Review of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney

Author: Donald Whitney

Pages: 266 pages

Publisher: NavPress

Price: 15.99

Genre: Christian Living

Quick Summary:

I have had the privilege to sit under the teaching of Dr. Whitney in seminary. I jokingly tell people that he “wrote the book on Spiritual Disciplines”. I am actually only partially joking; this is perhaps the best and most God-centered book on the spiritual disciplines. The back cover sums up the book well, “by illustrating why the disciplines are important, showing how each one will help you grow in godliness, and offering practical suggestions for cultivating them on a long-term basis, [this book] will provide you with a refreshing opportunity to embrace life’s greatest pursuit—the pursuit of holiness—through a lifelong delight in the Disciplines”.

What I Liked:

This book is different from many other books on the Spiritual Disciplines. This book is different because it flows from a deep gospel center. Dr. Whitney truly believes that enjoyment is found in Christ alone. The disciplines are simply ways for us to experience more of Jesus and thereby experience more joy.

Sometimes when you read books on the spiritual disciplines you come away from each chapter feeling as if you have little oxygen and now you are being called upon to climb Mt. Everest. After leaving each chapter of this book you feel as if you have been supplied with an endless supply of oxygen and Mt. Everest looks like a climbable hill. This is the case because each chapter is gospel-saturated. Whitney writes in a compelling fashion and draws from the depths of the rich heritage left before us.

What I Disliked:

There are some places in this book that need updated. A second edition would be phenomenal. After sitting in his class I know that Dr. Whitney has much more for us to learn about the spiritual disciplines than what is included in this book. I wish that every lecture was made available for you free online. I think Dr. Whitney teaches better than he writes. This is not to say that this book is not compelling and a great read, it is to say that he is a phenomenal teacher. (By the way I’ve already received my grade for the class).

Should You Buy It?

Yes. It’s a pretty easy read and I believe God will use it to change your life. Even if you only read the chapter on praying through the Scriptures your walk with Christ will deepen.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Today in Blogworld 12/07

About everything in blogworld today mandates an HT: to Challies. First of all we are pointed to an article by the BBC concerning the Pope's approval of the sale of indulgences at Lourdes. The sale of indulgences is one of the atrocities of the 16th century that sparked the Protestant Reformation. Britannica offers an informative article on Luther and the Indulgences that might be helpful for those who are not familiar with either indulgences or why they are so unbiblical. The Pope granting these indulgences is another reminder that the Evangelicals and Catholics Together document/movement is bunk.

Challies also points us to an interesting article by Don Whitney on Asking People How You Can Pray for Them. Whitney encourages us to ask people who you can pray for them. He suggests that it is an easy 6 word way to turn a conversation to spiritual matters. I have also heard it suggested in the past that a good conversation turner is to ask you waitress how you can pray for them before you pray over the meal. I have done this a few times with mixed reactions. This is a great idea and one I would like to put into practice even more. I would like to add two suggestions to Whitney's article. One is necessary for people who are selfish like me--actually pray for them, and maybe not only once. My prayer life is way to general and not specific enough. Perhaps, adding something like this could help us to pray more specifically. Secondly, I would suggest keeping a note pad handy and writing down the persons name and request. Imagine what will be communicated if you ask about Aunt Gertrude's gangrenous toe or that job your waitress' husband was applying for the next time you see her. It's actually quite sad that we have to be reminded like this to not be so wrapped up in our own little world. We would really reflect Jesus more if this were not an "evangelistic strategy" but if it came from an overflowing heart that actually cared. (Then I might not struggle with names and I certainly would actually pray for them).

Unless you are interested in Mitt Romney's speech on "Faith in America" then there is not too much going on in blogworld today (at least not in mine).