Three Books and a Few Thoughts on Reading

Three of the books I recently finished reading are:
1. With by Skye Jethani

2. Ordinary by Michael Horton 

3. After you Believe by N.T. Wright

I selected each of these books independently of the others, but they ended reinforcing similar enough principles I thought it wise to cover them in one post.

First, each book comes from a different perspective and tradition on the Christian faith. With comes from an evangelical, Ordinary is by a Reformed theologian, and NT Wright composes as an Anglican.   Despite these differences, each of the authors ends up addressing what Christian faith looks like in the long haul.   For this reason, I believe these books are best suited for someone who is ready to move on from the basics of Christianity to a longer path of obedience. 

Next, each book does a good job of making a unique contribution to discipleship literature.  In Ordinary, a case is made for the regular practice of Christian community.  Instead of seeking new methods as our identity, the local church must be committed to the original and simple institutions of the early church - i.e. communion, prayer, fellowship, and scripture.  When we realize the radical message of Christianity must be dependent on Christ alone, we give up trying to define ourselves in terms of our radical works. 

In this respect, With assisted me in thinking about the actual working out of personal discipleship.   The purpose of Skye's book is to help us give up life under, over, for, or from God and instead hold to a life of discipleship where we are in constant communion with God. Ultimately, this is about heart change. Being with God changes our perspective on the ordinary because it is here we find our satisfaction rather than in our attempts to control.

Wright is one of my favorite writers, and this book was no exception.  Although his slightly pedantic style can wear on me at times, in this book he winsomely crafts a middle road for the Christian life between legalism and antinomianism. Christian virtue becomes not an end in itself, but the product of a life lived regularly with God.  I think the common thread should be obvious between the three books at this point. 

In conclusion, none of these books on its own would have been a stand out classic. They are all good books, but they have their faults.   However, together these three together reinforced the importance of integrated discipleship. The flaws of individual perspectives can be crippling and distracting when I read.  While reading these books in tandem, the flaws were heavily outweighed by the complementary nature of the books. So, here are some things I've learned through the process, in addition to the things I'm thinking about long-term discipleship.

1. No one tradition has all the answers to a well-formed Christian principle, whether it by discipleship or any other important aspect of the Christian life. 

2. Reading more than one book at the same time can have benefits.

3. Particularly, reading with an awareness of the concepts, applications, and practical perspectives which may complement each other helps gives a deeper appreciation and useful of each individual book. The sum of the whole is greater than the distinct parts.

4. The Holy Spirit can work in ways I may consider mundane, such as my book choices. It is important to submit even those things in prayer to God.

5. My reading should be a regular and simple practice which benefits God's church. 

Overall, thinking about what I have learned has given me new perspective on Philippians 2:3-4, 

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (NIV)" 

When I read and study in the future, I want it to be even more for the glory of God, in service to His church. God continues to teach me excellent things and I must continue the process by living out in humility what I learn.