with Henri Nouwen's "Way of the Heart" for a primer on spiritual discipline. It is just much simpler. The big stuff can come later. (Other books by Merton, Nouwen, Keating, etc., will work just as well.)
* Get a spiritual director--I'm not talking about a pastoral counselor, though it may be a pastor; I'm talking about a spiritually mature guide who is only interested in your spiritual development, not your money or your time.
* Read this book with other people who can provide feedback to you on how they see you responding.
* Keep it simple: Pray, pray, pray; trust the Lord to guide your heart into other disciplines. Attempt other disciplines when your motivation is to honor God and mortify your flesh, not when it is to "get something", even if that "something" is spiritual maturity.Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth Overview

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Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ (Library of Spiritual Classics, Volume 2) Review

Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ (Library of Spiritual Classics, Volume 2)
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Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ (Library of Spiritual Classics, Volume 2) ReviewI first read Jeanne's autobiography about 2 years ago. I've never read any book other then the Bible itself that had such an effect on my understanding of each days circumstances and how God brings many pleasant as well as unpleasant people and events into our lives for the purpose of making us like His Son, Jesus. Jeanne, through God's Spirit, helped give me a new revelation on Romans 8:28, Proverbs 3:5,6 and Psalms 37:23, all speaking of Providence. God is at work in my life setting me apart for His purpose and making me Holy. I thank Him for this book. Madame Guyon could relate to the Apostle Paul when he says in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distreses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." If you truly want to be God's and His only, you must read your Bible and this book will help bring you to agree, "Christ in us" can be a reality.Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ (Library of Spiritual Classics, Volume 2) Overview

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The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming Review

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
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The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming ReviewGod's love is unconditional is real that is the message. I loved the book. I would also recommend An Encounter With A Prophet for the same messageThe Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming Overview

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Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ Review

Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ
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Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ Review"Dallas Willard changed my life with his book Divine Conspiracy and his guidance in Renovation of the Heart has drawn me ever closer in my relationship to Jesus Christ. Dr. Willard's thoughtful style and incredible insight into the heart and soul of human beings has helped me to see where I have kept myself from being a true disciple of Jesus. When asked if they are Christians, many people cite their denominational affiliation. The true question is one of the heart or spirit. Can we, through an inner transformation of our heart, mind, soul, and being, be transformed into Christlikeness? Can we heed his call and follow in his footsteps? In Renovation of the Heart, Dr. Willard explains that "we must never forget that the indispensable first step in caring for the soul is to place it under God.... Spiritual formation for the Christian basically refers to the Spirit-driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ himself." Moreover, "Our walk with Christ, well learned, is a burden only as wings are to a bird or the engines are to an airplane". Dr. Willard speaks to those seeking a better understanding of their spirit and how it can be radically transformed into Christlikeness. If you truly intend to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, if you truly want to see your life made new, if you desire to have the kingdom of God be a right-here-and-right-now experience, then this book is a must read and I'm sure that you will be as passionate about it as I am. One word of caution; reading Renovation of the Heart and embracing the concepts and ideas held inside will radically change your life (just as Jesus intended). "Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ Overview

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Can You Drink the Cup?: Review

Can You Drink the Cup:
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Can You Drink the Cup: ReviewNouwen gives us another excellent look at the spritual life, and how we can live it to the fullest, this time by using the metaphor, of holding, lifting, and drinking the cup, as Christ did in his life, death, and resurrection. We see that in order to truly drink our cups, we must be willing to drink both joy and sorrow, to in effect, drink life to its fullest, "to the dregs," if you will. Nouwen ably uses examples of hospitality and from his life with the mentally disabled at L'arche Daybreak to make his points. Especially poignant is the story of a visit he makes to one resident who has to spend time in a mental institution, and how that resident breaks down barriers to bring joy and hospitality to some rather stuffy people.

What was so wonderful about Henri Nouwen was that God was everywhere for him, in the simple as well as the most complex. His message of hope and love resonnates not only with his core Catholic constituents, but with Protestants like me, and I suspect, with people of other faiths as well. I have yet to read a book of his that hasn't moved me and helped me grow in my faith. This one is no exception. Definitely a keeper and one to be reread!Can You Drink the Cup: Overview

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Divine Embrace, The: Recovering the Passionate Spiritual Life (Ancient-Future) Review

