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Product Reviews:
Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation |
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Summary: Handbook on Christian spirituality
Comments: I borrowed a copy of Sacred Rhythms from the Pauline Bookstore sale shelf where I work (and live). I loved Barton's voice; her gentle style. The book itself is a kind of handbook on Christian spirituality: prayer, discernment, creating a spiritual "rule of life" (and even the examen of consciousness!!). All solid, real-life oriented and readable. however what was particularly interesting to me (a Catholic sister/nun) is how Barton, who was brought up in the Baptist tradition, makes this traditionally Catholic spirituality so approachable for non-Catholics, to whom the language may be much less familiar. Her writing is not so focused on a Protestant audience that a Catholic would be distracted or unable to relate. It's just a great, solid and balanced treatment of key issues in our life with God.
Barton deserves kudos for her treatment of the Sabbath in our Christian life, and her helpful explanation of how to make a "rule of life" that sets our life on course in a way that coincides with our life with God, not setting "prayer life" and "real life" on parallel tracks. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: a blessing
Comments: This was1of the almost all helpful books on the Christian spiritual disciplines I have ever read. Barton leads her reader through the astonishing basis for all spiritual disciplines, the foundational principles for each discipline she discusses, and an helpful step-by-step practice of each discipline. It is a book1should slowly work through, rather than read quickly. Barton helped me revitalize my spiritual practices. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Dream a Little Dream of Rest
Comments: Ruth Haley Barton presents a clear and compelling description of the spiritual disciplines of solitude, lectio divina, centering/breath prayer, Ignatian examen (of consciousness and conscience), discernment, sabbath-keeping, and the Benedictine "rule of life." She opens the book with an invitation to explore the deep longings of your soul and name your desires before Christ. And she offers a wonderful chapter on the spirituality of learning to live in and care for our physical bodies. It was a powerful and life-chaning book for me -- particularly the chapters on solitude, honoring the body, and sabbath-keeping. Barton has a gentle heart and a gracious approach to the disciplines that is so inviting. This book was my part of my devotions for the last few weeks and I find that I will miss Barton's voice and vision and the possibilities that they have stirred in my soul. I endorse this book highly to anyone who is struggling with exhaustion or burn-out and wanting permission to dream of rest. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Best book on spiritual transformation I have read recently
Comments: To be honest, I have gotten a little weary of books about spiritual disciplines. I always end up feeling guilty that I am not more disciplined and perpetually struggle with having a consistent quiet time, after many years of being a Christian. Ruth Haley Barton cuts through all of that putting "discipline" (or "rule" or "rhythm" whatever you want to call it!!) into the context of "desire," that we deeply long for God's transformation in our lives. She stresses that we cannot transform ourselves, only God can do that. however, we can arrange our lives in such a way that makes the conditions for transformation optimal. This book is practical, gracious, and FREES you to seek God, rather than bind you to a set of rules. I highly, highly endorse it. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Great candidate for Personal Book of the Year.
Comments: I have been refreshed and instructed by Sacred Rhythms. I am encouraged to explore developing (or discerning) a Rule for Life that will cultivate trust in God and love for others. Well done. |
