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Shaped by the Word: The Power of Scripture in Spiritual Formation by M. Robert Mulholland Jr. [Upper Room, 2001] (Paperback) Revised edition [Paperback]
Shaped by the The Power of Scripture in Spiritual Formation by M. Rober...
Paperback
First published November 1, 1985
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About the author
M. Robert Mulholland Jr.
8 books53 followersM. Robert Mulholland Jr. (Th.D., Harvard) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of several books, including Shaped by the Word (Upper Room), Revelation (Zondervan), and the landmark spiritual formation book Invitation to a Journey (IVP).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 16, 2019
For a book about being formed by scripture, I found this book to be lacking in actual engagement with scripture. The power seemed to be on the reader and not God or the Bible itself. Also found his word pictures required a lot of unnecessary mental gymnastics and his overall diction bent was hard to connect with. This read like a series of seminary lectures to a very specific community and was not very accessible to someone outside that particular lane.
In place of this book, I would recommend Scripture And The Authority of God by NT Wright.
In place of this book, I would recommend Scripture And The Authority of God by NT Wright.
October 20, 2016
Although there were helpful bits in his book, I cannot say that I would recommend it as a helpful resource Bible engagement. The author begins by warning the reader that there is going to be content will trouble, offend, and make the reader uncomfortable. He suggests that any un easiness, offence or trouble internally is a means of God's "knock upon one of the closed door of your life" (16). According to the author, God is willing to work in our lives and he often knocks at our "closed doors", and we need to give him permission to come in.
One must be open minded, yes. But one must be open minded to change only if they are corrected by means of the Biblical text. One must not be so open minded that they cease to think. Never does the author even submit to the reader to look at the Biblical text and be convinced by it, but rather concludes that any disagreement with the author, means being "closed off" to the working of God. On a book about Scripture, I find it troubling that he pushes aside the possibility that any disagreement or uncomfort could be a result of the authors own doing. Instead he leaves the only option to disagreement to be the result the readers own hard heart. Secondly, though minor when in context to the topic of Bible engagement but worth addressing, he consistently repeats is this idea that God needs our permission to let him in. Although man's responsibility is compatible with God's sovereignty, God does not need our permission to do anything. He is sovereign Lord and does all that he pleases. Although I appreciate his concern for one reading Scripture without being penetrated and formed by it, I do think he sets up a false dichotomy between what he calls "informational" and "formational" reading (using ones mind versus using ones heart and spirit). At points in the book he will say thing's like "it's not about the method but the motive" yet continue to pit these two things against each other. Scripture was written by specific people, in specific times and therefore must be read and understood in light of that. He suggests that reading "less" is better. Books were written to be read and heard in one sitting (the epistles for example). And must be understood in light of original readers and original audience. It seems that much of what he is saying is suggesting a subjectivism to hearing God's voice when God has communicated and continues to communicate through his Word in light of context and the original readers. The response of experiencing the Scriptures should not be a subjectivism but putting oneself in the shoes of the original readers, audiences, and author in a way that is faithful to history and the text. When we find ourselves here, we experience and feel the weight of the meaning of the sacred text and then apply it appropriately.
One must be open minded, yes. But one must be open minded to change only if they are corrected by means of the Biblical text. One must not be so open minded that they cease to think. Never does the author even submit to the reader to look at the Biblical text and be convinced by it, but rather concludes that any disagreement with the author, means being "closed off" to the working of God. On a book about Scripture, I find it troubling that he pushes aside the possibility that any disagreement or uncomfort could be a result of the authors own doing. Instead he leaves the only option to disagreement to be the result the readers own hard heart. Secondly, though minor when in context to the topic of Bible engagement but worth addressing, he consistently repeats is this idea that God needs our permission to let him in. Although man's responsibility is compatible with God's sovereignty, God does not need our permission to do anything. He is sovereign Lord and does all that he pleases. Although I appreciate his concern for one reading Scripture without being penetrated and formed by it, I do think he sets up a false dichotomy between what he calls "informational" and "formational" reading (using ones mind versus using ones heart and spirit). At points in the book he will say thing's like "it's not about the method but the motive" yet continue to pit these two things against each other. Scripture was written by specific people, in specific times and therefore must be read and understood in light of that. He suggests that reading "less" is better. Books were written to be read and heard in one sitting (the epistles for example). And must be understood in light of original readers and original audience. It seems that much of what he is saying is suggesting a subjectivism to hearing God's voice when God has communicated and continues to communicate through his Word in light of context and the original readers. The response of experiencing the Scriptures should not be a subjectivism but putting oneself in the shoes of the original readers, audiences, and author in a way that is faithful to history and the text. When we find ourselves here, we experience and feel the weight of the meaning of the sacred text and then apply it appropriately.
