Monday, July 12, 2010

Book Review: The Deeper Journey: The Spirituality of Discovering Your True Self

The Deeper Journey: The Spirituality of Discovering Your True Self
by M. Robert Mulholland Jr.
published by Intervarsity Press, 2006

Summary: Dr. Mulholland is addressing some of the very core issues related to our self identity.  He defines three types of self identity: the false self which is rooted in our self satisfaction and indulgence; the religious false self where we make the false self even worse by packaging it in the trappings of liturgy and religion; and the Christ self which is where our true identity should be rooted.  He uses scripture and particularly the writings of Paul as a framework for his discussion and he doesn't just identify the three types, he goes even further to teach us how to abandon our false identities and replace them with our true identity in Christ.  Finally he has some tips for us on how to deepen our relationship with Christ to come to an even better understanding of our true identity.

Review: This book is an exceptional follow up to his book Invitation to a Journey.  Using scripture as a foundation he clearly identifies the challenges inherent in our self understanding.  He moves us in a logical progression by diagnosing the problem areas and then contrasting them to the truth of our identity in Christ.  He interacts with scripture on a very scholarly level, even engaging the original language, but he presents it in such a way that a lay person will have a very easy time understanding.  His writing is engaging and he brings a balance between the theoretical, the teaching and storytelling so that one is never bored.  It is my belief the book will inspire you to engage in a deeper walk with Christ and to come to a truer understanding of yourself.

Reading Recommendation: YES

No comments:

Post a Comment