Four Ways of Holiness for the Universal Church: Drawn from the Monastic Tradition (Monastic Wisdom) Review

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Four Ways of Holiness for the Universal Church: Drawn from the Monastic Tradition (Monastic Wisdom) ReviewFrancis Kline's book was published in October of 2007 a year after his untimely death. I only know of Francis Kline via a CD of organ music which he recorded in 2003 in the Abbey Church of Mepkin Abbey, South Carolina where he was third abbot of Mepkin Abbey. In addition, I read his book on Monasticism Being Loosed in the Church which was intriguing in its use of metaphor. The present book on 4 ways to holiness is a "must" read for those who want practical exposure on how to become a "living sacrifice" as Paul teaches in the 12th chapter of the Roman letter. Kline draws on his extensive practice of lectio as a Cistercian monk for over 30 years. Each of the chapters (Conversion, Suffering, Desire, and Unity) are soundly based in his reflection upon numerous passages of scripture especially those of the Gospels. The chapter on Suffering is actually an autobiographical essay on Abbot Kline's battle with cancer over a period of several years. This second chapter alone is worth the purchase of the book. Keen insights are given into the struggles of hospital stays and treatments along with trying to maintain his calling as a monk in the midst of it all. His essay on "conversion" (first chapter) is one of a daily conversion of life in the confines of routine work and a daily regimen of prayer lived out in community and in the presence of the God of the Bible. The third chapter investigates "Desire" as a call to give all to God through His Son Jesus as one becomes poured out as a fragrance and offering in service to others. The opening of chapter 5 of the Ephesian letter best describes the substance of the essay on Desire. "Therefore brothers, be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a sacrifice and fragrant offering to God."
The final essay develops the concept of a Christian's Unity being found, formed and ultimately transformed into the image of the Son of God through the Spirit of Jesus who was sent on Pentecost.
I am surprised there has not already been a review of this short book since its publication in 2007. I would hope that my feeble attempt will flush out others who will write a more scholarly and perhaps indepth review of what I see as an excellent resource for spiritual reading. Four Ways to Holiness for the Universal Church by Francis Kline will definitely be on my "reread" list in the very near future.
Ronald DavisFour Ways of Holiness for the Universal Church: Drawn from the Monastic Tradition (Monastic Wisdom) Overview

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Has Christianity Failed You? Review

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Has Christianity Failed You ReviewChristian apologist Ravi Zacharias answers the call to those Christians who believe that Christianity has failed them with his characteristic spirit of humble grace. Christ followers, as well as those who are seeking to better understand the Christian faith and how it "works itself out" in our ever-shifting societal concept of faith, God and its pertinence to life on earth, will appreciate Zacharias's thoughtful and intellectual approach. Readers will certainly find much more than they might expect within the pages of this heavyweight text on a number of theological issues.
Zacharias opens the book by defining "Who Is Jesus?" from an Old Testament story-by-story unveiling of who God says He is. He very eloquently paints word pictures of who Jesus is by sharing numerous scripture references to Him as the Son of David, Son of Man, and Son of God and Savior. This full-bodied account of Jesus, as described throughout the Bible, offers readers the soundest basis for seeing Jesus Christ in accurate terminology.
The author also does a marvelous job sharing what it means to be a Christian; detailing points of tension concerning faith matters; looking at incoherence on the topic of pain squarely in the eye; unpacking the two phrases "purpose driven" and "reason driven"; and asking what differences prayer and Christianity make.
Particularly appealing to today's Christian (and skeptic) will be Zacharias's persuasive argument found in "Points of Tension," where he deftly handles the hot topic of suffering and pain versus the notion that a loving God would not permit (or cannot control) such evil to exist in His followers' lives (or even in the world at large). Zacharias is able to take this argument back to its most basic premise and helps readers look at pain from a different vantage point. He points out that Satan appealed to Jesus when he tempted Him within the hierarchy of the written word, upon the promises and power of God. The lie purports that "God makes everything comfortable for us is precisely the reason many have been unable to face the tensions they experience in living the Christian life." So "relativism is a slave to the moment" whereas "absolutes, which are true regardless of circumstances or popularity, make it possible for precommitted certainties to be the basis on which to interpret a specific moment or issues..."
Zacharias then shares with his readers three primary "needs" humans have and how individuals struggle to meet them (thus causing discomfort and pain): the struggle for security that goes far beyond the need for safety from violence; release or rescue from pain and suffering and brokenness; and sexual fulfillment that is either illegitimately or legitimately fulfilled. Very sympathetic to the power of these needs, he offers not only biblical answers, but also real hope and promise for living through these tensions successfully.
Zacharias's weekly radio program, "Let My People Think," aptly describes the man, his work and his message. HAS CHRISTIANITY FAILED YOU? is surely a thinking man or woman's text, which means it is important for every Christian to read.
--- Reviewed by Michele HoweHas Christianity Failed You Overview

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