November 16, 2025
10/10 would recommend.
This book is challenging & thought provoking & has transformed my view of my relationship with Scripture in all the best ways.
I took a long time to read it, but from the beginning the concepts stuck with me and impacted the way I am approaching the Bible.
There were some bits that got a little repetitive, but honestly most of the time I needed that in order to fully understand a few of the concepts that were new to me.
Also, Mulholland's writing is a bit intellectual for my reading style, but that forces me to slow down and make sure I am really understanding what is written. So although it was a little more challenging for me to read in that way, the content was good enough that I wouldnt say the writing should hold you back from reading it :)
This book is challenging & thought provoking & has transformed my view of my relationship with Scripture in all the best ways.
I took a long time to read it, but from the beginning the concepts stuck with me and impacted the way I am approaching the Bible.
There were some bits that got a little repetitive, but honestly most of the time I needed that in order to fully understand a few of the concepts that were new to me.
Also, Mulholland's writing is a bit intellectual for my reading style, but that forces me to slow down and make sure I am really understanding what is written. So although it was a little more challenging for me to read in that way, the content was good enough that I wouldnt say the writing should hold you back from reading it :)
December 14, 2015
Take-aways:
- Read the Bible formationally rather than informationally
- Place yourself in the text and allow it to shape you
- Focus on being and becoming rather than doing
- Read the Bible formationally rather than informationally
- Place yourself in the text and allow it to shape you
- Focus on being and becoming rather than doing
July 9, 2021
I tend to read the Bible for information, but this book challenges me to read the Bible for formation. What the author talks about is not easy for me but is what I need to be reminded of.
October 21, 2022
Content is excellent. Repetition is tedious.
July 16, 2019
Unquestionably one of the best books I've read on the centrality of Scripture to the Christian life and, more specifically, to spiritual formation. As a pastor and the director of spiritual formation ministry at my church, I *highly* recommend this.
On the basis of a negative review I saw here, I'd anticipate at least two places of possible concern or disagreement from evangelical Christians (of whom I count myself a part): 1) that this book on Scripture isn't grounded enough in Scripture itself (i.e., it doesn't present Scriptural citations or references for some of its assertions); and 2) that his language of Christians being "a 'word' that God speaks us forth to be in the world" sounds a little weird at first (and the lack of direct Scripture citation to support it might set off alarm bells for some).
However, I'd respond by saying: 1) Mulholland didn't intend this book as an exhaustive theology of God's Word (which would necessarily entail biblical references), but writes with that orthodox foundation underneath; and 2) the concept of each Christ-follower being a "word" spoken by God into the world is actually very biblical. For one, we're Christ's ambassadors, bringing his message to a world that needs it (2 Cor. 5:20). For another, we are those in whom the "word of Christ" is to "dwell richly" (Col. 3:16), thereby proclaiming & demonstrating his truth to the world. The analogies and metaphors could continue.
All in all, this is an exceptionally helpful book for nurturing one's relationship with the Lord by encountering him in the Bible. My 5 stars are given enthusiastically.