Divine Embrace, The: Recovering the Passionate Spiritual Life (Ancient-Future)
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Divine Embrace, The: Recovering the Passionate Spiritual Life (Ancient-Future) ReviewThough you wouldn't know it from the title, this is the fourth book in Robert E. Webber's excellent and highly acclaimed Ancient-Future series, one of the most significant contributions to the discussion of the relationship between postmodernism and Christianity. In light of that, emerging church leader Brian McLaren, an admitted fan of Webber's writing, considers THE DIVINE EMBRACE the author's "best and most important book to date." I fully agree, and given that his previous books were all good and important as well, that means McLaren and I place this one in the exceptional category.
One element that makes this book so important is Webber's clarification of the word "spirituality" --- specifically, Christian spirituality as defined and experienced by the ancient church. Webber rescues the word from its ambiguous, anemic use in contemporary society and restores to it all the vibrancy and God-centeredness that is inherent in genuine Christian spirituality. "God has put his arms around us in the divine embrace and has restored our fellowship to him," Webb writes. The book, he explains, is the Christian story of that embrace, "the spirituality that proceeds from it, and how this spirituality can be recovered in a relativistic, postmodern world where spirituality is viewed as a common, contentless experience of otherness." If that postmodern view of spirituality leaves you cold, dissatisfied and more restless than ever, THE DIVINE EMBRACE not only explains why that is but more importantly shows what you can do about it.
Part of Webber's genius lies in his ability to articulate a thorough study of spirituality in a warm, reflective tone. There is plenty of research and information here, particularly about how the Christian view of spirituality was manifested throughout history. But Webber speaks to the heart as well as the mind, and you're likely to find yourself worshiping God right smack in the middle of a section about the devastating effects of scholastic theology on medieval mysticism. And because the concept of the incarnation is central to the entire book, Webber keeps it real and down-to-earth by frequently reminding us that God came to us in the flesh and lived among us.
"Spirituality is grounded in God's embrace of our human condition and the reversal of human life accomplished by God's two hands [the incarnate Word and the Spirit] and modeled for us in Jesus," Webber writes. "Jesus is not only the sacrifice for our sin, the victor over death for us, he is also the perfect example of the one who lives in full union with the embrace of God." He emphasizes that the authentic Christian life is neither a superspiritual one nor a rejection of everyday life on earth: "It is, rather, an intentional living into the purposes of God."
Readers familiar with Webber's other books, including the groundbreaking THE YOUNGER EVANGELICALS, can rest assured that THE DIVINE EMBRACE measures up to the high standard those other books set. And new readers can't do better than to discover the richness of Webber's wisdom, knowledge and insight, as well as his considerable talent as a writer, in this latest volume in the Ancient-Future series.
--- Reviewed by Marcia FordDivine Embrace, The: Recovering the Passionate Spiritual Life (Ancient-Future) Overview

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Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: A Personal Inventory Method Review

Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: A Personal Inventory Method
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Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: A Personal Inventory Method ReviewIt's likely one will find Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, once it arrives, quite disappointing. DYSG is subtitled, "A Personal Inventory Method." Actually, it is a pamphlet-sized questionnaire. The best feature: a bibliography. Wagner's Finding Your Spiritual Gifts is much more complete, costs less, factors in "subordinate gifts," and gives scripture references for his definitions of the gifts. See also, Spiritual Gifts Inventory by Team Ministry. FYI: Both questionnaires assume tongues as a modern, available gift--"non-charismatics" might find a few questions enigmatic.Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: A Personal Inventory Method Overview

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Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit Review

Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit
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Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit ReviewHenri Nouwen is one of those spiritual giants who are humble and small in stature and yet still manage to stand astride the landscape. I have read and enjoyed many of his books, and plan on rereading most of them over time. This particular book is a collection of previously published material arranged and republished by Christensen and Laird.
It is an outline of some of the major movements in spiritual formation, and the different stages of that formation. So, it is divided into three parts: Early, Midlife, and Mature movements. In each section, Nouwen urges the reader to move away from a negative spiritual stance (like illusion) and towards a positive one (like prayer). Along the way, the reader finds interesting parables and stories, as well as insights from mystics past, and, of course, much scriptural teaching.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is, however, not a book that I can read and fully appreciate all at once. Let me explain. I have read the entire book, but much of it is full of teaching that I simply cannot follow yet; I am not there yet. I noticed this particularly in the third section of the book, on mature movements. I appreciate what he is saying, but it is beyond me right now. This is no criticism, it is just unusual. This book is meant to be read over a lifetime. That said, I enjoyed it a lot. Nouwen's insights into the human heart are, as usual, profound and moving. His wisdom in walking the path of Christ is very appreciated.
Two sections I greatly appreciated were his thoughts on transforming time from chronos to kairos and his thoughts on Community. For time, he talks about changing it from bare sequencing, to time in which God is with us, sacred moments that we can fill with spiritual formation. For community, Nouwen argues that community is not a place of safety and familiarity, but a place of forgiveness and celebration. Those are just two examples from a book full of goodness.
Conclusions: 5 Stars. Recommended. Though every chapter will not speak to where you are now, something will, making this book more than worthwhile.Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit Overview

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