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Renewing the Christian Mind: Essays, Interviews, and Talks
From Dallas Willard, one of the most important Christian intellectuals of the 20th century, comes a collection of readings, interviews, talks, and articles, many previously unpublished.
In his groundbreaking books The Divine Conspiracy, The Great Omission, Knowing Christ Today, Hearing God, The Spirit of the Disciplines, The Divine Conspiracy Continued, and The Allure of Gentleness, teacher, philosopher, and spiritual guide Dallas Willard forever changed the way many Christians experience their faith. Three years after his death, the influence of this provocative Christian thinker - "a man devoted to reestablishing the exalted place moral reasoning once held in the academy" (Christianity Today) - remains strong.
Compiled, edited, and introduced by his friend and fellow theologian, Gary Black, Jr., Renewing the Christian Mind is a collection of essays, interviews, and articles that brilliantly encapsulate Willard's spiritual philosophy and his contributions to theology.
Renewing the Christian Mind offers insight into spiritual formation, avocation, and theology and includes sections directed at specific audiences, from church leaders to laypeople looking for spiritual counsel and nurture. Reasoned, honest, thought-provoking, and illuminating, this important anthology is an invaluable introduction and companion to Dallas Willard's acclaimed body of work.
19 hrs. 44 min.
In his groundbreaking books The Divine Conspiracy, The Great Omission, Knowing Christ Today, Hearing God, The Spirit of the Disciplines, The Divine Conspiracy Continued, and The Allure of Gentleness, teacher, philosopher, and spiritual guide Dallas Willard forever changed the way many Christians experience their faith. Three years after his death, the influence of this provocative Christian thinker - "a man devoted to reestablishing the exalted place moral reasoning once held in the academy" (Christianity Today) - remains strong.
Compiled, edited, and introduced by his friend and fellow theologian, Gary Black, Jr., Renewing the Christian Mind is a collection of essays, interviews, and articles that brilliantly encapsulate Willard's spiritual philosophy and his contributions to theology.
Renewing the Christian Mind offers insight into spiritual formation, avocation, and theology and includes sections directed at specific audiences, from church leaders to laypeople looking for spiritual counsel and nurture. Reasoned, honest, thought-provoking, and illuminating, this important anthology is an invaluable introduction and companion to Dallas Willard's acclaimed body of work.
19 hrs. 44 min.
20 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 12, 2016
295 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Dallas Willard
118 books1,129 followersDallas Willard was a widely respected American philosopher and Christian thinker, best known for his work on spiritual formation and his expertise in phenomenology, particularly the philosophy of Edmund Husserl. He taught philosophy at the University of Southern California from 1965 until his death in 2013, where he also served as department chair in the early 1980s. Willard held degrees in psychology, philosophy, and religion, earning his PhD in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a focus on the history of science. He was recognized as a leading translator and interpreter of Husserl's thought, making foundational texts available in English and contributing significantly to the fields of epistemology, philosophy of mind, and logic.
Though a serious academic, Willard became even more widely known for his books on Christian living, including The Divine Conspiracy and Renovation of the Heart, both of which earned major awards and helped shape the modern spiritual formation movement. He believed that discipleship to Jesus was an intentional process involving not only belief but transformation through spiritual disciplines like prayer, study, solitude, and service. For Willard, spiritual growth was not about earning God’s favor but about participating in the divine life through active cooperation with grace.
His teachings emphasized the concept of apprenticeship to Jesus—being with him, learning to be like him—and his influence extended to ministries such as Renovaré, the Apprentice Institute, and the Dallas Willard Center for Spiritual Formation. He served on the boards of organizations like the C.S. Lewis Foundation and Biola University, and his intellectual and spiritual legacy continues through Dallas Willard Ministries and academic institutions inspired by his work.
Willard was also a deeply personal writer who shared candidly about the challenges of balancing academic life with family. Despite his own admitted shortcomings, those closest to him regarded him as a man of deep love, humility, and grace. His enduring impact can be seen in the lives and works of many contemporary Christian thinkers and writers, including Richard J. Foster, James Bryan Smith, and John Mark Comer. As both philosopher and pastor to the mind, Dallas Willard remains a towering figure in the dialogue between rigorous thought and transformative Christian practice.
