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Summary: The Need for Discipline
Review: Dallas Willard begins by investigating a question: Why does today's Christian church fail to regularly produce mature, disciplined Christians? The book rests on his thesis that it is because the church has failed to teach people how to live like Jesus Christ. If the point of Christianity is to become transformed into the image of Christ, it is astonishing to think that one can strive for that goal without attempting to live as Jesus did. To further illustrate this, imagine how many times you have read the New Testament and been amazed at the response of Jesus or a Christian in certain situations. Usually our response is to say, "I want to be like that in my times of despair and trial." However, we neglect the regularly practices of Jesus (and other early Christians like Paul), and thus we regularly fail to produce the kind of behavior Jesus and Paul did. Do we pray, fast, retreat in solitude, give to the poor, and practice the other things Jesus and his followers did? Most of us do not. Willard's point is that following Jesus' teachings is intimately tied to following His way of life.This book is intelligently written, and supported by scripture and reason alike. The chapters and subject headings have been set to make his argument cogent to those without doctorates in philosophy. The historical examples and practical advice interwoven in every chapter will challenge all believers, and expose one's personal need for discipline. I recommend this book to all Christians, from the young convert to the experienced clergy, this book will have meaning and application that anyone will be wise to return and read time and time again.
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Summary: Philosopher-Theologian Writes Deep Christian Truth
Review: Dallas Willard has put together a rare combination of Biblical truth and significant psychology. His emphasis upon the wholeness of the Christian person is an important contribution to Christian understanding of spirituality. With careful analysis and application, Willard moves our thinking toward a genuine New Testament understanding of what it means to put our lives into a position where we can enjoy the grace of God daily.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Work on the Subject of Spiritual Formation
Review: Dallas Willard has written a compelling argument for a revival of the spiritual disciplines. It's a book that goes beyond "what would Jesus do" into the deeper question of "how would Jesus live." Willard argues that for us to live the life of Jesus "under pressure" we must adopt his overall lifestyle, which was punctuated by the spiritual disciplines. Though individual disciplines are examined, "The Spirit of the Disciplines" isn't primarily a book about "how to" practice the disciplines but "why to" make them a central part of your life. It is challenging, thought provoking, and potentially life changing.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Work on the Subject of Spiritual Formation
Review: Dallas Willard has written a compelling argument for a revival of the spiritual disciplines. It's a book that goes beyond "what would Jesus do" into the deeper question of "how would Jesus live." Willard argues that for us to live the life of Jesus "under pressure" we must adopt his overall lifestyle, which was punctuated by the spiritual disciplines. Though individual disciplines are examined, "The Spirit of the Disciplines" isn't primarily a book about "how to" practice the disciplines but "why to" make them a central part of your life. It is challenging, thought provoking, and potentially life changing.
Rating:
Summary: If you read only 1 more book before you die, buy this book!
Review: Dallas Willard is not only one of the most important writers and thinkers of our time, he is also a professor of philosophy at the University of Southern California. Back in the early 90s, one would find his desk in the center of a sprawling maze of lumbering bookshelves packed with all the books that we should have read, but didn't. The student would approach him with great fear (their own fears of intellectual inadequacy large in their mind) only to be greeted with the warmth of a man who really cares about human beings. Indeed, distinguished professors from all over have a high regard for the man and the power of his intellect. Though it is certain that his intellect is powerful, these colleagues often don't know that his intellectual genius is complemented by spiritual genius. Dallas is an uncommon man who has exercised and increased the rich and abundant gifts that God has given him. He is no mere mortal. Were he a Roman Catholic, I would anticipate his cannonization as a saint! If you agree that Chesterton and C.S. Lewis were forceful and entertaining apologists of Christianity; you will find Professor Willard is the superior. Not only is he profoundly wise, his wisdom is agile, and he communicates it with ease. "The Spirit of the Disciplines" explains the most important things in readable, plain english. If you are well read (you have Aristotle, Aquinas, and Augustine under your belt) or you are a security guard working the late shift in a Westwood office building, this book is for you. If you just want the scoop on Christianity or wonder how to live a Christian life, get this book right now!
