Library Journal
In his latest endeavor, Willard (The Divine Conspiracy)
presents all Christians with a call to action, with
a chief premise that all too often they neglect the
latter part of Jesus's "Great Commission," in which
he directed his followers to go into all nations and
"make disciples" of people. According to Willard,
the fact that "discipleship is optional" in today's
churches and Christian institutions is a travesty.
In a straightforward and thoughtful way, he argues
that discipleship and spiritual formation are in some
way mandatory for anyone who professes to be a Christian
("We could never credibly claim to trust a doctor
whose instructions we would not follow"). Only when
following Jesus's instructions becomes their fundamental
goal, he professes, will Christians live abundant
and fulfilled lives. All in all, this book makes for
engaging reading for any Christian who aspires to
lead a more spiritual life. Although certain passages
may upset some readers (e.g., apathetic Christians
are often given a scolding), Willard speaks his truth
in such an eloquent, passionate, and powerful way
that one can't help but be moved to action. Recommended
for all libraries.
-Wesley A. Mills, Empire State Coll. SUNY Copyright
2006 Reed Business Information.
Selected
for a Christianity Today 2007 Book Award