The Kingdom Life, Alan Andrews, General Editor - Book Review

It is a pleasure to find a book on spiritual formation that does not wander aimlessly in philosophy and mysticism.  NavPress has assembled ten essays (the cumulative result of the Theological and Cultural Thinkers Group) geared toward living the kingdom life in the everyday world.  The book is subtitled A Practical Theology of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation, and to this end it generally holds true.

The book is divided into two major sections, process and theology, each having elaboration on specific elements of spiritual formation: community, commitment, conforming and transforming, work of the Holy Spirit, primacy of scripture, etc.  A different author elaborates on each element, giving a broad and practical background to the subject as a whole.  Beyond this, discussion questions are given at the end of each chapter to aid in reflection and discussion.

A weakness of this book is the first process chapter by Dallas Willard.  In trying to explain the necessity to enter into the kingdom life, the author enters overly subjective waters as he is want to do.  Another is the chapter on missions by Paula Fuller who interjects racial reconciliation into the subject of missions leading the reader in an unnecessary direction to build her case.  In spite of these, the book is a good resource for understanding how and why the believer seeks to be built up in Christ.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."