The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives

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  Ever wonder why we don't see things happen the way they did in the New Testament church? Willard provides a thorough argument for not just reading our bibles and going to church, but altering our lifestyles, our bodily habits, and our ways of thinking to truly imitate the way that Jesus lived each day. He addresses not just the disciplines themselves, but how, philosophically, psychologically, historically, and physically they can and have drastically altered the impact God can have on the ... (show more)

  Ever wonder why we don't see things happen the way they did in the New Testament church? Willard provides a thorough argument for not just reading our bibles and going to church, but altering our lifestyles, our bodily habits, and our ways of thinking to truly imitate the way that Jesus lived each day. He addresses not just the disciplines themselves, but how, philosophically, psychologically, historically, and physically they can and have drastically altered the impact God can have on the world through the disciplined believer.
  My eyes were opened to the ways that I have not been living like Christ, I can see the many things that I let draw me away from making myself available to God. As Willard states, I have had to ask myself, am I a disciple by Jesus' standards, or only a Christian by the current standards? And what am I going to do about it?
  It's not an easy read, but it's a book I would challenge anyone to read and let God reveal to them ways they can change so He can change them. (show less)

   

   

  by Stephanie Walker on Nov 20, 2009 at 03:39AM

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  Dallas Willard is one of the towering geniuses in modern day theology, and his recovery of the importance of discipleship in the Christian faith is of monumental importance to the modern church. The Spirit of the Disciplines outlines Willard's argument for the importance of disciplines in spiritual formation and is an absolute must read for those serious about becoming Christ-like.

  Willard's book is a clear, well-reasoned discussion of the Christian hope, the importance of the disciplines to... (show more)

  Dallas Willard is one of the towering geniuses in modern day theology, and his recovery of the importance of discipleship in the Christian faith is of monumental importance to the modern church. The Spirit of the Disciplines outlines Willard's argument for the importance of disciplines in spiritual formation and is an absolute must read for those serious about becoming Christ-like.

  Willard's book is a clear, well-reasoned discussion of the Christian hope, the importance of the disciplines to that hope, followed with analysis of the nature and purpose of the major historical disciplines. This is not, however, an outline of the actual practice of the disciplines, for that Willard recommends the reading of Richard Foster's Celebration of the Disciplines.

  I actually read most of the book some time ago, but because of starting school I had not finished the last few chapters and it's actually the last two chapters constitute some of the few flaws in this work, though for their placement rather than their content. The last chapter considers the power structures of this world, and I think it should have been part of the introduction to the book, while the second to last chapter concerns poverty and feels like it should be an appendix to the book, as it doesn't really flow with the main discussion.

  Finally, while I do agree with Willard about the immense importance of the disciplines, I think he gives a bit too much credit to what they can accomplish. That is to say, while I think the disciplines are of immense importance in creating follows of Christ who live their lives in the presence of the Kingdom, he seems to imply that implementing them would by itself actually bring about the full and final ushering in of God's Kingdom and the return of Christ. I actually doubt that this is what Willard himself believes, but it is what comes across in the final chapter of the book.

  So, while I've been saying this about a lot of books lately, I recommend that every Christian serious about their faith should read and understand this book. (show less)

   

   

  by Kevin Greenlee on Sep 22, 2009 at 06:03PM

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