I am planning to read James Bryan Smith’s book “The Good and Beautiful God” during November. I am going to try and use it to help mentor a friend of mine who has just started at Oxford University and because I must confess I find spiritual disciplines difficult.
Smith has all the right connections: mentored by Richard Foster, co-taught a DMin programme with Dallas Willard, friends with Chris Mullins and mates with Brennan Manning – that pretty much connects him with some of the “spiritual giants” / experts of the previous few decades. So if you fancy joining in on the reading process – feel free to join in – I plan to blog a bit , tweet a bit (@krishk) as well as try and do all the “soul training” disciplines that the book suggests.
The book is the first in a trilogy:
1. The Good and Beautiful God - focussing on the character of God
2. The Good and Beautiful Life - focussing on the kingdom of God and the inner life
3. The Good and Beautiful Community - focussing on life together in the church
Ruth Valerio gave the book a good review recently:
This book is the first of a trilogy on spiritual formation designed to form a ‘curriculum for Christlikeness’ for both individuals and groups. The aim of the book is to lay a foundation for spiritual formation through considering our understanding of God, discovering where we have false concepts, and then using the life of Jesus to recover a fuller appreciation of who God is and how he works in our lives. Each chapter ends with a ‘soul training exercise’ to root those narratives more deeply into our lives.
The Good and Beautiful God is very well written and contains some wonderful nuggets to be savoured: it’s no surprise to learn that Smith has been mentored by both Richard Foster and Dallas Willard.
My one frustration was its overly individualistic theology: Smith’s explanations of the cross and resurrection, while good in themselves, focused only on their implications for individuals and left gaping holes. Nonetheless, this is a good introduction to spiritual formation for newcomers: a welcome refresher for oldtimers.
I am planning to read 2 chapters a week, here are the “Read along blogs”
1. transformation triangle
2. twitter, klout and angry birds
3. strange silence and suffering
more to come…
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Hope it goes well, Krish. I recently read Ruth Haley Barton's Sacred Rhythms and then led the DVD course of the book at church - a thoroughly excellent introduction to spiritual disciplines for a congregation or small group. Highly recommended.
Looking forward to hearing how you go on it. Would have loved to read along with you too, but not sure I'll get chance with the other stuff I've got on my book pile this month. Also, love the picture you've got with the post - fantastic colours/image.
Just wanted to encourage you that I'm following your progress, even if not reading along with you!