Ruth Haley Barton describes how she has discovered the real presence of God---the God who is present through the practice of solitude and silence. Her book invites you to meet God deeply and fully outside the demands and noise of daily life. It is a call to the adventure of spiritual transformation---an adventure that will lead you to freedom and authenticity, allowing you to become the person God created you to be.
In Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Barton offers spiritual guidance for your journey, helping you to hear God's call more clearly and showing you concrete ways to say yes. Chapter by chapter, she combines teaching and reflection on different aspects of the journey with activities and disciplines that will help you to practice solitude and silence. Barton offers the prophet Elijah as a biblical guide for your journey. And she offers her own perspective to help you understand the ups and downs you might experience along the way. "Best Book on Spirituality for 2005"---Christianity Today.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
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2.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ian Carmichael (New Hamburg, On,), September 18, 2007
Ruth Haley Barton catches the attention of the reader with her vulnerability by giving us her personal testimony. She betrays her humanity by sharing with us personal problems which we can all identify and grasp support for our own spiritual journey.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dr. Robert W. Kellemen (Taneytown, MD), May 30, 2005
"Invitation to Solitude and Silence" by Ruth Harley Barton is the winner of the 2005 Christianity Today (CT) book of the year award in the Spirituality category. CT accurately summarizes Barton's work: "Countering the hyperactive evangelical subculture, this book shows in practical ways how a deepened intimacy with God, found in silence and solitude, can influence our perceptions and choices in daily life."
Unfortunately, some Evangelicals have an inbred, knee-jerk reaction to any spiritual disciplines other than Bible reading and prayer. They tend to perceive that other methods of growing in Christ are automatically new age or eastern mysticism. Granted, every approach must be tested against Scripture and by Church history. Silence and solitude pass both tests. In particular, Church history is replete with examples, from every "wing of the faith," of the importance of silence and solitude for experiencing God's transforming presence.
Especially helpful are Barton's use of biblical examples (such as Elijah) and historical quotes--thus grounding her writing in the Word and the "great cloud of witnesses." Additionally, Barton does not simply motivate readers to practice silence and solid (which she does quite well, especially in her chapter on "Dangerous Tired"). She also teaches practical means for implementing these two spiritual disciplines that are so antithetical to modern Christian culture.
Barton writes from the mainspring of evangelical thinking and from her years of experience in local church ministry and in the practice of spiritual direction. Read "Invitation" as a Berean, sifting it for accurate theology and practice. Then practice solitude and silence--two historic, biblical means for encountering our God who is worshiped in spirit and in truth.
Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Spiritual Friends" and "Soul Physicians."
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