A Feast for the Soul

Recently, I had the opportunity to read the book A Feast for Hungry Souls: Spiritual Lessons from the Church's Greatest Masters and Mystics. After introducing the importance of learning from those who have gone before u s, Susan Muto takes on the gargantuan task of introducing readers to 30 different spiritual giants who have impacted Christian spirituality. She divides the books into several parts focusing on Ancient Masters, Medieval Masters, and Modern Masters. Most, but not all, of those included are Catholic and are frequently saints. However, John Wesley and Dietrich Bonhoeffer are also included.

In each chapter Muto skillfully provides brief biographical and historical information regarding the master being discussed. Drawing from their own writing, she emphasizes what they contributed to Christian spirituality. Each chapter concludes with several reflection questions focused on how the reader plans to engage further with the content as well as additional suggested readings. A Feast for Hungry Souls can be used in numerous settings. For individuals who are not very familiar with the saints listed or who are looking for an introduction to them, this book is perfect. In fact, I would encourage readers to consider using this book as a springboard to then read the writings of each master profiled. Because Muto makes sure to include historical information in addition to spiritual, this work would serve marvelously as a companion text in a church history class or in course focusing on the history of  Christian spirituality.  This book truly is a feast for those who will take the time to thoughtfully work through the contents. I anticipate pulling this book off the shelf frequently.

I received a complementary copy from Ave Maria Press via Net Galley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

Mission 3:16

When I spotted Mission 3:16: God's One-Verse invitation to Love the World, I knew I had to read it for several reasons. First, it combines world missions , a subject I'm passionate about, and John 3:16 a verse everyone knows. Second, Mission 3:16 is the newest book by Paul Borthwick. I have read many of his other books such as A Mind for Missions, Six Dangerous Questions to Transform Your Worldview, and How to Be a World-Class Christian. Being familiar with these books, I knew this title would be wonderful and I was not disappointed.

Since nearly everyone is familiar with the verse John 3:16 and in some ways it is referenced so often that it feels overdone, you may wonder what more could be said or written about it. Borthwick shows that a great deal can be written about it! He breaks John 3:16 down phrase by phrase and in so doing explodes your common understanding of this verse. The central theme of this exposition of John 3:16 as you can tell from the title is missions. However, even more than missions Borthwick unpacks that God's love should inspire and encourage us go out to love the world and share God's love with others. By the end of the book, you will add John 3:15 to your list of favorite mission verses and realize that you didn't know quite as much as you thought.

While Mission 3:16 is thoroughly researched and footnoted, Borthwick has a conversational tone which makes this book very readable and enjoyable. He shares many stories, often from his own experiences, demonstrating how the principles he shares can be lived out. As such, this book is appropriate for a wide audience ranging from college students to adults. I can see it being a great resource for a Sunday School class or Bible study or as background reading for a sermon series. As it is published by Intervarsity Press, I especially can see this book being featured at the upcoming Urbana 21 conference as a Book of the Day.

I received a complementary copy from IVP via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback.

Replace Digital Distraction with Spiritual Formation

Reconnect: Spiritual Restoration from Digital Distraction by Ed Cyzewski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I was reading this book at a time when social media was going bonkers, Reconnect: Spiritual Restoration from Digital Distraction was an excellent, thought-provoking book. Cyzewski begins the book by emphasizing the many ways in which social media and technology is addicting and how much it has come to control our lives by digital formation. This section is very well-researched and even includes some excellent insights on the importance of media literacy. Reading this section was quite convicting.

Cyzewski does not leave the reader here to dwell on these issues but emphasizes the need to curtail our digital obsessions so that we can spend time in spiritual formation and relationship building. Throughout Reconnect, Cyzewski frequently reference Thomas Merton's writings. Each chapter includes several questions to help readers consider the material and make practical applications of the information.

During and since reading this book, while I have not cut off my social media use, I have been more conscious of it. I'm making a conscious effort to spend time in silence or prayer instead of glued to my feed. I look forward to spending more time disconnected from technology and reconnecting with others.

I received a complementary copy from Herald Press via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

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