This is the rare book that you will want to will to someone because it will serve them far better than mere money ever could. It is priceless. If you are lost, you will be found. If you are blind, you will see... if you read and reread (many times over) "The Spirit of the Disciplines." -Stan Faryna, Black and Right (Praeger Trade, 1997)
Rating:
Summary: An unparalelled look at an underspoken topic
Review: Dallas Willard's examination of the disciplines of the Christian life is an unparalelled book on the subject. I have never read its equal. In Christianity today, there is so much emphasis on a quick conversion and the love and mercy of God, but rarely does a teacher speak on the difficult topic of the strain and pain and longevity of the daily walk with Christ. The disciplines of a Christian are similar to the disciplines of one running a marathon, the Apostle Paul teaches, and Dallas Willard has taken a careful examination of these disciplines. He declares that Christianity can only be a relevant guide for modern humanity if it takes the need for human transformation through the Holy Spirit seriously, and clarify and exemplify realistic methods of this transformation by modelling it ourselves as Christians. Willard goes into great detail concerning the disciplines as the method by which Christians model the work of the Spirit in their lives. He declares that they are the very nature of life itself for Christians and that only by consistently teaching and practicing them will Christ's church be the force required for true spiritual change in today's society. A masterful work, this book should be in the library of any Christian who seeks to truly live the life of Christ and be a light in the world today.
Rating:
Summary: An unparalleled look at an underspoken topic
Review: Dallas Willard's examination of the disciplines of the Christian life is an unparalleled book on the subject. I have never read its equal. In Christianity today, there is so much emphasis on a quick conversion and the love and mercy of God, but rarely does a teacher speak on the difficult topic of the strain and pain and longevity of the daily walk with Christ. The disciplines of a Christian are similar to the disciplines of one running a marathon, the Apostle Paul teaches, and Dallas Willard has taken a careful examination of these disciplines. He declares that Christianity can only be a relevant guide for modern humanity if it takes the need for human transformation through the Holy Spirit seriously, and clarify and exemplify realistic methods of this transformation by modeling it ourselves as Christians. Willard goes into great detail concerning the disciplines as the method by which Christians model the work of the Spirit in their lives. He declares that they are the very nature of life itself for Christians and that only by consistently teaching and practicing them will Christ's church be the force required for true spiritual change in today's society. A masterful work, this book should be in the library of any Christian that seeks to truly live the life of Christ and be a light in the world today.
Rating:
Summary: absolutely a 5!!!
Review: i am determined not to so easily give away 5s. for some reason, it seems like negative ratings are unholy or taboo to give to christian books. but this one is truly great. perhaps the best christian literature i have ever read, especially because of the western culture that i am in the midst of. christianity is only portrayed as a relationship that gives you peace, and that the burdens are light, for all who are weary and burdened to go to Jesus and He will give you rest... which is all completely true, but we don't hear the rest of the message, that for us who claim to live in God must walk as Jesus did... that we can't continue to sin any longer, or else we are not of God... now does this sound easy? Dallas Willard hits this head on and systematically shows us why we need to transform our lives. I've read plenty of men's books on discipline, but they never elaborate clearly on why we should do it, they only show how do it, which is needed, of course, but it is more important for us to solidify our foundation and know why we need to transform. If we don't know why we do things, but simply do them, then we just doing discipline for discipline sake, which doesn't transform anyone in the long run. If we don't change, we are risking the cost of UNDISCIPLESHIP, which is to lead a burdened life which will never taste the true joys of being a disciple of Christ. This is what this book is about.
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Summary: I have not met a more humble fellow
Review: I cannot add much more than what has been said above, for it is all true. I will put it simply: Willard is a caring fellow with a trained intellect. He has influenced me philosophically and spiritually. I implore every Christian to read this book and take the message very seriously.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Book You'll Want to Re-read Often
Review: I first read The Spirit of the Disciplines three years ago and I've enjoyed re-reading parts of it several times since. If you're feeling shortchanged by "contemporary" and "relevant" churches and Christian practices, this book will help you get in touch with our religion's 2,000+ year old roots, beliefs and practices. This book, along with Foster's Celebration of Discipline, will encourage and guide you in pursuing a deeper and more satisfying Christian walk. I recommend this in the highest terms.
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