What do you think?
Rate this book
Humility Illuminated: The Biblical Path Back to Christian Character
The modern church is immersed in a competitive, polarized, and status-driven society. It's hard to have conversations about important issues when so many are defensive and unwilling to learn. Too often, Christians fall into these same traps. The health and witness of the church urgently depend on recovering an essential biblical humility.
New Testament scholar Dennis R. Edwards illuminates humility as a, if not the, distinctive identity marker of followers of Jesus. Tracing the theme throughout Scripture, he demonstrates how true humility is grounded in submission to God and becomes manifest in all areas of life. Edwards defuses common misconceptions about humility and explores its role in Christian community, conflict, leadership, suffering, worship, and stewardship.
As we learn from and honor the humble instead of the power-hungry, humility paradoxically empowers God's people—including those who are often marginalized. Filled with stories from the author's ministry experience, Humility Illuminated addresses common areas of leadership failure and how to avoid them, applies biblical texts on humility to multiethnic ministry and justice work, and issues a compelling challenge to the church.
Biblical humility is not a tactic, and it's not just "being nice." It's a revolutionary path to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
New Testament scholar Dennis R. Edwards illuminates humility as a, if not the, distinctive identity marker of followers of Jesus. Tracing the theme throughout Scripture, he demonstrates how true humility is grounded in submission to God and becomes manifest in all areas of life. Edwards defuses common misconceptions about humility and explores its role in Christian community, conflict, leadership, suffering, worship, and stewardship.
As we learn from and honor the humble instead of the power-hungry, humility paradoxically empowers God's people—including those who are often marginalized. Filled with stories from the author's ministry experience, Humility Illuminated addresses common areas of leadership failure and how to avoid them, applies biblical texts on humility to multiethnic ministry and justice work, and issues a compelling challenge to the church.
Biblical humility is not a tactic, and it's not just "being nice." It's a revolutionary path to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2023
12 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Dennis R. Edwards
11 books6 followersDennis R. Edwards is associate professor of New Testament at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. An author and sought-after speaker at conferences and universities, Edwards has served as a church planter in Brooklyn and Washington, DC. He has worked in urban ministry for nearly three decades. Edwards holds degrees from Cornell University (BS, chemical engineering), Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MDiv, Urban Ministry), and Catholic University of America (MA & PhD, Biblical Studies), and is ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 13, 2023
I wouldn't trust just anyone to write a book on humility. As a woman, I've heard too many powerful leaders advocate for submission or humility or silence--for others--without embodying those qualities themselves. Dr. Edwards is different. He had already earned my respect as a peaceable and humble leader who lifts up those around him. During his years of experience in both pastoral ministry and academic service he has cultivated hard-earned wisdom.
One of his most unique contributions to this topic is that Dr. Edwards is sensitive to power dynamics that affect women and minorities and he's careful to help us see that humility does not mean passivity in the face of injustice. I'm grateful for his work!
Here are some of my favorite lines in the book:
"Without humility there is no justice" (7).
"Humility fosters collaboration, which can energize us to find solutions to problems" (17).
"Humility does not mean a lack of assertiveness or a rejection of firm truth-telling" (67).
"True humility...does not ignore or accept oppression, but instead seeks human flourishing by eliminating injustice through self-sacrificial love" (156).
"Humble people are justifiably angry toward evil because they are attuned to injustice, and they also understand that dismantling unjust systems does not contradict but is a consequence of humility. Because humility is yielding to God and committing to peacemaking, it cannot equate to passivity. Marginalized people embody humility by focusing on the pain and alienation of others--not just their own -- and joining in solidarity with the disinherited for the purpose of justice" (161).
One of his most unique contributions to this topic is that Dr. Edwards is sensitive to power dynamics that affect women and minorities and he's careful to help us see that humility does not mean passivity in the face of injustice. I'm grateful for his work!
Here are some of my favorite lines in the book:
"Without humility there is no justice" (7).
"Humility fosters collaboration, which can energize us to find solutions to problems" (17).
"Humility does not mean a lack of assertiveness or a rejection of firm truth-telling" (67).
"True humility...does not ignore or accept oppression, but instead seeks human flourishing by eliminating injustice through self-sacrificial love" (156).
"Humble people are justifiably angry toward evil because they are attuned to injustice, and they also understand that dismantling unjust systems does not contradict but is a consequence of humility. Because humility is yielding to God and committing to peacemaking, it cannot equate to passivity. Marginalized people embody humility by focusing on the pain and alienation of others--not just their own -- and joining in solidarity with the disinherited for the purpose of justice" (161).
