How do I talk about this book?
Or maybe it’s more accurate to ask, how do I talk about anything but this book? It has a way of getting into your thought life and coming to mind no matter what is under discussion.
Summarizing it is harder. It’s a book about “rediscovering our hidden life in God,” as its subtitle says. It offers a reading of the gospel, with special emphasis on the Sermon on the Mount, that does much to uncover the heart of its meaning. It reveals the many ways we misunderstand or misuse the Bible, and the reasons why. And it suggests some ways to live out Jesus’ teachings about living in the Kingdom of God here and now.
The effect of Dallas Willard’s writing is that of a bright light. I think of being outside on a moonless night: you might see the outline of a boulder in your path; you might grope over it and feel that it’s rough, and hard, and big. Not till the sun shines on it do you see all its variegated texture, the different layers of sediment running through it, its colors and dimensionality.
This is what Willard’s commentary does for the words of Jesus. Most of us can recognize the basic outlines in his teaching, his authority, his truthfulness. But he says puzzling things too, blunt things, severe things, things that are not always easy to reconcile. The Divine Conspiracy uncovers a unity and brilliance in Jesus’ exposition of the kingdom of God that I found extremely helpful. The “pearls before swine” passage? Clarified. The “log in your eye” passage? Refreshed. (I’ve has some misunderstandings of this passage without realizing it.) And so on.
Identifying a great weakness in the area of systematic discipleship, Dallas Willard proposes a plan for the church, and for individuals, to follow as we seek to “love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.” He sketches out an appealing picture, and whether he is writing about prayer, church life, culture, scripture, or spiritual transformation, the effect is always to enlighten and inspire and challenge.
What stood out to me most this time around were the discussion of prayer, and the encouragement of relationships modeled after the elements of Jesus’ teaching and example. I especially like the emphasis on the putting aside of anger, condemnation and coercion as a trademark of kingdom living. (One of the roadblocks in my attempt to read this a few years ago was the failure of those who recommended it to me to exemplify its teaching in these areas. I needed to lay aside my critical spirit.)
I’ve only scratched the surface of this meaty, satisfying book. Closing it after one reading must be akin to a 15-minute stroll through the Sistine Chapel; you caught the flavor and a few details. Now you need to go back for an extended visit. A couple of friends are going to be reading (one of them rereading) this book with me over the next month or so. I’ve ordered the study guide that goes along with it as an aid to my own reflection as I return to these pages.
you said: “Closing it after one reading must be akin to a 15-minute stroll through the Sistine Chapel; ” What a lovely comparison. I’ve read a few books that are also hard to explain…it is like standing in open mouthed awe.
I think this is one of my mom’s favorite books. She reads a lot of Dallas Willard.
On another topic, I just got word that a movie is in production for Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. I’d like to read the book (and it’s usually the better thank the flick), but when I read the news, I thought of you.
Really?! Hmm… Interesting news indeed!
This sounds like a very worthwhile book. I’ll definitely look into it!
Hi Janet — I’m going through all my books and selling many non-keepers on Amazon (I’ve unloaded 15 in less than two weeks and made over $130). When I came to DC, I immediately put it on the keeper shelf.
I read it about 8 years ago, and it made quite an impact. I actually heeded his recommendation and read Law’s “A Serious Call To A Devout And Holy Life.” I later discovered that Willard is highly suspect in my Reformed church world. The criticism being that he overemphasizes a vague sort of mysticism by endorsing the likes of Foster.
Your review has renewed my interest in picking it up again. I know I missed alot the first time around, and since I’m reading Adler’s “How to Read a Book,” I’m getting a good dose of the importance or reading a book twice.
Thanks for the great post, and for keeping up such an interesting blog. btw…per you recommendation, we’re reading “The Book of Three” in our homeschool!
That’s interesting; I wasn’t aware that Dallas Willard was a controversial figure to anyone. My study guide arrived today, so I’m looking forward to going through the book again and getting a firmer hold on it.
Hope your family likes ‘The Book of Three’! Thanks for stopping by.
Here’s an excellent Christianity Today piece on Wlllard you might enjoy:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/september/27.45.html
Great article! Thanks for sharing it. I’m glad to have the link here so others can read it, too.
I love Dallas Willard, but was uncertain of the scope and direction of this book. Thank you. Now I have to get it. I can highly recommend Foster and others in that group. Excellent writers!
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