While I share your unease concerning Comer's work, I'd stop short of dismissing such a broad swathe of Church history. We've been handed down a plethora of wisdom both before and after the reformation, even in the long millennium between Augustine and Luther. To say, "Wanna read some more stuff on spirituality with me? Let’s go to the 17th century" veers too far into the waters of chronological snobbery that Lewis warns us of in Surprised by Joy.
What's more, it might work against the outcome we'd hope for.
The best outcome is what you suggest. The young man comes away from reading the great works you suggested and does so with a greater understanding of God, a full understanding of his sin, of the grace he's been provided, and invigorated to follow the great commission. The second—which I've seen far more often—is that the young man misunderstands this as proof of progressive theology. New equals better. Quite the opposite of what the reformers would have hoped for. The third—though surely not the final—I can think of, is the rising trend of young men who are finding solace in pre-reformation writings and finding no one in their church who will wisely walk through it with them, they go elsewhere to search it out, falling into the welcome arms of priests in greek and roman robes.
There is a great deal of wisdom in the years before the reformation, even in the writings of those we'd disagree with. To be clear, I have no issue with the books you chose, and I'd hasten to recommend your own book, Humble Calvinism, alongside them as I have many times before, but in our current cultural climate I think some nuance is needed here.
Thank you, brother. You are a constant encouragement. I agree with you! At the end, I was just giving a quick example of the variety of things I'd say. (I picked the Puritan era cause I love it!) In my post at the hyperlink "and more" (after I mention Augustine, Luther, etc.), that goes to a list of books that includes Basil, Patrick, Bernard, Aquinas, and Thomas a Kempis. I love those books! I The snobbery danger is real, and I was trying to keep my economy of words low. I think one reason why I'd still recommend folks to start with Augustine, Luther, Calvin, etc.—1) They are recognizable pillars 2) Their mass popularity has generated lots of easy to read translations of their works. Thanks for the kind engagement and encouragement.
I think this was so helpful. And thanks for pointing us back to primary sources :)
The only thing I may add, as part of “apprenticeship” is to first start with the building blocks of spiritual theology and the puritans and others you mentioned.
At some point, engage w the mystics and discern through the errors and what’s helpful. But def not to start! I just see this as a great next step after a season of prolonged discipleship (a work I prefer to apprenticeship) :).
100%, bro. So true. There is so much to be said about utilizing discernment—a much needed word in our day with the plethora of information available to us. We need, as the writer of Hebrews says to have our "powers of discernment trained" (Heb 5).
I will say regarding the critique about repentance, Comer speaks on repentance throughout his previous book 'Live No Lies.' From my engagement with his work and some friends from Bridgetown the past 7 years, 'Practicing The Way' has always been more of a guide for believers involved in a local church.
It is a strong and healthy critique! I thought it was odd too from my first read, but remembered his context and intended audience.
Interesting take. I don’t know his work very well other than “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry,” and I didn’t find that too problematic. But it’s also the kind of book that doesn’t require a strong theological foundation in order to follow the arguments or agree to the conclusions.
I think your approach makes a lot of sense—if someone’s reading Comer, their foot’s in the door and the invitation to read Luther et al may be well-received.
While I share your unease concerning Comer's work, I'd stop short of dismissing such a broad swathe of Church history. We've been handed down a plethora of wisdom both before and after the reformation, even in the long millennium between Augustine and Luther. To say, "Wanna read some more stuff on spirituality with me? Let’s go to the 17th century" veers too far into the waters of chronological snobbery that Lewis warns us of in Surprised by Joy.
What's more, it might work against the outcome we'd hope for.
The best outcome is what you suggest. The young man comes away from reading the great works you suggested and does so with a greater understanding of God, a full understanding of his sin, of the grace he's been provided, and invigorated to follow the great commission. The second—which I've seen far more often—is that the young man misunderstands this as proof of progressive theology. New equals better. Quite the opposite of what the reformers would have hoped for. The third—though surely not the final—I can think of, is the rising trend of young men who are finding solace in pre-reformation writings and finding no one in their church who will wisely walk through it with them, they go elsewhere to search it out, falling into the welcome arms of priests in greek and roman robes.
There is a great deal of wisdom in the years before the reformation, even in the writings of those we'd disagree with. To be clear, I have no issue with the books you chose, and I'd hasten to recommend your own book, Humble Calvinism, alongside them as I have many times before, but in our current cultural climate I think some nuance is needed here.
Thank you, brother. You are a constant encouragement. I agree with you! At the end, I was just giving a quick example of the variety of things I'd say. (I picked the Puritan era cause I love it!) In my post at the hyperlink "and more" (after I mention Augustine, Luther, etc.), that goes to a list of books that includes Basil, Patrick, Bernard, Aquinas, and Thomas a Kempis. I love those books! I The snobbery danger is real, and I was trying to keep my economy of words low. I think one reason why I'd still recommend folks to start with Augustine, Luther, Calvin, etc.—1) They are recognizable pillars 2) Their mass popularity has generated lots of easy to read translations of their works. Thanks for the kind engagement and encouragement.
Good word, Jeff!
Good word, brother. Thanks for taking the time to write!
I think this was so helpful. And thanks for pointing us back to primary sources :)
The only thing I may add, as part of “apprenticeship” is to first start with the building blocks of spiritual theology and the puritans and others you mentioned.
At some point, engage w the mystics and discern through the errors and what’s helpful. But def not to start! I just see this as a great next step after a season of prolonged discipleship (a work I prefer to apprenticeship) :).
100%, bro. So true. There is so much to be said about utilizing discernment—a much needed word in our day with the plethora of information available to us. We need, as the writer of Hebrews says to have our "powers of discernment trained" (Heb 5).
Great stuff, Jeff!
I will say regarding the critique about repentance, Comer speaks on repentance throughout his previous book 'Live No Lies.' From my engagement with his work and some friends from Bridgetown the past 7 years, 'Practicing The Way' has always been more of a guide for believers involved in a local church.
It is a strong and healthy critique! I thought it was odd too from my first read, but remembered his context and intended audience.
This is helpful!
Interesting take. I don’t know his work very well other than “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry,” and I didn’t find that too problematic. But it’s also the kind of book that doesn’t require a strong theological foundation in order to follow the arguments or agree to the conclusions.
I think your approach makes a lot of sense—if someone’s reading Comer, their foot’s in the door and the invitation to read Luther et al may be well-received.
Thanks Jeff. I appreciate your link to Wyatt Graham's article where he lays out JMC's view of God. It is a big concern.