On the basis of a negative review I saw here, I'd anticipate at least two places of possible concern or disagreement from evangelical Christians (of whom I count myself a part): 1) that this book on Scripture isn't grounded enough in Scripture itself (i.e., it doesn't present Scriptural citations or references for some of its assertions); and 2) that his language of Christians being "a 'word' that God speaks us forth to be in the world" sounds a little weird at first (and the lack of direct Scripture citation to support it might set off alarm bells for some).
However, I'd respond by saying: 1) Mulholland didn't intend this book as an exhaustive theology of God's Word (which would necessarily entail biblical references), but writes with that orthodox foundation underneath; and 2) the concept of each Christ-follower being a "word" spoken by God into the world is actually very biblical. For one, we're Christ's ambassadors, bringing his message to a world that needs it (2 Cor. 5:20). For another, we are those in whom the "word of Christ" is to "dwell richly" (Col. 3:16), thereby proclaiming & demonstrating his truth to the world. The analogies and metaphors could continue.
All in all, this is an exceptionally helpful book for nurturing one's relationship with the Lord by encountering him in the Bible. My 5 stars are given enthusiastically.
February 25, 2019
If I never read "the word that God is speaking you forth to be" again it will be too soon.
For a book about the power of Scripture, Mulholland does not seem to put a lot of weight on the word of God (something I'm sure he would argue with me were he still alive) but on the reader's revelations by engaging the word of God. And, for what it's worth, this was even made frighteningly obvious when, in one brief moment, the author indicated that Scripture can speak to us as much as any other book or experience could. This very liberal and loose look at interpreting and understanding the Scriptures came to a head very early on in the book with the author's primary point:
The believer is a "word" that God is speaking out and has been since before creation.
Not only is that unbelievably irresponsible wording for a book that is meant to highlight the spiritually formational potential of the Holy Scriptures, but it's also an incredibly irresponsible way of taking the original language and stretching it beyond what was meant by it. In fact, Ephesians 1:4 is very clear that we were "chosen" by God in Christ before the foundation of the world, not "a word spoken forth by God." There's not even other supporting Scripture for such a misunderstanding. And what makes it worse is that the reader needs to hear a variation of that phrase used in almost every other paragraph.
Truthfully, I began the book thinking it was quite intriguing as it would tackle less of the educational and more the transformational aspect of approaching God's Word, but I just did not find any profound revelations in here; only ended up finding poor writing and even poorer premises.
For a book about the power of Scripture, Mulholland does not seem to put a lot of weight on the word of God (something I'm sure he would argue with me were he still alive) but on the reader's revelations by engaging the word of God. And, for what it's worth, this was even made frighteningly obvious when, in one brief moment, the author indicated that Scripture can speak to us as much as any other book or experience could. This very liberal and loose look at interpreting and understanding the Scriptures came to a head very early on in the book with the author's primary point:
The believer is a "word" that God is speaking out and has been since before creation.
Not only is that unbelievably irresponsible wording for a book that is meant to highlight the spiritually formational potential of the Holy Scriptures, but it's also an incredibly irresponsible way of taking the original language and stretching it beyond what was meant by it. In fact, Ephesians 1:4 is very clear that we were "chosen" by God in Christ before the foundation of the world, not "a word spoken forth by God." There's not even other supporting Scripture for such a misunderstanding. And what makes it worse is that the reader needs to hear a variation of that phrase used in almost every other paragraph.
Truthfully, I began the book thinking it was quite intriguing as it would tackle less of the educational and more the transformational aspect of approaching God's Word, but I just did not find any profound revelations in here; only ended up finding poor writing and even poorer premises.
February 28, 2022
Great book for connecting the head and the heart when reading scripture.
May 4, 2020
As a task-oriented INTJ who definitely leans toward reading Scripture informationally and with an end goal in mind, I really really liked this book.
That’s not to say I disagree with the points brought up in the negative reviews - I really didn’t love the phrase “the word God is speaking you to be” and there’s one page where it shows up 3-4 times in a single paragraph, and there are definitely parts that seem overly wordy or repetitive.
