Who is this book for?
- This book would likely appeal to Christians seeking to deepen their faith and develop a more intentional spiritual practice.
- It would be particularly attractive to those new to the concept of spiritual formation or those looking for practical ways to integrate their faith into daily life.
- Readers who enjoy a blend of theological concepts with cultural insights and personal anecdotes would find this book engaging.
- It would also appeal to those interested in exploring ancient Christian practices and their application in modern life, as well as individuals looking for a fresh perspective on what it means to follow Jesus beyond just attending church.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers who are already well-versed in spiritual formation literature or who have extensively studied works by authors like Dallas Willard may find this book repetitive or lacking in new insights.
- Those who prefer a more academic or in-depth theological approach might find the writing style too casual or superficial.
- Conservative Christians who are wary of mystical practices or who strongly emphasize salvation by faith alone might be uncomfortable with some of the book's teachings.
- Additionally, readers looking for a quick-fix solution to spiritual growth or those who prefer a more traditional, doctrine-focused approach to Christianity may not resonate with the book's emphasis on lifestyle changes and spiritual practices.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Offers a guide for spiritual growth focused on being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and living as He did
- Provides practical wisdom on developing a personal Rule of Life
- Engages readers with a warm, genuine voice and personal narratives
- Synthesizes teachings from various sources to present spiritual formation concepts in an accessible way
- Challenges Christians to go beyond mere belief to truly following Christ
- Encourages readers to evaluate what they are being formed by and who they are becoming
- Balances the vision of following Jesus with practical advice on crafting a rule of life in community
- Offers valuable resources for implementing spiritual disciplines
- Presents a comprehensive view of discipleship that impacts all areas of life
- Bridges the gap between modern culture and traditional spiritual practices
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- Can be repetitive for those familiar with the author's previous works or teachings
- Relies heavily on quotes from other authors, which some readers find excessive
- May not offer much new information for those already well-versed in spiritual formation
- Some readers find the writing style superficial or lacking depth
- The approach may come across as formulaic to some, despite attempts to avoid this
- Could be seen as promoting a works-based approach to salvation by some readers
- Lacks substantial discussion on the role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual formation
- May not adequately address how these practices apply in situations of deep suffering or abuse
- Some readers find the content similar to self-help books rather than distinctly Christian teaching
- Could be interpreted as promoting mystical practices not explicitly found in scripture