September 21, 2023
Some thoughts:
- A relatively short but insightful book about humility as a core element of Christian life and character. True humility is countercultural and thoroughly Christ-centred, rejecting the competitiveness and arrogance that saturates our culture and impacts the health of our churches.
- In some places, some statements felt a little bit repetitive, and the author also includes footnotes which don't always seem completely relevant (e.g. comments about the authorship and historicity of the Pauline epistles). But there were also plenty of hard-hitting observations and memorable lines.
- I appreciated the author's insights, even though I'm from a very different cultural context and don't hold to the exact positions he does on specific topics. This was another NetGalley read, so I can't share any direct quotes. But overall, this was enjoyable and gave me a few new things to think about and reflect on (e.g. humility in relation to church seating habits and public reading of scripture).
- A relatively short but insightful book about humility as a core element of Christian life and character. True humility is countercultural and thoroughly Christ-centred, rejecting the competitiveness and arrogance that saturates our culture and impacts the health of our churches.
- In some places, some statements felt a little bit repetitive, and the author also includes footnotes which don't always seem completely relevant (e.g. comments about the authorship and historicity of the Pauline epistles). But there were also plenty of hard-hitting observations and memorable lines.
- I appreciated the author's insights, even though I'm from a very different cultural context and don't hold to the exact positions he does on specific topics. This was another NetGalley read, so I can't share any direct quotes. But overall, this was enjoyable and gave me a few new things to think about and reflect on (e.g. humility in relation to church seating habits and public reading of scripture).
June 24, 2024
Excellent book! Defines and describes humility in holistic ways. I was hoping to hear more of how to pursue humility, which seems to be lacking in the book. But overall good job in showing how humility affects all of life. The Author excels at showing just how counter-cultural humility is in an overly competitive, Rome like American society.
December 26, 2023
Humility Illuminated: The Biblical Path to Back to Christian Character by Dennis R. Edwards is a bold, yet necessary, call back to a key aspect of Christian doctrine and lifestyle. By situating himself within the words of the Christ Hymn (Philippians 2:5–11) as a basis, Edwards explores the concept of Humility first in the Old and then New Testaments in chapters 1 and 2. Edwards then uses this base to explore the topic of humility by describing its roles in the functions or attributes of a Christ centered humility. He covers embodying, communing, reconciling, shepherding, enduring, worshipping, stewarding, and empowering as broad terms that relate to his wide and developed ideal of biblical humility in each of his chapters. In his chapters Edwards uses a balanced approach of anecdotal data, biblical exegesis, and drawing from church history to develop his concepts and points. This results in a deeply considered and balanced approach that is both informative and engaging to read.
Perhaps the best aspect of Edwards book is the balanced approach he takes. Unlike Andrew Murray’s classic Humility, Edwards does not advocate for the dismissal of humankind or take an aggressively low view of mankind. However, Edwards also does not fall into the trap of providing too high of an anthropology by elevating humankind beyond what the Scriptures assign us. The result is a deeply balanced and thoughtful product that both encourages the reader to seek biblical humility deeper while not giving into the despair other writers may attempt to espouse.
Edwards also seems to understand that no theology or Christian teaching happens in a vacuum. He seems to be deeply aware of the systematic injustices that plague the modern world as he writes with a sensitivity to issues of feminism, racial inequality, and economic disparity. In this way Edwards seems to model his own call for humility as he writes carefully and with a broad audience in mind. The end product of Humility Illuminated is a balanced teaching that will be of great use and spiritual formation to the broad audience of Christian readers from pastors to lay people, and it is certainly a text that will distinguish itself as one of the more useful books on the broad concept of “humility”.
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley, however the opinions reflected in this review are my own.
Perhaps the best aspect of Edwards book is the balanced approach he takes. Unlike Andrew Murray’s classic Humility, Edwards does not advocate for the dismissal of humankind or take an aggressively low view of mankind. However, Edwards also does not fall into the trap of providing too high of an anthropology by elevating humankind beyond what the Scriptures assign us. The result is a deeply balanced and thoughtful product that both encourages the reader to seek biblical humility deeper while not giving into the despair other writers may attempt to espouse.
Edwards also seems to understand that no theology or Christian teaching happens in a vacuum. He seems to be deeply aware of the systematic injustices that plague the modern world as he writes with a sensitivity to issues of feminism, racial inequality, and economic disparity. In this way Edwards seems to model his own call for humility as he writes carefully and with a broad audience in mind. The end product of Humility Illuminated is a balanced teaching that will be of great use and spiritual formation to the broad audience of Christian readers from pastors to lay people, and it is certainly a text that will distinguish itself as one of the more useful books on the broad concept of “humility”.
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley, however the opinions reflected in this review are my own.
February 27, 2024
Summary: A study of humility throughout scripture, showing it as the distinctive identifier of those who follow Jesus.
Almost everywhere one looks, one finds evidence of American churches embracing the cause of American greatness, trying to seize control of American institutions, scheming to “win” the culture war. Meanwhile, hardly a week goes by where there isn’t news of pastoral corruption, whether with regard to funds, the abuse of authority, or the abuse of others or covering such abuse. Meanwhile, youth are heading for the doors. For many, it is not lack of belief in Jesus but rather that the church looks nothing like the Jesus who “came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” In a word, they see nothing of the humility of Jesus.
Dennis R. Edwards, a pastor for many years and a seminary professor and dean, believes it is desperately important to understand the nature of biblical humility because such humility is the identity marker that sets Christians apart from the surrounding culture, whether in the first or twenty-first centuries. Both then and now status, control, power were celebrated and humility looked down upon. Yet this was the way of Jesus who followed a path of descent from God’s right hand all the way to the cross to redeem a lost humanity. In this book Edwards shows from an extensive survey of scripture how this is to be the way of life for those who follow after Jesus.
His study begins in the Old Testament with Moses focusing on how Moses was a man who yielded to God, submitting to him. Such submission is closely tied to the fear of the Lord, that all of life is lived before God. He follows with a study of how Jesus embodies humility, riding a donkey into Jerusalem, centering the poor, women, and children in his ministry. He finishes this with Paul’s portrait of the humble Jesus in Philippians 2.
He then reflects for several chapters on the implications of humility for the church. He discusses communing rather than competing for place as a key to the unity of the church. He uses the household codes in Paul to observe their call for those naturally holding power to humble themselves and sees this as a key for multi-ethnic ministry. He speaks of the crucial role of humility in reconciliation, proposing that all of Romans is written around Romans 14-15 and the conflict between Jewish and Gentile parts of the church in Rome. Reconciliation and the humility that leads to it are also key to understanding Philippians. For pastors, humility is expressed in shepherding, not a domineering control as in some “shepherding” movements but in nurturing instruction by example, who live out a mutuality of care and oversight and vulnerable confession.
Suffering of various sorts is an occasion for humility, yielding ourselves to God in it and enduring in the hope that God will, in due time raise us up. Our worship together is an occasion for humility from the yielding of ourselves to God to the yielding of our seats to each other. Everything from how we read scripture to singing and song choices to how we arrange our meals to welcome each other are occasions for humility. Stewarding, whether of our time, talent, or treasure, or our collective stewarding of creation for the common good of all God’s creatures and not just ourselves call out humility in us.
Edward’s chapter on empowering gets to the heart of the choice we face. I think the church in America is where it is because we don’t believe that God will lift up, exalt, and empower the humble. Hence we seek to lift up, grasp for power, and exalt ourselves, ignoring the warnings of God for those who do this. Humility tests and reveals our faith, or lack thereof, in God. In this book, Edwards, with gentleness and an encouraging spirit, lays out the way of Jesus which is the way of the humble servant, submissive to God and considerate of others. He leaves us with the choice of whether we will yield to this countercultural way of living that identifies us with Jesus, or identify with the world.
This is a timely text, when so many signs seem to point to the success of the arrogant, to those who flout humility and integrity of character. Edwards’ book calls me and helps me through his own pastoral writing to “turn my eyes toward Jesus.”
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
Almost everywhere one looks, one finds evidence of American churches embracing the cause of American greatness, trying to seize control of American institutions, scheming to “win” the culture war. Meanwhile, hardly a week goes by where there isn’t news of pastoral corruption, whether with regard to funds, the abuse of authority, or the abuse of others or covering such abuse. Meanwhile, youth are heading for the doors. For many, it is not lack of belief in Jesus but rather that the church looks nothing like the Jesus who “came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” In a word, they see nothing of the humility of Jesus.
