Category: Spiritual Formation
Spiritual formation is a critical part of the work we do at Faithful Intellect. We need to invest in transformation in order to effectively engage culture with faith and reason. This transformation is not a technique or a self-help program. It is a relationship with Jesus.
Spiritual formation is how we are able to work towards our mission:
We believe that God is the source of all truth and wisdom, and that He calls us to use our minds to glorify Him and serve His purposes. We also strive to explore the reality of creation and culture with humility and curiosity, recognizing our limitations and biases. Our readers are invited to join us in this journey of critical thinking and open-minded inquiry, as we seek to follow Jesus with our intellect by engaging culture with faith and reason.
At Faithful Intellect, our view of spiritual formation is heavily influenced by Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, and Mark Sayers. Our current series on 8 Spiritual Insights from Dallas Willard will demonstrate this influence in greater detail about the important and process of transformation. Dallas Willard and Richard Foster have provided a legacy with Renovare. They have inspired many other great writers and resources that continue their tradition.
Top Books on Spiritual Formation:
Divine Conspiracy (https://amzn.to/41Eo9Aw)
Renovation of the Heart (https://amzn.to/3H1GGgN)
Hearing God (https://amzn.to/47nptcm)
Life Without Lack (https://amzn.to/3tCM7jc)
The Spirit of the Disciplines (https://amzn.to/41SGzO8)
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster (https://amzn.to/3SjkjtN)
The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas (https://amzn.to/3GZUx7b)
Surrender to Love by David G. Benner (https://amzn.to/3RI9ijU)
The Good and Beautiful God (https://amzn.to/48XcZJV)
The Good and Beautiful Life (https://amzn.to/48XcZJV)
The Good and Beautiful Community (https://amzn.to/4aL8Z0L)
The Good and Beautiful You (https://amzn.to/3TJhiE4)
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The Scandal of the Kingdom by Dallas Willard
“The Scandal of the Kingdom” by Dallas Willard captures Willard’s wisdom in an accessible, engaging way. Although published years after his death, the book makes complex theological ideas relatable by revisiting Jesus’ parables, inviting readers to apply these teachings to contemporary life. Willard explores the kingdom of God as a present, transformative reality and challenges… Read more
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God Has a Name by John Mark Comer Book Review
In “God Has a Name”, John Mark Comer explores the depths of God’s character, delving into his personal name, Yahweh, and the traits he reveals to humanity in Exodus 34:6-7. Comer presents a vivid portrait of God as deeply relational—desiring connection and partnership with us rather than distant worship. This book explores God’s identity as… Read more
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In Search of God’s Will by Trevor Hudson
In Search of God’s Will by Trevor Hudson is a practical guide for anyone seeking to discern God’s plan in their life. Rather than focusing on abstract theology, it offers hands-on discernment exercises to help you discover your unique calling. Through reflection, prayer, and listening to the quiet whisper of the Spirit, the book teaches… Read more
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Desiring God’s Will by David G. Benner
Discover how to align your will with God’s in “Desiring God’s Will.” Benner delves into the essence of surrender and identity in Christ, emphasizing that true discipleship transcends mere determination—it requires a heart transformed by love. Explore the pitfalls of willfulness versus the freedom of willingness, where spiritual disciplines are not ends but means to… Read more
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Dallas Willard: Insight #8 – Character and Eternity
In the pursuit of meaning, Dallas Willard urges us to focus not on fleeting pursuits like wealth or popularity, but on our character. Spiritual transformation shapes us into individuals marked by love, joy, and selflessness At the end of our life, all we have is who we have become. Read more
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Dallas Willard: Insight #7 – Grace, Effort, and Earning
In exploring belief and action, Dallas Willard emphasizes that grace isn’t against effort but against earning. Grace, a free gift, contrasts with earning, which is an attitude. Our effort, seen through actions choosing to follow Jesus and practicing spiritual disciplines, helps us align our lives with the Kingdom of God. Read more
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Dallas Willard: Insight #6 – What Is Belief?
In evangelical church culture, being a Believer is often synonymous with being a Christian. But understanding belief, as used in the Bible, is crucial. Belief isn’t just intellectual assent or a ticket to Heaven; it’s a personal choice shaping our actions. Dallas Willard defines belief as acting as if something is true, not just professing… Read more
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The Gift of Being Yourself by David G. Benner
“The Gift of Being Yourself” by Benner explores the intertwined journey of self-discovery and spirituality, emphasizing the essential connection between knowing God and knowing oneself. Divided into three parts, the book delves into transformational knowledge, understanding God, and understanding oneself. Benner highlights the significance of experiential, subjective knowledge over mere theoretical understanding, urging readers to… Read more
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Dallas Willard: Insight #5 – What is Discipleship?
According to Dallas Willard, discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you. It involves aligning our will with God’s will, considering how Jesus would navigate our context. Discipleship entails loving God and others, pursuing others’ flourishing, and maintaining peace rooted in Jesus. It’s not a church growth program or… Read more
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Dallas Willard: Insight #4 – What are Spiritual Disciplines For?
Dallas Willard defines spiritual disciplines as activities of mind and body purposefully undertaken, to bring our personality and total being unto effective cooperation with the divine order. They enable us more and more to live in a power that is, strictly speaking, beyond us, deriving from the spiritual realm itself. This approach offers a compelling… Read more