Receiving Love.

Book Review.

Hendrix, Harville.  Hunt, Lakelly, Helen.  Receiving Love.  Transform your relationship by letting yourself be loved.  Atria Books.  2004.

H.H.- Ph.D., pastoral counselor and co-creator of Imago Relationship Therapy.

H.H.- Ph.D., psychologist who helped develop I. R. T.  Was inducted into Women’s Hall of Fame.

Comment.  Henry.

I get the impression that this is a ‘handbook’ for Imago Relationship Therapy.  Both authors are involved with counselling couples whom deal with relationship problems.  They believe receiving love is the fundamental challenge that faces couples.  The self-help ingredient of this resource is strong.

“It turns out that loving your partner is the best way to facilitate your personal and spiritual growth.” (5)  Receiving love is the challenge and the concepts of “separate and connected knowing” (9) are relevant to such receiving.

Relationships between two people are represented by the “I-thou” (33) phrase where the hyphen represents a “between” (33) that represents the emotional ties that bind people together.  They are brought into the relationship and exert a great influence.  Here is the area where work needs to be done to address problems.  “Partners tend to be most unconscious in those situations in which they need to be most enlightened, cautious and aware.” (53)  Cycles of “unconscious wounding and defending” (60) become established.  Negative emotions projected on a partner result in “symbiosis in relationship”. (65) 

“Self- rejection is the most universal and least recognized problem of our lives.  It is the source of all our difficulties in giving and receiving love.” (72)   Self-rejection comes in many different forms.

The “science of relationship” (149) is helpful in addressing problems in receiving love.  Relationships have effects on the brain that can be measured.  Negative patterns can be restructured.  To demonstrate love parents have to be “attuned”. (140)  Receiving love has to be learned and often involves the need of healing.  It is a “voyage of discovery.” (162)  “The Imago Dialogue” (162) involving “mirroring, validating, and empathizing” (163) is very helpful in making this voyage. 

The last part of the book is a series of eleven exercises that relate to the challenge of “Receiving Love.”

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

Christianity Rediscovered.

Book Review.

Donovan, Vincent J.  Christianity Rediscovered.  Twenty-fifth Anniversary Edition.  Orbis Books, Maryknoll.  2003.

V.D.- a Spiritan priest who spent seventeen years as a missionary in Tanzania. 

Comment.  Henry.

The contents of this book come primarily from the author’s experience as a missionary to the Masai people of Tanzania.  Working primarily by himself, he discovers some profound principles about evangelizing ‘pagans’, principles that have by and large been missing from missionary practices in in general.  Herein lays the value of what Vincent has contributed to missionary work.  There is an application of those principles to evangelization in general.

“Evangelization is a process of bringing the gospel to people where they are.. not where you would like them to be.” (Preface)  “If Christianity is of value to the world around it, what will happen when we bring Christianity and paganism together?” (Preface.)

The impact of slavery was a fundamental challenge for early missions in East Africa.  The practice of purchasing slaves and Christianizing them was not a sound type of evangelizing.  The establishing of schools and hospitals also fell short of missionary goals.  “To bring freedom or knowledge or health or prosperity to a people in order that they become Christians is a perversion of missionary work.” (10)  After his first year of missionary work (1966) Vincent writes a letter to his bishop outlining his ‘calling’ to launch a totally different approach to reaching the ‘pagans’.  It was rather simple.  His plan was to go to the Masai people and simply talk to them about God.  “I was trying to convince them directly of the inherent value of Christianity.” (19)

This new approach was very daring and was done with full knowledge and respect for Masai culture.  Mission practice needs to meet the following criteria: “Is it biblical? Is it evangelical? Is it scriptural?” (26)  Paul’s example of evangelizing is striking.  He labored for about ten years during his three missionary journeys planting churches and then his evangelizing was complete.  The churches carried on, on their own.  That doesn’t sound like modern missions.

Vincent’s missionary ‘experience’ is a very interesting story.  The Masai tribe accepted him and his presentation of the gospel and became an aboriginal church.  His evangelizing of this group was complete and he could now move on to another group (tribe).  “Christianity must be a force that moves outward, and a Christian community is basically in existence for others.” (79)

The task of missions is ‘finishable’ if we go about it the right way.  “The gospel is the affair of the missionary, and the interpretation of the gospel is the affair of the people who hear the gospel.” (122)

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With.

Book Review.