Dennis R. Edwards, a pastor for many years and a seminary professor and dean, believes it is desperately important to understand the nature of biblical humility because such humility is the identity marker that sets Christians apart from the surrounding culture, whether in the first or twenty-first centuries. Both then and now status, control, power were celebrated and humility looked down upon. Yet this was the way of Jesus who followed a path of descent from God’s right hand all the way to the cross to redeem a lost humanity. In this book Edwards shows from an extensive survey of scripture how this is to be the way of life for those who follow after Jesus.
His study begins in the Old Testament with Moses focusing on how Moses was a man who yielded to God, submitting to him. Such submission is closely tied to the fear of the Lord, that all of life is lived before God. He follows with a study of how Jesus embodies humility, riding a donkey into Jerusalem, centering the poor, women, and children in his ministry. He finishes this with Paul’s portrait of the humble Jesus in Philippians 2.
He then reflects for several chapters on the implications of humility for the church. He discusses communing rather than competing for place as a key to the unity of the church. He uses the household codes in Paul to observe their call for those naturally holding power to humble themselves and sees this as a key for multi-ethnic ministry. He speaks of the crucial role of humility in reconciliation, proposing that all of Romans is written around Romans 14-15 and the conflict between Jewish and Gentile parts of the church in Rome. Reconciliation and the humility that leads to it are also key to understanding Philippians. For pastors, humility is expressed in shepherding, not a domineering control as in some “shepherding” movements but in nurturing instruction by example, who live out a mutuality of care and oversight and vulnerable confession.
Suffering of various sorts is an occasion for humility, yielding ourselves to God in it and enduring in the hope that God will, in due time raise us up. Our worship together is an occasion for humility from the yielding of ourselves to God to the yielding of our seats to each other. Everything from how we read scripture to singing and song choices to how we arrange our meals to welcome each other are occasions for humility. Stewarding, whether of our time, talent, or treasure, or our collective stewarding of creation for the common good of all God’s creatures and not just ourselves call out humility in us.
Edward’s chapter on empowering gets to the heart of the choice we face. I think the church in America is where it is because we don’t believe that God will lift up, exalt, and empower the humble. Hence we seek to lift up, grasp for power, and exalt ourselves, ignoring the warnings of God for those who do this. Humility tests and reveals our faith, or lack thereof, in God. In this book, Edwards, with gentleness and an encouraging spirit, lays out the way of Jesus which is the way of the humble servant, submissive to God and considerate of others. He leaves us with the choice of whether we will yield to this countercultural way of living that identifies us with Jesus, or identify with the world.
This is a timely text, when so many signs seem to point to the success of the arrogant, to those who flout humility and integrity of character. Edwards’ book calls me and helps me through his own pastoral writing to “turn my eyes toward Jesus.”
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
October 7, 2023
Dennis Edwards Humility Illuminated
Technological issues prevented me from reading this book in its entirety, but I read enough for it to profoundly cause me to reconsider the maturity of my Christian life. I thought of humility as a personal attribute prior to reading Edwards book, but failed to understand the dynamic influence it has in all of life. It is a foundation stone of Christian discipleship.
Australia is going to the polls in less than a week to vote on The Voice, seeking a way forward for the indigenous peoples of the land to have a voice. As a result of reading Edwards treatise on humility, I was recently able to engage in a conversation around this controversial subject with an attitude that was more curious and empathic.
I would hasten to add to prospective readers that this is a dense book in many respects, and requires considerable thought. It is laced with personal examples to ground its principles, but I still found it a slow read. (This may be a reflection of this reader and not the writing.) There is much to learn in the pages of this book, and the author is an able guide to those who work towards peace with our neighbours.
Technological issues prevented me from reading this book in its entirety, but I read enough for it to profoundly cause me to reconsider the maturity of my Christian life. I thought of humility as a personal attribute prior to reading Edwards book, but failed to understand the dynamic influence it has in all of life. It is a foundation stone of Christian discipleship.
Australia is going to the polls in less than a week to vote on The Voice, seeking a way forward for the indigenous peoples of the land to have a voice. As a result of reading Edwards treatise on humility, I was recently able to engage in a conversation around this controversial subject with an attitude that was more curious and empathic.
I would hasten to add to prospective readers that this is a dense book in many respects, and requires considerable thought. It is laced with personal examples to ground its principles, but I still found it a slow read. (This may be a reflection of this reader and not the writing.) There is much to learn in the pages of this book, and the author is an able guide to those who work towards peace with our neighbours.
