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 willard on disciplines
 
 11/11/2006 12:53:30 AM
User is offlinethomas
21 posts


willard on disciplines
 (United States)
I watched the Dallas Willard video in which he discusses the spiritual disciplines under Voices. I found one of his comments quite interesting. He stated that the disciplines come from the history of the church, and eventually the bible. I understand the distinction he is making and I would agree that the idea of doing Spiritual Disciplines do come from church history. However, it did make me think about the presence of these practices within the bible. As I thought about the way in which Jesus lived his life I could think of certain things I would call Spiritual Disciplines that he did. However, I am not sure that he would have perceived of these activities the same way we do. It seems as though many times the things we deem as disciplines or chosen practices are simply a natural part of the rhythm of Christ's life. Spending time alone in prayer was simply what made sense for him to do in light of who He was and what God had called Him to. At any rate, I am wondering what any of you think about our ability to ground the disciplines in the text. Do we find the disciplines we do today in the text? Is there a different persective of these activities than we tend to have? If so, why is that? Lastly, is it okay for us to have certain practices that are not in the text and for those to still be okay, do we have to find them in the bible for us to be able to justify doing them? Just some questions in light of Willard's video.
 11/14/2006 8:03:13 PM
User is offlinedanweber44
1 posts


Re: willard on disciplines
 (United States)

There are a ton of good books...and probably equally as many bad books written on the disciplines of the Christian life.  I have found 3 particularly valuable: Dallas Willard "Spirit of the Disciplines"--I think the benefit of this book is that is gives a good philosophical foundation a good theoretical foundation and a good historical foundation for the Spiritual Disciplines; Richard Foster "Celebration of Discipline"--This book gives some of the best practical guidance on "how to" implement the disciplines in our lives; Don Whitney "Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life"--This book gives a Biblical foundation for many of the disciplines discussed in the prior to books.  I think that in answer to your question Whitney's book would be a good place to start.  You could also check out his website which might be helpful.  http://www.spiritualdisciplines.org/

 11/17/2006 8:28:45 PM
User is offlineHenri
28 posts


Re: willard on disciplines
 (N/A)
Thomas, when I was reading you post something hit me that was enlightening. When you talked about Jesus taking time away to pray, I thought what it must have been like for Jesus. I thought about the reality of who he was, and what he needed to do - and thought that if I had that burden, if I was in his position, I would be getting up early and praying, and spending time alone praying, etc. Then it hit me - aren't I in that position? Isn't it me who belongs to the body of Christ, who should be able to say that I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me? I couldn't help but wonder if the reason for our lack of mission in the world is because of our deep rooted belief that we don't have an important enough mission to lead us to our knees before God.
 1/13/2008 2:11:06 AM
User is offlineChyna
2 posts


Re: willard on disciplines
 (United States)

I, too, have gained much from reading and re-reading Willard's Spirit of the Disciplines, as well as Foster's book and Whitney's. I also found "Disciplines of Grace" by T.M. Moore very interesting. His section on prayer is exceptional and he also has a chapter on spiritual friendships that is noteworthy.

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