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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.

This is the standard in the field. I must admit it is a little difficult for me. He writes poetically and descriptively, and I tend to just "want the facts." But there is the reason for its status, and it covers the proces of spiritual growth beautifully.

Forthcoming ...