Satisfy Your Soul: Restoring the Heart of Christian Spirituality

by Bruce A. Demarest

Discover the timeless spiritual guidance from Christian classics on such spiritual disciplines as silence, meditation, contemplation, and more.

Includes:

• resource listings
• personal application questions
• the author's personal story of his contemplative journey

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Faith, Discipleship

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up on spec at my local theological library, mostly because it is included in a series produced by the late Dallas Willard. It is an attempt to explain and justify meditation and the long history of Christian mysticism to evangelicals who have been trained to mistrust both. This creates something of a defensiveness in the writer's comments which can be a little off-putting for those who, like me, belong to traditions which are less suspicious of Christian mysticism, meditation and such things. I think the ingrained distrust of other religions is also a product of this defensiveness.

However, for those who are trying to deal with objections to Christian mysticism, this is a good introduction. Demarest is sound as far as his theology goes and, I think, displays a real spirituality that should be taken seriously.

[Joseph Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read from a Reformed Christian author that explores the benefits of contemplative faith. Throughout the book, one will find Reformed pillars such as Calvin and Luther cited alongside the likes of St. Teresa of Avila, Richard Lovelace, and lots of A.W. Tozer.

Though the book may suffer from some excesses (interpreting dreams for instance), it is, by and large, a sound and helpful read especially for the reader who wishes to pursue a deeper relationship with God.

[Marno · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful resource in bringing Christians back to spirituality.

[Sean-david · Rating 2 out of 5]

Demarest’s text was unique from many of the other texts I have read on spiritual formation. I appreciate his work on multiple levels; his concern and commitment to scripture and orthodoxy, his commitment to presenting the classics and ancient spirituality from a scholarly perspective, and his desire to bridge gaps and pursue peace and unity for the sake of the Gospel and community.

I appreciate that Demarest sought to approach some of “the classics” as often described by Foster and others not only from a tradition perspective, but also from a more scholarly perspective. Many writers on spirituality recommend these authors, but not usually with much scrutiny or criticism in regard to their biblical authority or consistency with scripture.

Unfortunately, the book, while certainly a more academic treatment than others in a good way, was also rather dry. There were some context issues that turned me off, but as I said, it is refreshing that someone wrote on this with a scholarly approach that is also concerned about the spiritual well-being of the body as well as peace and unity across traditions.
Don't get me wrong, there are some really good nuggets here, just can't say I enjoyed it that much.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to say it, but I really didn't care for this book. The premise is to evaluate Christian spirituality and what that means biblically -- especially against New Age culture. Had I grown up in a more conservative home or were a more conservative Christian, I might have felt differently, but because I grew up following an East Indian belief system, I already have some knowledge about alternative ways to worship and how those ways can be biblical. The book does have good information, but I wouldn't recommend it for someone who is comfortable with spirituality as it relates to Christ.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book on recognizing the evangelical penchant for failing to see union with Christ as catapulting us into a life of communion with him. The book did leave me wondering about Catholic renewal movements and what I, as a Christian from the Reformed tradition, can learn from such movements that promote deeper communion with our triune God while denying assurance of faith (Trent, ch. 9) which undermines the believer's core identity as a child of Abba because of Christ's perfect work. So I have decided to turn to the Puritans to learn more about how they conceived of spiritual formation.

[Joshua Stager · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was quite compelling. I have been pursuing a new understanding of Spiritual Formation for a few years, and this is the first book that I feel has provided a comprehensive perspective that could be used in a small group inside a church. I hope to use it as such!

[Dawester]

This is about entering the spiritual journey of life...

[Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh.