We aren't born to stay the way we are. But how many times have we looked around us in dismay at the lack of spiritual maturity in fellow believers? It is evident in the rising rate of divorces among Christian couples. We find it in the high percentages of Christians, even pastors, who regularly view pornography. And we face it each time a well-known leader in the Christian community is found in sexual sin or handling finances dishonestly. Perhaps you have struggled with your own character issues for years, even decades, to little avail. There is good news. In Renovation of the Heart best-selling author Dallas Willard calls it "the transformation of the spirit" - a divine process that "brings every element in our being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God or the kingdom of God." In the transformation of our spirits, we become apprentices of Jesus Christ.
Willard (The Divine Conspiracy), a professor of philosophy at the University
of Southern California who is also a Southern Baptist minister, here tackles
the central Christian question of how to be more like Christ. He claims that
the church's failures throughout history are a result of Christians' reading
biblical passages that adjure them to Christ-like perfection and then trying
to reach that perfection by behaving more perfectly. Instead, he argues that
believers should allow God to transform them internally so that their actions,
though never quite perfect, will at least be more aligned with God. Willard
delineates six areas of such transformation thought, feeling, will, body,
social context and soul and delineates a general process toward transforming
each. The book's chapters are divided into very short subsections, which,
especially in the first four chapters, are inchoate as Willard struggles to
explain exactly what the "heart" is and why it is important. Though trained as
a philosopher, he does not explicate philosophical discussions over, for
example, human nature, settling instead for saying that "we cannot deal with
[them] here." Such a position contributes to the book's early incoherence and
to a consistent lack of support, and, therefore, power. However, many
evangelicals will appreciate his fresh and less guilt-ridden approach to
Christian spiritual growth. The book is heavily Bible-based, provides
discussion questions and includes a chapter on spiritually transforming
congregations as well as individuals. (May) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business
Information.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
6 of 6 Reviews Showing:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jolene Gates (Effingham, IL), August 21, 2008
This book is packed full of powerful information. Reads a lot like a text book, but if you can get past that it is worth buying.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Curtis Turner (Hillsdale, Michigan), August 10, 2007
"Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ" is a book that should excite the desire of every believer to realize in his own life the exquisite potential for the good God has in all of us. Having read Christian holiness literature, I come back to the truths which Willard touches on with a sense of reality that strikes me as good and great in God's order of things. In the past, tempted to believe a perfectionist paradigm of what Christian perfection or virtue is, there is a sense of it as being all too perfect and unattainable to be real. Willard brings it all into focus with great clarity and meaning by introducing the simple acrostic VIM: Vision, Intention and Means.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dr. Robert W. Kellemen (Taneytown, MD), May 02, 2005
Dallas Willard's "Renovation of the Heart" continues his insightful and practical presentation of spiritual growth begun with "The Spirit of the Disciplines" and "The Divine Conspiracy." His sub-title explains his focus: "Putting on the Character of Christ."
Many Christian approaches to spirituality fail to address human psychological makeup. Not Willard. Versed as he is in philosophy, psychology, and theology, Willard explores the route to Christlikeness by examining six psychological capacities: soul (spiritual), social (relational), thoughts (rational), choices (volitional), feelings (emotional), and the body (physical). Rarely does one find such a holistic approach.
Willard first outlines his biblical understanding of spiritual formation, or Christlikeness. He then uses his philosophical and theological training to probe the depths of the heart. This foundation poured, he then provides the practical meat of his book--specific chapters on each of the six human "faculties" (as the Puritans called them). These six chapters are some of the most profound materials written on the spiritual life in the past two hundred years.
Willard concludes by moving beyond the individual to the Church and the world. In doing so, he follows the Scriptures and the Reformers in insisting that personal spirituality is ultimately for God's glory, through the Church, to the world.
Read it slow. Savor it. Use the well-written study guide. Apply it. Share it. It could renovate many hearts.
Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians" and "Spiritual Friends." He is also a licensed professional clinical counselor and a seminary professor.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Bill Heatley (Oak Park CA), October 21, 2002
Dallas Willard changed my life with his book Divine Conspiracy and his guidance in Renovation of the Heart has drawn me ever closer in my relationship to Jesus Christ. Dr. Willard's thoughtful style and incredible insight into the heart and soul of human beings has helped me to see where I have kept myself from being a true disciple of Jesus.
When asked if they are Christians, many people cite their denominational affiliation. The true question is one of the heart or spirit. Can we, through an inner transformation of our heart, mind, soul, and being, be
transformed into Christlikeness? Can we heed his call and follow in his footsteps?
In Renovation of the Heart, Dr. Willard explains that "we must never forget that the indispensable first step in caring for the soul is to place it under
God.... Spiritual formation for the Christian basically refers to the Spirit-driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ himself." Moreover, "Our
walk with Christ, well learned, is a burden only as wings are to a bird or the engines are to an airplane". Dr. Willard speaks to those seeking a better
understanding of their spirit and how it can be radically transformed into Christlikeness.
If you truly intend to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, if you truly want to see your life made new, if you desire to have the kingdom of God be a right-here-and-right-now experience, then this book is a must read and I'm sure that you will be as passionate about it as I am.
One word of caution; reading Renovation of the Heart and embracing the concepts and ideas held inside will radically change your life (just as Jesus intended).
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kurt Reitinger (Colorado Springs, Colorado), August 27, 2002
Willard’s latest work provides invaluable insight into a new understanding of integrity: the alignment of thoughts, feelings, will, body, social relationships, and soul with the will of God. Beginning with a discussion of these elements of human nature, Willard highlights how all six facets of our being have been hijacked by our culture. The result is that professing Christians automatically act according to their ingrained sin-nature rather than according to a Christ-like nature. Willard then provides practical guidance in the form of spiritual disciplines to enable transformation of the six components from the inside out (in an integrated fashion, with God’s grace) into Christ-likeness. I have found that the advice in Renovation of the Heart works, so I strongly recommend it to any believer seeking “life to the full.”
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by David R. Bess (Charleston, West Virginia), July 07, 2002
Willard offers some excellent ideas in this latest work. His presentation however, is lacking in readability and relevance. His intention is to describe how God works to transform persons into disciples of Christ.
The author throughout this volume elaborates on the six human dimensions in which God brings change: thought, feeling, will, body, social context, and soul. His insights are very helpful, especially to Christian leaders and pastors. He stresses that discipleship is not an option for the follower of Christ, but is the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Willard undoubtedly is a gifted thinker and devout believer. If his writing style were not so bland and even boring at times, he would minister to a much wider audience. As it is, I can recommend this book only to professional Christian leaders who have the time and the motivation to mine the nuggets of truth found here.
Write a review of Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ
Catalog Shopping
Membership
