In
The Divine Conspiracy, Willard gracefully weaves biblical teaching, popular culture, science, scholarship, and spiritual practice into a tour de force that shows the necessity of profound changes in how we view our lives and faith.
Willard refutes this "fire escape" mentality by exploring the true nature of the teachings of Jesus, who intended that His followers become His disciples, and taught that we have access now to the life we are only too eager to relegate to the hereafter. The author calls us into a more authentic faith and offers a practical plan by which we can become Christ-like. He encourages faith by embracing the true meaning of Christian discipleship.
A renowned teacher and writer of the acclaimed The Spirit of the Disciplines, Dallas Willard, one of today's most brilliant Christian thinkers now offers a timely and challenging call back to the true meaning of Christian discipleship. In The Divine Conspiracy, Willard gracefully weaves biblical teaching, popular culture, science, scholarship, and spiritual practice into a tour de force that shows the necessity of profound changes in how we view our lives and faith. In an era when many Christians consider Jesus a beloved but remote savior, Willard argues compellingly for the relevance of God to every aspect of our existence. Masterfully capturing the central insights of Christ's teachings in a fresh way for today's seekers, he helps us to explore a revolutionary way to experience God--by knowing Him as an essential part of the here and now, rather than only as a part of the hereafter.
"The most telling thing about the contemporary Christian," Willard writes, "is that he or she has no compelling sense that understanding of and conformity with the clear teachings of Christ is of any vital importance to [their] life, and certainly not that it is in any way essential . . . Such obedience is regarded as just out of the question or impossible." Christians, he says, for the most part consider the primary function of Christianity to be admittance to heaven. But, as Willard clearly shows, a faith that guarantees a satisfactory afterlife, yet has absolutely no impact on life in the here and now, is nothing more than "consumer Christianity" and "bumper-sticker faith."
Willard refutes this "fire escape" mentality by exploring the true nature of the teachings of Jesus, who intended that His followers become His disciples, and taught that we have access now to the life we are only too eager to relegate to the hereafter. The author calls us into a more authentic faith and offers a practical plan by which we can become Christ-like. He challenges us to step aside from the politics and pieties of contemporary Christian practice and inspires us to reject the all too common lukewarm faith of our times by embracing the true meaning of Christian discipleship.
"With The Divine Conspiracy, Willard joins the line of a Kempis, Luther, Fenelon, Brother Lawrence, Zinzendorf, Wesley, and other master apprentices of Jesus . . . What distinguishes The Divine Conspiracy is an extraordinary combination of simplicity and depth . . . If you read only one book, make it this one."
"This book belongs in the tradition of the great devotional classics . . . The comprehensiveness of his study, its accessibility, its fervor, its freshness of phrasing, and its command of Scripture should prompt Christians to give this book serious attention."
"Willard is a master at capturing the central insight of Jesus’ teachings. . . . Rarely have I found an author with so penetrating an intellect combined with so generous a spirit."
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jeff (Honolulu, HI), November 17, 2008
This book is on a very short list of books that I have found to be life-altering in its presentation and application. I don't think one can read this book without coming to grips with your own walk with the Lord. It is a difficult read because there is so much meat that requires thoughtful consideration.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Lloyd Jones (Harrodsburg, KY), January 11, 2008
This book is one of the must insightful books at helping a Christian mature his faith that I have ever read. I have reread the first 4 chapters 3 times in the last 6 months as I attempt to make Willard's ideas a part of my understanding and not just a bunch of thoughts with which I have a nodding acquaintance. For me, he has too much to say to be a quick read. I find it helps me to underline and highlight as I attempt to understand and retain. His thoughts on the phrase in the Lord's Prayer, "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done...", are worth the reading of the book. I cannot speak about the rest of the book as I have not read beyond chapter 5.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Thomas Ewald (Hazel Park MI), June 02, 2007
I bought an unabridged recording of this book and listened to it thoroughly. I ended up getting the book itself as well, because this book is so good that it demands studying, not just reading. One reviewer here says that it's not biblical; I could not disagree more. It may be untraditional in some ways, but it is soundly biblical.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dan Meador (Northridge, CA.), May 10, 2007
The Divine Conspiracy is an outstanding and well organized book. It is a longer read than most if you want to get the most out of it, but it is WELL worth it. The progression is incredibly logical and well prepared. The Sermon on the Mount has never been so important to me as it now is. Thank you Dallas Willard. I can't wait to re-read this book.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by J. Ryan Moorhead (Gainesville, FL), November 10, 2003
I have found this book to be true greatness. It gives you a vision for your life in God now, where you are, so that you can enter into the glorious life of the kingdom of God. This book might be compared to the restoration procedures on the Sistine Chapel several years ago. They restored the original to its profound radiance and beauty. In the same way, Jesus' teachings as well as the Bible as a whole simply break open to you in their original glory when you have sufficiently studied this book. I beg everyone to study it intently, and to form the intention to bring about an intimate walk with God. Thank you, Dr. Willard.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Pastor Jesse Caro (Vacaville, CA), October 30, 2003
This is probably the best book I have ever read. His correct interpretation on the Sermon on the Mount is cogent, accurate and reminds us of God's great grace. I have taught this material to teens and adults alike. It is needed despreately. Truly a must read!
0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Cecil Farrington (Austin, TX), July 26, 2003
My opinion is that the book presentations on a "self actualizing" thesis, denunciation of several recognized Christian theologians & re-writing Scripture is un-biblical. Refer Acts 17:11 & do compare all the book with Holy Scripture.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by David R. Bess (Charleston, West Virginia), September 06, 2002
Willard does an excellent job in this work of making the gospel appealing to the modern mind. He gets to the heart of the Christian message by using refreshing new terminology to communicate timeless Biblical truths. His insights on the Sermon on the Mount were particularly helpful to me.
I recommend this book to all Christian leaders and teachers, particularly preachers. Willard makes the message of Christ come alive through his keen mind and sensitive spirit. This freshness will breathe new life into sermon preparation and personal devotions. This book is well-worth its price!
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