Though a serious academic, Willard became even more widely known for his books on Christian living, including The Divine Conspiracy and Renovation of the Heart, both of which earned major awards and helped shape the modern spiritual formation movement. He believed that discipleship to Jesus was an intentional process involving not only belief but transformation through spiritual disciplines like prayer, study, solitude, and service. For Willard, spiritual growth was not about earning God’s favor but about participating in the divine life through active cooperation with grace.
His teachings emphasized the concept of apprenticeship to Jesus—being with him, learning to be like him—and his influence extended to ministries such as Renovaré, the Apprentice Institute, and the Dallas Willard Center for Spiritual Formation. He served on the boards of organizations like the C.S. Lewis Foundation and Biola University, and his intellectual and spiritual legacy continues through Dallas Willard Ministries and academic institutions inspired by his work.
Willard was also a deeply personal writer who shared candidly about the challenges of balancing academic life with family. Despite his own admitted shortcomings, those closest to him regarded him as a man of deep love, humility, and grace. His enduring impact can be seen in the lives and works of many contemporary Christian thinkers and writers, including Richard J. Foster, James Bryan Smith, and John Mark Comer. As both philosopher and pastor to the mind, Dallas Willard remains a towering figure in the dialogue between rigorous thought and transformative Christian practice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 20, 2017
It might seem strange that I would only give a Dallas Willard book three stars, as much as I love his work. However, this book is a compilation of, as it says, essays, interviews, and talks that were found as Gary Black and Dallas "rummaged through several boxes of other writings--as well as audiocassette tapes of sermons, lectures, and speaking engagements." The variety of topics in this anthology is almost stunning.
The book begins with what most know Dallas for, spiritual transformation. As I began reading this work, I literally read the first essay four times before moving on. Not because I couldn't understand it, but because it was so good!
The book moves on to interviews on various topics, articles on discipleship, writings on theology, and finally, on leadership.
Now for the reason I only rated it three stars. There were parts of this book that I loved, that I will, no doubt go back and read again. However, there were a number of articles, essays, speeches, and so on, that were much more philosophical than I care to get into. After all, Willard was a professor of philosophy at the University of Southern Cal. And, while those writings were quality writings, many of them just simply went over my head. I am not trained in philosophy. I think that I could, eventually, understand them, but that's not the direction I am currently moving. I am more interested in discipleship and, especially, spiritual transformation.
I will, at some point, revisit some of those writings that deal with those two topics. And that's one of the great things about this book. There are forty-one different writings, and most of them are short enough to be read in just a few minutes.
For anyone interested in spiritual formation and discipleship, I would recommend getting hold of this anthology. Some of the other works might surprise you, as well.
The book begins with what most know Dallas for, spiritual transformation. As I began reading this work, I literally read the first essay four times before moving on. Not because I couldn't understand it, but because it was so good!
The book moves on to interviews on various topics, articles on discipleship, writings on theology, and finally, on leadership.
Now for the reason I only rated it three stars. There were parts of this book that I loved, that I will, no doubt go back and read again. However, there were a number of articles, essays, speeches, and so on, that were much more philosophical than I care to get into. After all, Willard was a professor of philosophy at the University of Southern Cal. And, while those writings were quality writings, many of them just simply went over my head. I am not trained in philosophy. I think that I could, eventually, understand them, but that's not the direction I am currently moving. I am more interested in discipleship and, especially, spiritual transformation.
I will, at some point, revisit some of those writings that deal with those two topics. And that's one of the great things about this book. There are forty-one different writings, and most of them are short enough to be read in just a few minutes.
For anyone interested in spiritual formation and discipleship, I would recommend getting hold of this anthology. Some of the other works might surprise you, as well.
December 9, 2021
A really good book to understand how Dallas Willard thought, and how he came to the conclusions he did. As a collection of talks and papers, with many different topics, I’d find it more helpful as a resource than just a book to read through.
May 11, 2019
Excellent!
July 4, 2024
I listened to it, but some of it was so good I need a print copy to get copies for my students…
May 8, 2020
Quotes below:
We will do what we are. We will need to become the kind of people who routinely and easily walk in the goodness and the power of Jesus our master. For this a process of spiritual transformation is required.