But for me, I was able to set aside annoyances in favor of the heart of the message. I especially loved the section where he breaks down John Wesley’s guidelines for reading Scripture and talks in depth about what each means.
The book itself isn’t highly anecdotal, but the few examples from his own life that he did share really resonated with me (and echoed experiences I’ve had as well).
I also appreciated his encouragement to read completely through the Bible - not for speed but for thoroughness.
That’s not to say I disagree with the points brought up in the negative reviews - I really didn’t love the phrase “the word God is speaking you to be” and there’s one page where it shows up 3-4 times in a single paragraph, and there are definitely parts that seem overly wordy or repetitive.
But for me, I was able to set aside annoyances in favor of the heart of the message. I especially loved the section where he breaks down John Wesley’s guidelines for reading Scripture and talks in depth about what each means.
The book itself isn’t highly anecdotal, but the few examples from his own life that he did share really resonated with me (and echoed experiences I’ve had as well).
I also appreciated his encouragement to read completely through the Bible - not for speed but for thoroughness.
May 20, 2019
This is the second time I have read this powerful book. I find the strictures more inflexible this reading. I do agree the Bible is God-breathed, but I begin to question whether it's complete. I found this book very helpful as I re-established my faith and it provides a faith-filled approach to study the Word. Mulholland challenges you to think through the message and apply it. Very helpful earlier in my journey. Recommend it to anyone beginning and needing help in how to approach such a large and potentially intimidating Book. May this book open you to a deep understanding of God's Word. Amen.
February 2, 2020
A helpful book, although a bit dry. A central theme is how easy it is to manipulate the Word for our own purposes. Mulholland has some good insights and challenges about how to be more open to God accomplishing His purposes in us through His Word.
"'Graspers' powerfully resist being grasped by God. Controllers are inherently incapable of yielding control to God. Manipulators strongly reject being shaped by God. Information gatherers are structurally closed to being addressed by God. Information takers have extreme difficulty being receivers. Frenetically functional activists find it extremely difficult to 'be still and know' that God is God." (Psalm 46:10, RSV)
"'Graspers' powerfully resist being grasped by God. Controllers are inherently incapable of yielding control to God. Manipulators strongly reject being shaped by God. Information gatherers are structurally closed to being addressed by God. Information takers have extreme difficulty being receivers. Frenetically functional activists find it extremely difficult to 'be still and know' that God is God." (Psalm 46:10, RSV)
September 17, 2025
A very helpful book that guides the reader into a deep reflection on the dynamics and motives that impact the soul being shaped by God’s Word. Mulholland is a depth at probing the inner life for the purpose of discerning when we are engaging in information reading of Scriptures vs. formation reading. He explanations of the differences between the two approaches and how their respective implications for conformity to Christ impact the believer are very prescient. Furthermore, the book repeatedly highlights key attitudes, techniques and motives in a manner that brings clarity for the reader. It was an enjoyable read that deepened my personal journey.
February 8, 2020
This is a short book that packs a powerful punch. Doesn't let the size fool you. This will not be a quick read, nor will it be a one-and-done read. The book itself exemplifies the lessons it is striving to impart. I suspect this will become a staple resource to refer to as I work to live into its guides, as well as a source of renewal when reading the Word threatens to become stale or return void. A must-read, and re-read, for anyone seeking to develop their personal relationship with Christ and live into God's unique purpose for you, in service to others!
April 11, 2020
The main premise of this book was a good one, that our life should be governed by the will of God and not our own, and that we should read scripture and communicate with God with that attitude in mind in order to truly achieve spiritual formation. That said, it wasn't until the last third of the book that I felt like this truly came through in the reading. Up to that point, the book read more like something I would expect from a new age humanist point of view. Perhaps I was expecting more instruction from a practical standpoint?
April 23, 2020
I struggled reading this at first because he was saying things I did not understand. Also he is wordy and I felt like it made the reading more difficult than it needed to be. However, I realized that for the most part, he just uses different terms for some of these concepts than I do. I'm glad I hung in there because he has some great insights into the roadblocks that can keep us from being 'shaped by the Word.' Because I had so many aha moments, I rated it 5 stars. If you are willing to grapple with the ideas he presents, I hope you will have an eye-opening experience like I did.
March 30, 2021
This is my 3rd Mulholland book. While it was less of a smooth read for some reason, it was equally convicting as his others. His aim of helping us truly letting the Bible shape us is his constant aim. He hits his 4 main ideas over and over again. This is actually helpful. It never feels like repetition but instead adding meat to the arguments his making.
If you want to interact with the scripture deeply and allow it to truly shape you in a "word" for the world "God's word" is shaping, then read and reflect on it slowly.
If you want to interact with the scripture deeply and allow it to truly shape you in a "word" for the world "God's word" is shaping, then read and reflect on it slowly.
March 21, 2023
The author I admit is one of my favourite in that what he writes he seems to have lived. So experience and with that a touch of vulnerability. The text itself is one of the best and most complete I have read about sacred reading or lectio divina. I would recommend this to any Christian who has been around for a few years to delve into and immerse themselves in this book and what it is writing about. This will always be a part of my library.
August 4, 2024
Still digesting this book. This isn't a quick read. I'm approaching this book as an awakening to my approach to scripture. Turn away from the concern for Biblical knowledge, and move towards a more receptive listening to God's word. Let it enter to dwell in my heart and life. Let the Word heal me so I can truly love like the Lord desires. Just another step down the road of being an intentional disciple of Jesus.
March 21, 2025
I really loved this book. I’ll admit, I expected it to be really practical and it’s wasn’t. But it is a great thought provoking introduction to spiritual disciplines. In particular, Mulholland’s discussion of spiritual disciples as what pushes us to be uncomfortable really stuck with me. If will probably be returning to re-read his chapter on informational versus formational reading again. Basic but such a good reminder for how we approach scripture!
May 16, 2019
This book does exactly what it says it does: you come to understand how to read Scripture for your personal spiritual formation. But the way it approaches the mindset people have about the Bible really makes it worth reading. The Bible isn’t just an informative read, but it should be read transformatively.
October 9, 2019
Excellent content gets lost in clunky language. The author's points get lost in words and phrases that are hard to understand. A good editor would make this book much more accessible. Still, for those who are willing to work through the jargon, this book will really help them read Scripture in a new way.
March 16, 2025
Loved how this book clearly defined the difference between reading the Bible for information versus reading it for formation. God’s Word will change us if we approach it from a perspective of listening with our heart rather than our ears. We must listen with the intention of allowing it to transform us into who God created us to be.
July 24, 2019
Mulholland writes about a way to approach the Bible in a way that’s personal, and life changing. I have appreciated his knowledge and ability to communicate in a way that is easy to understand and apply.
April 24, 2020
Great content with a helpful examination of spiritual formation. 3 stars only because it was quite repetitive and read like a term paper (the thesis, organization and chapter summaries would have earned a straight A)!
November 27, 2021
At times hard to read, but persevered to the end.
Main takeaway, read the Bible for transformation not just information. A lot of how we use the Bible is for information, rarely do I linger over words/passages for transformation as per Lectio Divina..
Main takeaway, read the Bible for transformation not just information. A lot of how we use the Bible is for information, rarely do I linger over words/passages for transformation as per Lectio Divina..
November 25, 2024
This is almost certainly a book that I’ll come back to in 10 years and wonder why I only gave it 3 stars. The content is fantastic and yet I struggled to connect- my best guess is I wasn’t quite ready for it. Stay tuned in a decade for the updated review!
June 17, 2025
This was probably my least favorite book of his that I’ve read, but I did enjoy it. It did stick with me how he talked about formational vs informational reading, which is an area where I certainly struggle and want to get better.
June 29, 2019
I really appreciate the call here to move from informational to transformational hermeneutics.
November 5, 2020
Highly recommend- this book played a huge role in shifting the way I approach Scripture in a more contemplative/meditative, conversational way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews