The Divine Conspiracy
“If you start to read this book and you find yourself struggling to get into it, I encourage you to push through. The first chapter in my opinion is a bit weak and convoluted, but I assure you it gets much better. If by the end of the 2nd or 3rd chapter you are not captivated by Willard's thought...”
“If you start to read this book and you find yourself struggling to get into it, I encourage you to push through. The first chapter in my opinion is a bit weak and convoluted, but I assure you it gets much better. If by the end of the 2nd or 3rd chapter you are not captivated by Willard's thought process and content, then you might as well put the book away.
In chapter 2, I like how Willard describes the two prevailing views of what the Gospel is in modern day Christianity. Namely, a gospel of sin management that emanates primarily from the conservative Christian camp. And, a social gospel of liberation that often emanates from the liberal Christian camp. But, while Willard does a great job telling us what the Gospel isn't, he fails to clearly describe what it is. It seems to me he may be trying to bridge the gap between the two divergences by saying that the gospel is a yielding to Jesus as Teacher while living in the Kingdom of God. And, I'm not so certain I totally agree.
In chapter 3, I like how Willard introduces the premise that heaven is here and has invaded human space. The kingdom of heaven is not only in us, but God occupies the very space around us. He is not some celestial voice or vision in our head, but he is very real, talking with us and guiding us every moment of the day if only we avail ourselves to Him. Willard gives plenty of scriptural support for this premise including how God regularly spoke and interacted with Abraham, Moses, David and many other figures in both the Old and New Testaments.”
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