Product Description

Dallas Willard, one of today's most brilliant Christian thinkers and author of The Divine Conspiracy (Christianity Today's 1999 Book of the Year), presents a way of living that enables ordinary men and women to enjoy the fruit of the Christian life. He reveals how the key to self-transformation resides in the practice of the spiritual disciplines, and how their practice affirms human life to the fullest. The Spirit of the Disciplines is for everyone who strives to be a disciple of Jesus in thought and action as well as intention.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6261 in Books
• Published on: 1991-02-01
• Released on: 1990-12-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

From AudioFile
Robertson Dean interprets Willard's work on the spiritual disciplines necessary for Christian growth. Dean's versatile skill and vocal range give authority to the important question--"What would Jesus do?"--in any situation. Willard reminds the listener that it is insufficient to only ask the question. It's necessary to answer it, and the answer lies in how the Christian lives, specifically with regard to the practice of the spiritual disciplines, which include solitude, study, prayer, and meditation. Dean speaks with warmth and building tension to inspire the listener to heed Willard's call by adopting the "easy yoke" of these disciplines. Willard says with assurance that we can achieve self-transformation and become like Christ if we practice His ways. G.D.W. 124/117 © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

-- Richard J. Foster, author of Streams Of Living Water
"Essential guidance for spiritual growth."

-- The Disciple
"A fresh examination of the nature of life and discipline . . . exciting and instructive."

Customer Reviews

Phenomenal exploration of essential spiritual habits
This book provides a theological look at the nature of the spiritually disciplined life. Willard explores the "why" of the disciplines more than the "how." While this book certainly stands on its own, it makes an excellent follow-up to Foster's "Celebration of Discipline." Willard's intent takes him deeper than Foster and provides a more thorough exploration of spiritual disciplines. Highly recommended.

Spiritual Impact of Dallas Willard's book
This is an excellent book for all followers of Jesus Christ or someone who wants to know what a true follower should be doing as a disciple of Jesus. If you want to grow and strengthen yourself in your walk with Christ, this book is an excellent guide. Just like a high caliber athlete practices and trains daily, we also need to follow certain practices to strengthen ourselves and develop good habits of prayer, worship, celebration, solitude with God, and many others. Without following these disciplines that Jesus Christ Himself practiced, the Christian can only expect to get so far before getting stalled in their faith. These spiritual disciplines are truly essential in furthuring our walk with Jesus. Dallas Willard's book is an excellent resource for that growth. Tom W.

Excellent Challenge for Those Who Want a Deeper Spiritual Walk With God
"The Spirit of the Disciplines" focuses on the various disciplines that God uses to change people's lives. The book contains 11 chapters and 2 appendix for a total of around 265 pages.

Each of the 11 chapters addresses a particular theme. Chapter 9, addressing the specific disciplines, is my personal favorite. According to Willard in Chapter 9, the disciplines are separated into 2 groups:

1. Abstinence - This group consists of actions that helps us from becoming too involved in the world so we may better focus on God instead of the things of this world. The disciplines included here are: solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, secrecy, and sacrifice. Willard's comments on solitude and silence were particularly insightful (solitude can help us in resisting conformity to this world).
2. Engagement - This group consists of actions we can do to serve others in this world so as to not become so isolated that we render ourselves useless to be used by God for His glory. Disciplines included here are: study, worship, celebration, service, prayer, fellowship, confession, and submission.

Other chapters (such as 11) address issues such as: can a Christian be financially and spiritually successful at the same time?

Willard will definitely challenge you to think and pay attention as you read, so be forewarned - this is not a light read!

Read, enjoy, and be challenged and encouraged! Highly recommended.