November 7, 2023
I found this to be a gentle yet forthright look at humility in regards to a number of aspects of Christian living. For instance, regarding: prejudice, Bible reading, worship, singing, tithing, and even as simple or as complicated as church 'potluck' meals. In some parts of the book, I found myself losing interest but then it picked up and I realized I'd never quite read such an expose on humility before so focused my attention better on this opportunity to read a unique book for learning about it. The author guides the sincere believer reader to have the mind of Christ; to be humble as He was in coming to earth. May one and all who read this book be blessed.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
September 2023
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
September 2023
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
January 12, 2024
Dennis R. Edwards really has a way of lighting the path without forcing one to take a step. Humility is one of those phrases in Christianity that, while well meaning, has really created a lot of heartbreak with individuals because of using humility wrongly. Dennis really takes you on a short, but very empowering eye opening journey on what true humility is. It isn't just being nice. It isn't being passive. This book gives us a new lens to look at what Jesus meant when he called us to be more like him. It's really well thought out in breaking it down on how it looks, and it's a book I think I will be turning to quite frequently. Worthy of book shelf space!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
January 12, 2024
Dennis R. Edwards really has a way of lighting the path without forcing one to take a step. Humility is one of those phrases in Christianity that, while well meaning, has really created a lot of heartbreak with individuals because of using humility wrongly. Dennis really takes you on a short, but very empowering eye opening journey on what true humility is. It isn't just being nice. It isn't being passive. This book gives us a new lens to look at what Jesus meant when he called us to be more like him. It's really well thought out in breaking it down on how it looks, and it's a book I think I will be turning to quite frequently. Worthy of book shelf space!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
May 23, 2025
heard this author speak and he was excellent .. used this book for a small group and i don't know that it's a great fit for that .. gleaned some really great things from the book, but overall i was not a complete fan for various reasons .. what it certainly did was highlight how vital humility is as a Christian virtue .. shed light on it as a Christian distinctive, which i always appreciated .. it definitely got me to see more clearly that humility is mainly about understanding our position in relation to God and in relation to all other humans .. we're fully reliant on him and fully equal to everyone else .. something like that .. it seems simple, but there's a lot of depth there that really helps in considering how to live life in a lot of ways ..
June 6, 2025
Good for me
This book met me where I am and simultaneously comforted and disrupted me. Many of Edward’s ideas deeply resonated while some of his thoughts came off as “off”. I’m going to sit with this content and mull it over, Lord-willing humbly.
I would recommend this to anyone wanting to read about humility and gain an understanding of the many ways humility can/should shape the Christian’s life.
This book met me where I am and simultaneously comforted and disrupted me. Many of Edward’s ideas deeply resonated while some of his thoughts came off as “off”. I’m going to sit with this content and mull it over, Lord-willing humbly.
I would recommend this to anyone wanting to read about humility and gain an understanding of the many ways humility can/should shape the Christian’s life.
December 12, 2024
Appropriately titled - this book taught me a lot about humility and what that means for our lives as Christians. There is a lot of Biblical references which I did not take the time to research myself. I have this book on my shelf to reread in conjunction with the study of the Scriptures next time.
October 10, 2025
Dennis embodies humility as a person. It’s an apt subject for him.
The book functions more as a window into humility rather than a hearth by which we can warm ourselves and stay for a while. That’s not bad at all.
The book functions more as a window into humility rather than a hearth by which we can warm ourselves and stay for a while. That’s not bad at all.
November 28, 2023
This is the best book on humility available today for Christians—especially if you already think you know what humility is all about.
January 22, 2024
may we grow down into God-likeness!
December 12, 2024
I didn't realize I hadn't written a review of this! I use this as a devotional with my Bible reading in the morning. It was a gift from a friend. So much wisdom!
October 23, 2023
A good primer on humility. Not exactly sure who Edwards' intended audience was, but some of the footnotes were distracting - acknowledging not everyone agrees Peter wrote 1 Peter, or Paul wrote the Pastoral Epistles - which I understand, but it felt like a Hail Mary to appease those who are probably outliers. I didn't have a problem where he and I may disagree, but, like others have commented, the footnotes were something that were more distracting than helpful.
Some really, really good nuggets of truth in this. And a little bit of jargon that didn't QUITE feel like it connected to the premise.
Some really, really good nuggets of truth in this. And a little bit of jargon that didn't QUITE feel like it connected to the premise.
December 27, 2025
Very well written and backed. Convicted. Will be revisiting.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews