The Fire of the Word: Meeting God on Holy Ground

by Chris Webb

The Bible has the astounding power to transform lives. The stories of people like Francis of Assisi, Antony of Egypt, Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr. vividly demonstrate this. Why aren't more of us transformed by Scripture today?

Too often we study biblical texts without believing that God truly inhabits this book. Scripture seeks to capture our minds, not merely educate them. In these pages Chris Webb explains that we can transform our Christian life by reading as lovers rather than as theorists. This is possible by coming to the text prayerfully, expectantly, in humility and empty-handed. When we open the Bible, it does not say to us, "Listen: God is there!" Instead, the voice of the Spirit whispers through each line, "Look: I am here."

Reading the Bible this way can reconfigure the habits of your heart, refresh your imagination and memory, reshape and redeem your emotions, realign your reality individually and communally for kingdom life, and take us beyond the Bible into a renewed way of life.

Here is the work of today--which is also the work of the whole of life--to open your heart afresh to the living Word of God.

Genres: Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Christian Living, Spirituality

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 2, 2011

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at contemplative prayer and reading of the Bible. An encouragement to change the way I often approach reading the Bible. "Contemplative reading of the Bible is the art of dwelling in the presence of our limitless God within the rich, complex, immense and beautiful universe of Scripture. ...Contemplative prayer is the soul similarly at rest in our Father's arms, listening to his heartbeat, rejoicing in his loving presence."

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I really enjoyed this book! I could relate to practically everything he wrote about, and I think that this book has helped me look at the Bible in a new light. The Bible is not about helping us being philosophical thinkers; it's about showing us the true nature of God. This book kept my attention and pointed out real problems that a lot of Christians have when it comes to reading the Bible. I was really impressed by the author's writing and how well it related to my life. I also love how he tied in historical, Christian writings from hundreds of years ago.

[D.J. Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's style of writing caught my attention from the very beginning and I was never disappointed throughout the entire book. Both writing and content are excellent. I highly recommend this book.

[Lori Neff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went through this book with a small group. It very so interesting and prompted some excellent conversation.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chris Webb’s The Fire of the Word is a book which does well compelling you to read scripture. The book has many practical suggestions with which to read scripture in a fresh way. Most chapters include seven days of suggested reading to work through in coalescence with the book. Webb is a very vividly descriptive writer who pulls you into his story with ease. I say story because much of the book is rooted in Webb’s experiences and challenges which he has sought to over come. Many of his proposals have been learned from experience. Webb stems from a much more liturgical and traditional branch of Christianity and does well highlighting some of the worthwhile ways in which Christians of bygone days have engaged scripture. While at times I found portions of this odd it was generally refreshing.

Webb writes this book as a corrective against an overly academic or authoritarian approach to scripture which he labels the theorist approach. He proposes that one ought to approach scripture as a lover (pulling from the language and imagery of the Song of Solomon). On the one hand this does free anyone engage scripture and be confident that they are hearing from God. On the other hand, Webb perhaps over reacts to the theorist drawing a false dichotomy where a pursuit of balance might have served as a better solution.

In one chapter Webb spotlights the medieval theologian and philosopher John Duns Scotus as a sort of founder of the Christ-centered reading of scripture approach. This would have been fine had Webb merely highlighted this element of Scotus’ teaching. Unfortunately, Webb goes on mention some of Scotus’ views concerning the necessity of the incarnation without adequately addressing this issue. In short, Scotus rejected the idea of that forgiveness could only be attained through Jesus being the incarnate Son of God. As this book is geared toward a wide audience I wish Webb had refrained from highlighting something so controversial and with wide ranging ramifications. It seems to me that in an effort to protect Scotus’ teachings concerning God’s absolute freedom it seems Scotus failed to reconcile the words of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane. A practice of imposing doctrine which Webb had himself (appropriately) condemned earlier in the book.

Webb admittedly and obviously draws heavily on Moses’ burning bush encounter. Yet, it seems, Webb finds himself stuck in an old covenant mindset concerning encounters with God. I regularly found myself wishing that Webb would better elaborate the biblical teachings concerning the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit who breathed the breath of God into the text of scripture (inspiring it) indwells believers sealing them for the day of redemption, as Paul writes. The Holy Spirit is always present in believers pointing them continually to Christ and working to further develop the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. Believers are welcome to ask God to feel His presence in a keen and refreshing way but believers always ought to know and be confident of the continued presence of the Spirit of Christ. The body and bride of Jesus never needs to plea David’s Psalm 51 prayer asking God not take His Spirit from them since believers are a part of the new covenant of Christ’s blood. Finally, a basic understanding of the distinction between a believer’s union with Christ and communion with Him goes a long way in helping bridge the chasm believers feel resulting from sin.

