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I finally had the chance to meet J.P. Moreland. We were talking about how to develop an emphasis on healthy, longterm, spiritual growth in our church. When I started asking him about books that would appeal to a wide swatch of people and lay the basics out, he quickly recomended this book as the entry point into the discussion.

I can see why. The book is thoughful and well reasoned. Willard is, after all, a philosopher, so the book is carefully and slowly well-reasoned. It correctly emphasizes that the change in a person into Christ-likeness must be an inner renovation -- and hence the title of the book. While there is a connection between outward actions and inner change, the only real change is one that starts in the hearts and work out into actions. It is not a light read, but neither is it difficult. I suspect that in the years ahead, as I look back over my reading, that this book will become a major factor in my thinking.

		Purchase from ChristianBooks.com for $17.99 (as of 12.08.2007)
		Purchase from Amazon.com for $16.49 (as of 12.08.2007)

Publisher's description

We aren't born to stay the way we are. But how many times have we looked around us in dismay at the lack of spiritual maturity in fellow believers? It is evident in the rising rate of divorces among Christian couples. We find it in the high percentages of Christians, even pastors, who regularly view pornography. And we face it each time a well-known leader in the Christian community is found in sexual sin or handling finances dishonestly. Perhaps you have struggled with your own character issues for years, even decades, to little avail. There is good news. In Renovation of the Heart best-selling author Dallas Willard calls it "the transformation of the spirit" - a divine process that "brings every element in our being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God or the kingdom of God." In the transformation of our spirits, we become apprentices of Jesus Christ.