Mere Spirituality: A Modest Proposal for Evangelical Spiritual Formation
C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity likened the historic Christian faith to a hallway “out of which doors open into several rooms.”[1] He argued that these rooms are various denominations or theological traditions. The confessional distinctives are to be found in the rooms, not in the hallway. Yet, in case a reader is tempted to stay in the hallway, Lewis reminds us: “[I]t is in the rooms, not in the hall, that there are fires and chairs...
Revisiting the Sabbath
We need Sabbath. Peter Scazzero remarked, “Without the Sabbath, we easily find ourselves lost and unsure of the larger picture of God in our lives.”[1] Our human nature prioritizes tasks over relationships, activity over rest. It favors constant stimulation through electronics and an overall rejection of the rhythm God ordained for human flourishing. Scazzero continues his vivid description of the human need for Sabbath, saying,...
Recommended Books (Fall 2017)
“Words are the progeny of the soul,” states Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 150-215).[1] As our bodies produce children for posterity, so do our souls. Just as we all wish to produce good children to build up the coming generation, Clement argues we should be careful to leave only the best words to those who come after us. In this way of thinking, “wisdom is a communicative and philanthropic thing.”[2] For this reason, Clement cautions us...
Recommended Books (Spring 2017)
When the sweet showers of April have pierced The drought of March, and pierced it to the root, And every vein is bathed in that moisture Whose quickening force will engender the flower; And when the west wind too with its sweet breath Has given life in every wood and field To tender shoots, and when the stripling sun Has run his half-course in Aries, the Ram, And when small birds are making melodies, That sleep all the night long with...
An Interview with Dr. Donald Whitney
I first came across Donald Whitney’s writings while taking an undergrad course on spiritual disciplines at Welch College. It was there that I read his premier work Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. I’ve since read the book numerous times—each time gaining a greater understanding of biblical spirituality. In many ways, Dr. Whitney’s book played a key role for me in better understanding how God uses His ordinary means of...
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