All in all, this is a decent book. I understand and resonate with where Webb is coming from, but this book is at times too simplistic, lacking precision and perspective. I would, in the right circumstances, recommend this book to an individual but for most I think you can safely give it a pass.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was refreshing to delve into some of the oldest traditions in Scripture reading and contemplation. Many of these rose from Catholic tradition, and as someone who was raised evangelical, I wasn’t raised with these. Though, they’ve piqued my interest in recent years - specifically lectio divina and the exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. I also like the imagery Webb uses in his writing; it is a sensory experience, which is meant to draw the reader in and inspire them to become aware of such depth in Scripture as well. Reading the Bible is something that became difficult for me when I left mainstream evangelicalism. I would open my Bible, eager to read, but then found myself getting quickly disillusioned due to all my many questions or frustrated by the lack of simplicity that I once knew. But Webb’s book helped me to regain a sense of wonder. He invites readers to take a step back from analyzing Scripture and slow down to experience it. And not for its own sake, but for the sake of knowing Jesus better.

“Never lose sight that the Bible exists to draw you beyond itself into the presence of Jesus... As you open the Bible, Jesus is present. If your reading leads you to him, you’re doing it right.” (190)

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Webb's book challenges some of the language I often use and the thought behind it of being a "student of the Word." Webb contends that we often treat the scriptures as simply a text to analyze, understand, and apply rather that the God-breathed communication of the living God who wants to meet us through the words of this book.

Not only does Webb remind us that the purpose of scripture is not that we know the Bible but that we know and love the Lord. He also leads us through a series of exercises in reading, reflection, listening and attention that help us meet the Lord afresh. Each chapter includes a week of readings around the theme of the chapter.

One of the surprises for me was his chapter on holiness, in which he painted a picture of holiness as joyful wholeness, including this quote: "sinners may have the wildest parties but saints have the most fun."

[Davis Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very refreshing and different perspective to add to my diet of theological/devotional reading. With all the bad rap that the term "mysticism" receives in Christian communities, Webb goes a long way toward restoring a proper biblical approach to a mystic way of Christian living—one that is rooted in Scripture rather than subjectivity, and he grounds his thoughts in a rich panoply of historical voices across the entire spectrum of Christianity. Naturally I don't entirely agree with his method (after all, it's rare that I'm completely persuaded by anything), but it's a worthy read for Christians of all persuasions, and written with true passion and skill as well rather than bland, maudlin devotional prose.

[Sam Gallucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not hesitate to read this book; I did and I regret this. I read through it all the way. I'll be reading it again. Chris Webb's inspired ideas and love for the Word is clear. You will not be untouched by his passionate call to experience the Word. He implores us to go beyond extracting Truth from the Bible like the analysis of a textbook. Webb brings in many of the teachings of monasticism and early Christian thought to make reading the Bible into a conversation with God that consumes us and our surroundings like fire.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you like me? Do you have shelves of books that you bought and really wanted to read and their still sitting on the shelf? I recently decided to do something about that. I determined I will read the books I own before I start others. (We all know that didn't happen because book stores are like candy for me!) So I pulled The Fire of the Word off the shelf and began. I wish I had read this when I bought it.
This is not just another book about how to read the Word. It's about reading and retaining the Word so that it is constantly available in your mind for daily use. It's about coming to the understanding that God really wants to meet us in the pages of His Word.
Chris Webb suggests we read prayerfully, with humility, expectantly, and without a personal agenda. We should read with the expectation that He will meet us in the words and in the spaces.
This is a really powerful book and I highly recommend it if you want to discover more about reading and using God's Word.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bible is not so much a book to read as to experience. That is the premise Chris Webb unfolds in The Fire of the Word. And Webb’s book is not one primarily aimed at giving us information or helping us learn new skills. Rather it guides us into experiencing God in his Word.

Each chapter considers a different dynamic like hearing, not being afraid, receiving God’s love, and more. At the end of each chapter are seven readings, one per day, in which we can participate in the kind of experience the chapter considers.

Webb opens or closes each chapter with an apt story that draws us into not only into ways of immersing ourselves in Scripture but also into a deeper relationship with God.

[Suzi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly impactful! I was drawn in by the authors writing style and was moved greatly by his words to encourage a contemplative Christian life. There are few things that I’m not in total agreement but overall I think it is a must read - one of “classics” for every Christian’s library. I’m already planning a re-read….so many practical bites of information and inspiration!

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, read by the author, and ordered a hard copy before even half way through. This is a book I will spend time reading and rereading. The fresh and honest perspective on Scripture reading has already had an impact on my time in the Word.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and enjoyable read that details the hows and whys of reading scripture contemplatively. I plan to revisit it and go through the devotional readings at the end of each chapter.

[T Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Developing Discipline

If you are looking to develop consistency in your spiritual disciplines and grow deeper in the Word - Fire of the Word is a good resource.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was hard to get into for me. It may have been the narrator, but I did not connect to it.

[Dawn Cooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a good listen. I will be buying the book so I can truely learn how to love the inspired word of God.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book at exactly the right time as I am on a short sabbatical. Last year I decided I'd read the Bible in a year but it became such a chore, almost made me angry at times. Then reading Metaxas' book on Luther, I was freed of that!

So I was looking for some fresh insight into the Word of God. I wanted to have Hebrews 4: 12 going on again. There is just a lot of great stuff in this book.

And another thing, a woman whom I've been getting to know, told me when I mentioned the book that she had read it twice and knew the author. Very providential. I have a more detailed review on my Google Drive.

[Brandon Cerny · Rating 2 out of 5]

**This book was given to me for free through Goodreads First Reads**

I am always interested in Religious Studies, always looking for something new. Something that make might sense to an agnostic.

Unfortunately, this book was a waste of my time. There is nothing new or particularly insightful about this forage into Bible based faith.

I am sure it will be popular in Christian Libraries and Church gift shops.

[Nawnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads.
I actually really liked the way this book was written, even though I'm not all that interested in being able to read or understand the bible any better I can see how this book would be helpful to people that want to get more out of their reading. This is a book I would buy as a gift for my Mom or Grandmother, I think either of them would have appreciated it more than I did.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this with my Bible study group. There were several points of new interest and a fresh way to look at Scripture that enlightened and challenged me. Overall, however, the book was confusing and scattered. A number of chapters started out with stories or anecdotes that had no relevance to the topic that ensued. I don’t think I’d recommend it but there were a few key, wonderful points that I pulled out that have had a positive impact in my life.

[Marjorie Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy Scriptures, like a candle or campfire, is best appreciated when two or more are gathered. I read Chris Webb's Renovare book on my own, having failed to find or take the initiative to start a local Renovare spiritual formation group. I confess I did not read, much less meditate on the passages listed at chapter endings. But Richard Foster's foreword and Webb's personal and historical stories illuminated by the light of the world enflamed my passion for the Living Word written and embodied.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about meeting God in scripture. That's a good idea but not one that is fully appreciated or practiced. Simply too often assumed for those who do read it. This is a book that you need to take your time with. Not that it is difficult; it's not. It simply suggests an approach to scripture that most are not in the habit of practicing. I particularly enjoyed the chapter, Anatomy of the Soul.

[Debbie]

My copy just arrived from the GoodReads First Reads giveaway. I can't wait to get into this book. I'm hoping that it will enhance my reading of the Bible and bring a deeper understanding of the Word!

Then I read in my church newsletter that there will be a new book study starting soon... using this book! Can't wait!

[Wendy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This came to me at a dry time w/Bible reading. The author causes you to really think and I found myself actually being more hungry and engaged with the Word as I looked references up and thought it through. If you don't have it, you should.

[Melody · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. I never cought the 'fire'. There were a few good chapters where he brought a new perspective on scripture, but most of it was just okay-like reading a textbook because it was assigned, not because there is any pleasure in it.

[Mark Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely great book for discovering the more contemplative, meditative, and prayerful ways of reading scripture. Would be a great book for small groups to read with daily reading for each day for 16 weeks. Spiritually enriching.

[Tisha G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read this for a class. I'm glad. The book is outstanding.

[A. Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is primarily a tool for guided study.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was worth the 3 months I spent working through the chapters and daily Scriptures. Excellent content and personal experience.