Skye,  Jethani.  With.  Reimagining the way you relate to God.  Thomas Nelson. 2011.

J.S.- managing editor of Leadership Journal, a publication of Christianity Today International.  He lives in Wheaton, Illinois.

Comment.  Henry.

Using the prepositions –under, over, from, and for- Jethani identifies four common lifestyles that describe our life with God.  By themselves they result in various levels of frustration and stress.  He goes on to present a fifth and all-encompassing option, i.e. a life with God.  His thesis is very relevant and he does a commendable job of unpacking that concept. 

Jethani gives a brief overview of each lifestyle that is reflected by the prepositions.  Life from God reflects a readiness to accept God’s blessings and gifts but is not really interested in God Himself.  Life over God focuses on the proven formulas and controllable outcomes in our life.  Life for God has to do with “accomplishing great things in God’s service”. (7)  Life under God is all about dos and don’ts and maintaining a lifestyle of good works. 

Life with God is demonstrated in Eden before the fall and the New Jerusalem when we will rule with Christ.  Subdue and reign are words that characterize this life.  Primitive religions illustrate life under God.  In its very extreme form this life is reflected in acts of terrorism.  Jesus was adamant in condemning this life under God. 

(Christian) consumerism is evidence of the negative aspect of life from God.  Ironically this kind of life ends in bankruptcy. 

When the only focus is life for God where service and mission are crucial the fear of failure is devastating. 

All the options we have considered thus far have this in common.  They result in “variations of fear and control.”(99)  They are “humanly devised ways of relating to God.” (99) 

The life with God involves communication and communion which is the environment for faith.  With surrender there is safety without fear and control.  Even death is no longer a threat having lost its sting.  It is a life with hope and love.  Gifts, knowledge, faith and service are incomplete if they are not anchored in love.  All together they become life with God. 

When we realize that we are more than a “sinner, a manager, a consumer, and a servant” (170) we discover the core of our identity enveloped by God’s love, we discover life with God.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com 

 

A New Climate For Theology

Book Review.

McFague, Sallie.  A New Climate For Theology.  God, the world, and global warming.  Fortress Press, Minneapolis. 2008.

S.M.-  Distinguished Theologian in Residence at the Vancouver School of Theology.  Carpenter Professor of Theology Emeritus at Vanderbilt Divinity School.

Comment.  Henry.

My reason for pulling this title off the library shelf has to do with the challenge of not becoming myopic in my reading.  As a theology resource this book would probably be found in a 300 or 400 course.  I have no prerequisites in theology so this read was somewhat beyond me.  There was enough material in the book that I did understand to give me an appreciation for the problem of global warming that I did not have before.

The case is made for the reality of global warming.  “The environmental crisis (GW) is a theological problem, a problem coming from views of God and ourselves that encourages or permits destructive, unjust actions.” (31)  The evidence of climate change has been substantiated by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Care for the creation must be part of the gospel message.  A comparison is presented between “A communitarian view of human beings (and) an anthropocentric view.” (32)

A paradigm change needs to happen from an “individualistic anthropology to an ecological anthropology.” (44)   “Ecology is the most fundamental study imaginable.” (50)  We need “ecological unity.” (53)

From anthropology the author turns to “a typology of God- world relationships.” (66)  An interesting conclusion to this discussion is posed, “Creation Christianity or Redemption Christianity.” (79)

Christianity should support an ecological model of economics.  “Living within the world as God’s Body” (112) presents the concept of the environment as a place and an object of worship.  The author admits to being a friend of pantheism.  As urban dwellers we must retain a focus on nature.

A different world of “human dignity and the integrity of creation” (143) is possible.  Because of God there is hope as we face the responsibility for the care of our ailing planet.

In Search Of Balance

Book Review.

Swenson, Richard A. M.D.  In Search Of Balance.  Keys to a stable life.  NavPress 2010.

R.S.-a futurist, physician-researcher, award-winning educator, and best-selling author.  Lives in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Comment-  Henry.

The doctor has produced a very practical resource for anyone who is looking for balance in his/her life in a culture that is not known for balance and serenity.  He speaks from a rich background in medicine, academics, and research.  This is an easy read and I recommend it heartily.

“Many problems in life are best served by solving them rather than yielding to them.  Balance is one such issue.” (18)  The author explains his transitions from medicine to the academy to being a “futurist.” (27) 

Change as we know it began with the Industrial Revolution (1700-1900).  There has been more change in the last 250 years (for man) than all previous history.  Progress in in our culture is all about having more.  “It arrived as a friend then transformed itself into both friend and enemy.” (33)  A function of progress is profusion and herein lays the threat to balance.  Profusion has exploded in the past three decades.  “We are addicted to progress.” (43) 

All nature is a study in balance.  The function of our body in every aspect demonstrates balance.  E.g. A well struck golf ball is the result of a multitude of mental and bodily functions operating in perfect balance.

The first step to attain balance is to “place our priorities at the centre of our existence and our lives in balanced orbit about these priorities.” (65)   Priorities that transcend time are of utmost importance, e.g. God-centred life.

A margin for capacity is required for balance.  “Margin is productivity with sustainability.” (92)

Escalation in every area of living expenses (dying expenses) is a real threat to maintaining a balanced life.  Some practical suggestions are made on how to escape the escalation of change.  The challenge is to confront escalation as a norm.

We need to develop some “decent minimums” (186) as they relate to the basics of life, work finances, family, etc. 

By way of conclusion the author introduces a topic that remains undeveloped but is absolutely crucial for balance in life.  He calls this ‘key’ “securing a space for deep consecutive thoughts.” (201)

Final Gifts

Book Review.

Callanan, Maggie.  Kelly Patricia.  Final Gifts.  Understanding the special awareness, needs, and communications of the dying.  Poseidon Press, 1992

M.C. and P.K. - Both ladies have had extensive experience as hospice care givers.

Comment.  Henry.

In this resource the authors (hospice nurses) share from their extensive experiences with dying people gifts of insights and understanding that are significant in making dying a special experience for all concerned.  The bulk of the book consists of stories about how dying people dealt with their end of life.  I think this book is a very helpful for anyone dealing with the anticipation of death.  “Irrespective of belief, age, or diagnosis of the dying person, ‘Final Gifts’ conveys the awe and profundity of the moments surrounding death that we all feel.”  Madalon Amenta.

“These messages (of the book) fall into two categories: attempts to describe what someone is experiencing while dying and requests for something that a person needs for a peaceful death.” (14)  The stories related in the book come from individuals who have been recipients of hospice care. They confirm the validity of the expression ‘putting you house in order’ when it comes to end of life priorities.

The reactions to death are consistent with personal characteristics.   There will be “shock, disbelief, fear, anger, sadness, - or as often occurs, a continuously shifting blend of these and other strong emotions.” (31)  

The end of life experiences are sometimes described as some form of preparing to go on a trip.  Often this involves others, those who have gone before.  They become aware of an actual place to which they are going.  Sometimes they even know when they will leave. 

Often specific needs are expressed that are important for a peaceful death.  It will require sensitivity on the part of the care-givers to know what is requested.  There may be the need for reconciliation, getting permission to leave, etc.  Requests can be nonverbal. Dreams become symbolic.  Unmet needs may delay the timing of death. 

Some very practical issues are suggested for those who care for the dying.   “Pay close attention to everything the dying person is saying.  Remember that there may be important messages in any communication, however garbled or vague.”  Don’t be too quick to label these messages as confusion.  “Accept and validate what the dying person tells you.” (226)

“Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon, and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.”  Rossiter Worthington Raymond.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

 

Where God Was Born

Book Review.

Feiler, Bruce.  Where God Was Born.  A Journey by Land to the Roots of Religion.  Harper-Collins Publishers.  2005

B.F.-a New York journalist.  The writer/presenter of the television miniseries Walking the Bible. 

Comment.  Henry.

The reading of this book has given me a better understanding/appreciation of Judaism.  There is much historical information about Christianity and the other two faiths that claim Abraham as the progenitor.  The circumstances during which the “research” was done provide the excitement that is usually found in novels.  My impression of Bruce was that he came across as a devout Jew with a strong support for the Bible, especially the Torah.  A college of his referred to him as a Reform Jew and exhorted him to become an Orthodox Jew.  The book “combines the adventure of a wartime chronicle, the excitement of an archaeological detective story, and the insight of personal spiritual exploration.” (from fly-leaf).

Bruce visits Israel, Iraq, and Iran to explore the sites “Where God Was Born.”  His findings in most cases come as a result of local authorities; rabbis, museum curators, military and political authorities, etc.  The spiritual impact that his research has on him gives validity to the conclusions he arrives at.  He is a changed man because of his journeys. 

In his travels Bruce examines the question: Is religion tearing us apart… or can it bring us together? 

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

Legacy, The Giving Of Life's Greatest Treasures.

Book Review.

Greiff, Barrie, Sandford. M.D.  Legacy, the Giving of Life’s Greatest Treasures.   Loving, learning, laboring, laughing, lamenting, linking, living, leading, and learning. ** (The ingredients of Legacy.)  Regan Books. 1999.

B.G. - conducts a private practice (psychiatry) and is a consultant to numerous business organizations.

Comment.

What a fine resource of practical wisdom about legacy from a professional counsellor who has drawn from his experiences and  has shared some wonderful stories from real life to help us get a balanced prospective about legacy.  I enjoyed my read of this book and received encouragement as I reflected on my own ‘legacy’.  I shall make sure my ‘inheritors’ hear about this one.

Noteworthy quotes from the Prologue and Introduction:  “We are all touched by the ocean, (of knowledge) yet we all remain on the shore.”  “What I know remains far greater than what I don’t know.”  “How he dies and how much he has gained is not the measure of a man but how he lived and how much he gave.”  “Eight themes play themselves over and over again in the music of people’s lives.” **  

“Self-love opens us to lasting relationships.  It allows us to trust and care and share.” (36)  Giving it away is a life-time job. 

Learning is much more than right answers and good grades.  “Wisdom (the result of learning) transcends disciplinary boundaries.” (48)  It is discovered.  “It’s what we learn, after we know it all that really counts.” (68)

In an ever changing world we must understand that rewarding work will involve risk.  “Above all we need to bear in mind that work remains at the center of a spiritual commodity.” (83)

“Laughing and lamenting restore our souls as we move through life.” (91)  Good relationships are all about linkage at significant levels.  “A life lived well is a life of risk (while) understanding the laws of opportunity and probability.” (143)

Leading is the ability to connect ideas to people, to inspire people, and then move these inspired people in the right direction.  “There is no crisis of leadership in this country- there is a crisis in the way we think of leadership.” (157)  “A leadership seminar does not make a leader.” (159)

We all experience loss (leaving) but those experiences are very personal (unique).  We are survivors by nature.  Losing is one of the risks of loving.  “With every good-bye you learn.” (198)

“Legacy is –a personal audit we construct around our own individual experiences as we exercise the right ‘elements’.” ** (203)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com 

                                                                                                           

Who Is This Man?

Book Review.

Ortberg, John.  Who Is This Man?  The unpredictable impact of the inescapable Jesus.  Zondervan, 2012.  Forward by Condoleezza Rice.

Comment.  Henry.

The list of endorsements is quite impressive.  Condoleezza make this assessment.  “The real power of this book is in its exploration of the paradox of our faith: the acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ is not a pathway to an easy life but a call to do the hard things if we are to live in the image of our Lord.”  John has done some very thorough research to support his presentation.  Good stuff!

John begins with an intense overview of the historical influence of Jesus during the last two millenniums.  None other has had a world influence that comes close to the influence that Jesus had. 

Jesus “entered the world with no dignity.” (21)  Herod was an example of Roman dignity.  Jesus was responsible for the complete collapse of that kind of dignity.  His criteria for dignity was, ‘become like a child’. 

Jesus began “a revolt in humanity” (33) when he explained what it meant for man/woman to be made in the image of God.  John tackles the delicate topic of the identity of woman.  In the account of Jesus’ interaction with Mary and Martha “Jesus was inviting women to be His disciples”. (54)

According to the Greco-Roman standards of greatness, Jesus certainly didn’t qualify for greatness.  He modeled humility and servant hood.  His command to ‘love your enemies’ was very counter cultural.  It still is. 

The disciple John gives a clear perspective of the kingdom of God as taught by Christ and compares it to the kingdom of this world, i.e. Caesar’s.

 The good life is taught in the Sermon on the Mount.  The good person is modeled by Jesus.  “The Person who changed marriage in the Western world more than anyone else was Himself never married.” (149)  His life has had a huge impact on the arts. 

“Who is this man?”  Heaven and earth intersect in Him.  “Humanity and divinity somehow intersect in this one man.” (200)  “All roads meet; all threads are woven together in the tapestry of this life.” (201)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com 

Letters to Myself on Dying.

Book Review.

Vos Myrth.  Letters to Myself on Dying.  A journal of hope, pain, & courage.  Baker Books 1999.

Comment. Henry.

What attracted me to this title on the library shelf was my previous read of “What Dying People Want” by David Kuhl.  What Myrth shares focuses more on what she, a dying person experienced but her ‘wants’ are not difficult to understand.  Not surprisingly her experience is in so many ways a spiritual, psychological, and emotional roller coaster.  She is an evangelical Christian.  She has been a marriage and family psychotherapist in practice for nearly twenty years. Her husband is a pastor.  They live in Barrie, Ontario.

Myrth was diagnosed with cancer in 1982, 1990, and 1996.  The third diagnosis revealed terminal lung cancer.  She decided to journal her journey.  This book is the result of that journey.  It spans a time period from April 22, 1998 till April 22, 1999.  There are Scriptures included in each entry which relate to the issues that are being dealt with.  The months become ‘chapter divisions’.

The information about the discovery of the cancer as a result of a cat-scan came through a telephone call from Myrth’s doctor.  She and her husband processed the information on their own and then gradually began to share their tragedy with an expanding circle of family and friends.  

Very early on in her experience Myrth shares about her struggles of making a practical application of her faith.  It is really a struggle (conflict) between heart and head, faith and reality, etc.  The material for her ‘letters’ comes from intense studies of Scripture as she seeks for answers to her questions.  In all this she is receiving huge support from her husband, family, and friends. 

There isn’t any area of her life that is not impacted by this journey of terminal cancer.  There seems to be an amazing ‘yo-yo’ element in her experience which adds ongoing stress.  At one point test results show evidence of the disappearance of tumors thanks to treatments.  However in short order new areas of infection appear and so it goes.  The mountains and valleys of spiritual victory continue.  The process of deterioration continues with its corresponding debilitation and agony.  The journaling comes to an end exactly one year after it was begun.  The story is obviously not over and there are no ‘follow-up’ comments about the actual end of Myrth’s life.  And so the book becomes a source of focus on an important ‘chapter’ of dealing with dying. 

henrydirksen.blogspot.com 

Being Catholic Now

Book Review. 

Kennedy,  Kerry.  Being Catholic Now.  Prominent Americans talk about change in the Church and the quest for meaning.  Crown Publishing.  2008

Kerry-  Daughter of Robert Kennedy.

Comment.  Henry.

My first response after reading this book was to reflect on my own change of understanding and opinion of the Catholic Church.  Being raised as a fundamentalist there was not much charity in the spiritual status of the Catholic Church.  It was portrayed as being unbiblical in its doctrine and practice.  There is still some misunderstanding and/or lack of understanding for me.  I have a better, more charitable attitude about ecumenicalism.  When I hear my pastor son talk about his Catholic friend, an ordained pastor  who is as evangelical as can be I realize there have been huge changes in Catholicism and Protestantism.

For the contents of this book Kerry has interviewed 38 individuals who are have been influenced by Catholicism.  They range from very strong supporters (clergy) to some who have actually left the Catholic Church for various reasons.  In her ‘Preface’ Kerry speaks at length about her own personal experience.  I found this the most engaging and informative section of the book. 

Kerry has been very forthright and transparent in her presentation of positives and negatives of the Church.  The Church has a great track record as an agency of social justice and providing for the needy, world-wide.  Probably the most negative issue for the Church has been the accusations and substantiation of abuse by some of the clergy. 

The strength of the Church is its tradition.  “Once a Catholic, always a Catholic.” The training of children in the doctrine and practice of Catholicism is a strong foundation of this tradition.   It is in this area where there has also been a serious vulnerability. 

To me this was a very informative read.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

Red Letter Revolution

Book Review.

Claiborne, Shane.  Campolo, Tony.  Red Letter Revolution.  What if Jesus really meant what He said?  Thomas Nelson.

Comment.  Henry.

In recent history we have been introduced to religious designations such as ‘fundamentalists’ and ‘evangelicals’.  Shane and Tony are suggesting a new designation for those who consider the words of Christ in the New Testament as exclusively important.  They should go by the name “Red Letter Christians”.  This book consists of dialogues that Tony and Shane have on specific contemporary topics and how they feel Christ may have and did express Himself.  I found this a thought-provoking read.

The historical significance of fundamentalism and evangelicalism are discussed.  There is a great need for the church to return to the focus on community that characterized the early church.  In spite of the imperfections of the local church, as Christians we do not have the option of abandoning it.  We do well to review the contributions of the Saints.  The ‘dialogues’ on Islam and economics contain material for much thought.

The text that is used to discuss family is Mark 3: 31-35.  To Christ, family went way beyond biological family.  To be pro-life regarding abortion and euthanasia but supportive of the death penalty and war is an inconsistent position for a Christian.  Environmentalism is seen as a pro-life issue.  To differentiate gifting (including leadership) between men and women is unbiblical.  Our culture’s image of women is totally wrong.  “Racism- a system of advantage based on race- is wrong.” (120)   There needs to be a demonstration of love when sexual orientation is being discussed.  Hating the sin and loving the sinner seems to leave the discussion without resolution.  A case is made, with Scriptural support (of course) for civil disobedience.  Giving, in North American churches, is disproportionate because of the huge cost of maintaining the institution. 

America is showing strong signs of being a modern Babylon.  Politics must be practiced with compassion not just economics.  A distinction is made between “non-violent resistance to evil and pacifism”. (193)  There is a cost to peace-making.  Some serious objections are raised about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with reference to Israel’s policies and how they impact Palestinian citizens, especially some Christians.  The exhortation for unity implies a need for serious reconciliation between groups within the church that are ‘worlds apart’.  Too much of what has been done in the name of missions has in fact focused on “dis-empowering” (242) those to whom the gospel has been preached.  There is not enough emphasis on indigenous leadership and culture.  The resurrected life is really life in a new earth with a new heaven.  It is hoped that the “Red Letter Christian movement will continue to be a positive irritant in the church”. (258)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com     

What Dying People Want.

Book Review.

Kuhl, David.  M.D.  What Dying People Want.  Practical wisdom for the end of life.  Public Affairs.  2002.

D.K.- Ai the time writing (2002) David had had a career in palliative care for fifteen years.  He has developed a palliative care program for people with terminal cancer and AIDS at St. Paul Hospital in Vancouver.  He lives in Vancouver.

Comment. Henry.

Here is a resource that will be helpful for health providers who deal with those who have terminal illnesses and for those who have relationships with people who are terminally ill.  David approaches the topic of “dying people” with compassion and genuine care.  This book is the result of an in-depth series of interviews by a physician who specializes in palliative care.

This book seeks to answer the question, “What is the lived experience of knowing you have a terminal illness?” (Intro.)  Listening to people who are dying provided answers to that question.  “People who are dying are still living.” (Intro.)

The revelation of the diagnosis of a terminal disease usually comes with the experience of extreme emotions.  A response of ambivalence is normal.  Dying produces an anxiety that is “perhaps the anxiety at the core of all anxieties”. (18)  When the dread can be translated to fear “it can be met with courage”. (21)  The option of suicide focuses more on killing the pain than killing yourself.  An interesting exercise is suggested to “get a sense of chronis and kairos”. (29) 

 “To speak to anyone about terminal illness without adding to their suffering is an art that requires communication skills and self-knowledge”. (51)   Skilful communication is difficult and must include compassion.  There must be an effort made to avoid “iatrogenic suffering” (55) for the patient.

Pain management is an important factor for patients with a terminal illness.  “Through touch- both touching and being touched- a healing process begins.”  Touching is a very strong non-verbal message.  A “life review” (137) is common in the experience of dying. This process is made more difficult by unresolved issues.  Emotions will be ‘all over the map’.  “Speaking the truth” (166) is very important and essential in experiencing forgiveness as part of a relevant life review. Thirteen specific steps are presented on how to break this silence and facilitate speaking the truth.

The “longing to belong” (199) is a part of every phase of life but it is heightened in the presence of a terminal illness.  “Self-realization” (223) and the answer to the question “Who am I?” (223) need to be faced with genuine reality and honesty. 

The end of life experience (death) is describes as “transcendence- a human spirit stripped to the literal substance of itself before God”. (254)  Alcoholics Anonymous has coined the slogan, “Let go and let God”.  It is a concept of spirituality, a relationship with God, “or some higher power”. (261)  It is in this experience that resolution is experienced and it is personal.

David includes a very practical ‘appendix’ (293) in which he explains how a doctor might talk to patients that are terminally ill.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com 

 

Divine Conquest

Book Review.

Tozer, A.W.  The Divine Conquest.  Christian Publications.  1950

Comment.  Henry.

The reading of older ‘classics’ helps with maintaining balance in our ‘world view’.  I felt that way about this book, stimulating and thought-provoking.  Tozer writes with great confidence and authority.  His ‘colors of interpretation’ are pretty much black and white.  He does not mince words. His views on liberalism and fundamentalism and some other ‘isms’ are very clear.

“The worst thing a book can do for a Christian is to leave him with the impression that he has received from it anything really good; the best it can do is point the way to the God he is seeking.” Preface.

To be able to know the God of “eternal continuum” (9) is a wonderful truth.  There is a huge difference between knowing the Word intellectually and knowing it in power.  The transition from pleasing man to pleasing God requires a “supernatural act”. (41)  The old life is replaced by the new life.

Tozer maintains an interesting position with reference to the sovereignty of God and the free will of man.  Man can choose to say ‘no’ to God’s offer of eternal life but it God (not man) who chooses to say yes to those who are predestined to be drawn. 

The life of joy and victory is by way of the cross.  Eternal life is preceded by death, victory by defeat.  Before Jacob could enter into the relationship with God that resulted in him becoming the patriarch he was he was defeated by the Lord in a way that left him with a permanent physical reminder. 

“The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is buried dynamite.” (66)  “God is never anywhere present in one person without the other two.” (73)   The comprehension of spiritual truth does not happen without the illumination by the Holy Spirit.  The intellect reveals the shell only of truth.  The Spirit reveals the kernel within the shell. 

Tozer unpacks the meaning of Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.”  Although no human language can adequately describe who God is he is often represented in Scripture by the idea of fire, e.g. the iron is in the fire and the fire is in the iron and so they become one even though they remain different. At Pentecost he appeared as a flame.  This flame is “moral, spiritual, intellectual, and volitional”. (99-102) 

The contrast between the flesh and the Spirit is set forth very strongly and the pitfalls of compromise are clearly explained as totally unacceptable, e.g. tolerance.  “Be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18  This is both a command and a promise.

Missional Spirituality

Book Review.

Helland, Roger.  Hjalmarson, Leonard.  Missional Spirituality.  Embodying God’s love from the inside out.  IVP Books, 2011.

R.H.-district executive coach of the Baptist General Conference in Alberta.                    L.H.-lead pastor at Aylmer Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church, Aylmer, Ont.

Comment.  Henry.

Roger and Len have provided us with an excellent resource that is relevant to the culture of the day when it comes to really being salt and light in an environment that is hostile to the traditional, evangelical approach to evangelism.  They have been thorough in substantiating their presentation with valid ‘research’.  I see this resource as an effective ‘text’ for some valuable interaction in a study group.

Right off, we are introduced to a word that is key in understanding the environment in which missional spirituality is applied: “liminality- a threshold, an in-between place of ambiguity and uncertainty, disorientation and transition.” (14)   Both Roger and Len went through a period of personal ‘liminality’ that is reflected in their materials that they are presenting.  To be ill-prepared for the future is to invite some form of annihilation, e.g. Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated search for the Northwest Passage.  “Missional spirituality- feeds mission.” (27)  Living by the Book can make the Bible a fixed document rather than the living Word of God.  

“An excarnational, knowledge-based approach to spiritual formation” (40) is a major challenge for missional spirituality.  There is often a high level of consumerism and entitlement evident in church culture that is destructive. 

The Trinity, the incarnation, the priesthood of believers and “shema” spirituality are the theological foundation of spiritual missional spirituality. 

“Classic Pietism” (78) as observed in the Moravians and Christian and Missionary Alliance is presented as “missional spirituality in action.

Loving God with all our heart and soul will not happen without the practice of obedience and humility.  It is further ‘enhanced’ by the practice of “missio and prayer”. (112)  Worship is an expression of loving God.  It is public with private being an extension of the public.  “We can venture into a wonder-filled world of worship through the practice of enchantment.” (124)

“To love God with all your mind is a willed choice.  He must occupy your thoughts.” (141)  Theological reflection, an exercise of the mind, is a practice of loving God.  It helps us to make a spiritual connection with our culture, art, music, literature, etc.  “Theological imagination” (148) can be helpful in understanding spiritual (biblical) truth.  The practice of gratitude is a practical application of loving God with our entire mind.  We use our talents and our time in the practice of loving God with all our strength.

Loving our neighbor (part two of shema) calls for the practice of “presence” (181), “refuge” (183), and “hospitality” (185).  “Exegeting culture” (198) must be part of our approach to being an effective missionary.

Appendix 1 provides a practical help for “equipping for a missional spirituality in the church and academy”. (214)  Appendix describes a model church that is “missional spirituality in action”. (229)  The church is Gateway Community Church in Hinton, Alberta.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com 

Divine Hunger

Book Review

Emberly, Peter C.  Divine Hunger.  Canadians on spiritual walkabout.  Harper Collins Pub.  2002.

P.E.- professor of political science and philosophy at Carlton University.

Comment. Henry.

Peter has focused on the ‘boomer generation’ of Canadians and done an evaluation of their spiritual interests based on 350 interviews and many exposures to experiences related to specific spiritual interest groups.  Based on this research he maintains that there is indeed a “Divine Hunger” demonstrated by the boomer generation.  This resource would be relevant for leaders of any religious (spiritual) groups.  Peter includes many different religious ‘persuasions’ in his research.  The validity of his conclusions must be tempered by the extent of his research (only 350 interviews).  

Note:  A good compendium to this resource would be a more recent book (E-book) by Reginald Bibby, “A New Day”, Project Books .com.  2012.

Peter begins with a comparison of faith and modernity as he seeks to answer the question, “Why is there a renewed interest in the sacred?” (15)  He focuses on baby boomers.  They “may be leading the rush for overcoming modernity”. (16)

There are elements of traditionalism that some boomers are attracted to.  Specifically, Peter gives ‘Promise Keepers, Billy Graham crusade, and Airport Vineyard’ as examples.  From this group he goes on to First Nation spirituality, Mormonism, traditional Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy and their attractions for boomers.  “Traditionalism is guilty of taking us nowhere.” (95)  Peter gets into all the ‘faiths’ that he is aware of in Canada and explains how they are attracting boomers. 

Peter gets into something he calls “Fusion Faith”.  “Fusion faith is a medley of traditions, forms of worship, devotional practices, spiritual experiences, and religious beliefs.  It takes the best from each tradition and blends all these prime ingredients into a new concoction.” (195)  (Sounds like New Age.)  Almost as an afterthought or perhaps his own preference, Peter spends some time talking about the attraction of Eastern religion.

By way of conclusions, Peter is optimistic about “divine hunger” in Canadian baby boomers and their new experiences.  They give pause to a ringing endorsement of modernity.  “The spiritual searches of baby boomers restore an insight previously submerged under modernity’s indefatigable optimism”.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

I Am A Follwer.

Book Review.

Sweet, Leonard.  I Am A Follower.  The way, truth, and life of following Jesus.  Thomas Nelson.  2012.

Comment.  Henry.

As so often is the case, when a writer focuses in on a particular topic it comes at a ‘cost’ of other comparative topics.  Sweet focuses on ‘followership’, a word that he seems to have invented.  The leadership that he sees in churches and church organizations is in his opinion not biblical and/or is not demonstrated in Christ’s model of leadership.  There are some very strong endorsements of this book by strong, well recognized “leaders” of the evangelical community.  When Sweet declares that we are first and foremost followers and leadership must happen within that mindset, his message is clear and forceful.

Following Jesus is portrayed as a dance where we imitate Jesus and his ‘moves’.  “Following is the most underrated form of leadership in existence.” (14)  Sweet makes followership the thesis of this presentation.  “Followership is an identity.” (34)  Leadership within a followership culture is totally different from leadership within a leadership culture.  Jesus chose us.  That choice needs to be kept in perspective when we wax eloquent about our God-given ‘freedom of choice’. 

Discovering what it means to follow Jesus begins with an in depth look at what Jesus meant when he declared; “I am the way, the truth, and the life”.   The ‘way’ implies a pilgrimage alongside Jesus.  It is characterized by a discipleship that lasts a lifetime.  “Disciples of Christ can only be made –life on life, follower following follower.” (84)  A follower bears fruit, primarily the fruit of love in the form of “love casting”. (109) 

“Jesus is Truth” (142) and “Truth is the only way to life”. (149)  Our ‘way’ leads to the cross where we count the cost.  “We bless others naturally through our strengths.  But we bless others supernaturally through our weaknesses.” (162)  Categories e.g. clergy cf lay, that place some followers above other followers violate the unity of the body of Christ.

“Incarnational living (Followership) is a relational art.” (193)  The life of a follower should demonstrate a “spirit of trust” (228) more than a life of strategic planning.  The Spirit can be trusted at all times.  Joy should be the overwhelming mark of a Christ follower who is living incarnationally.  Joy to the world!  “In Christ, you become the music.” (259)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com