Thomas Watson, The first fruit of love is the musing of the mind upon God. He who is in love, his thoughts are ever upon the object. By this we may test our love for God. What are our thoughts most upon? Can we say we are ravished with delight when we think on God? How far are they from being lovers of God who scarcely ever think of God.” To think of God rightly, is to lapse into worship, revealed truth confirmed by experience. Worship is the overall character of the renovated thought life.
Simple sleep and rest may be disciplines in the sense of spiritual transformation (to do what we cannot do by direct effort, including staying in good emotional and physical health, being loving and sensitive to our family and coworkers).
Desires are inherently deceitful, clamoring for its own gratification. They each promise a fulfillment which they cannot deliver! Fleshly lusts wage war against the soul.
Irony of spiritual formation is that every spiritual discipline requires or involves bodily behavior. That is where we live and what we live from.
VIM (vision, intention, means) formula is the idea that spiritual transformation into Christlikeness results from getting the right vision of reality and goodness, the right intentions and desire, to actually become like Christ, and adequate means to carry out that intention.
I often use the illustration of Jesus on the cross. It would have been hard for Jesus to say, “You @#$%^&* blankety blank. Just wait till my Father gets his hands on you!” That would have been hard for him to do, because that was not in him. We are talking about changing what is in us. That is what spiritual formation in Christlikeness does. It is not hard to bless rather than curse, because blessing is in us. So when Jesus says that, He’s not saying, Get your will all whipped up, be ready now, and regardless of how you feel, squeeze out a blessing. He is talking about becoming the kind of person for whom blessing is the natural response. That is changing the inside!
We love something when we are devoted to its good, or well being. It applies to God, our neighbor, our flowerbed, our bank account.
The Great Commission is still the mission statement of the church. They should simply do what it says. Surround them in the reality of the Trinity and a fellowship of disciples, teach them to do everything Jesus says. We’re not going to improve on that! That was the church growth program that changed the world.
The Gospel/Salvation is not all about forgiveness (it becomes about an atonement theory). What we really think about Jesus is revealed in what we do after we find out that we don’t have to do anything. If you think that all Jesus did was to die for us, pay for our sins, and that’s it, then there’s no reason to try to do what Jesus said. There’s no justification for it based on such a message.
Learn from Jesus how to live your life as he would live your life if he were you.
“In His Steps” doesn’t go far enough. We should grow in our understanding and relationship with Christ where we wouldn’t need to ask, What would Jesus do? We would know and be doing it. The problem with the method is, if you have to stop to ask what Jesus’d do, ordinarily you’d probably already done what he wouldn’t do.
The weakest part of the penal substitution theory is that it tends to focus on one event in the life and death of Christ and say, That is what did it. Then it becomes a theory that isolates atonement from life. It attempts to remove the mystery of what the death of Jesus accomplished. It presents God (popularly) as someone who never forgives really, and if you get off the hook it’s because someone paid for it. While you must forgive, God must have his wrath appeased when someone messes up. It isn’t reconciled with scripture. God delights to forgive.
It’s the fruit of the evangelism style we’ve employed. We do not evangelize for disciples. We evangelize to make Christians and then later might do it. That’s like bait and switch in advertising. They might say to their pastor, Why are you talking about discipleship? I’m right with god. Why are you talking about obedience? There was a guy that came to his pastor and said, I’m going to divorce my wife because I’ve fallen in love with someone else. The pastor turned people of course and said, You can’t do this. The man said, Of course. You’ve said that Jesus will forgive my sins if I believe he died on the cross. There’s no response if you say that’s what the atonement is all about.
Salvation is participating in the life that Jesus is now living on earth. (It is not I who lives but Christ lives in me)
Grace is God acting in my life to accomplish what I cannot on my own.
Jesus' commencement address is John 13-17.
Most of religion is about keeping God at a distance, allowing us to go see him when we want. We say things like, Lord, this morning we come into thy presence. And he responds, Really? Where have you been?
Vampire Christian: I’ll take a bit of your blood Jesus to cover my debts, but I’ll not be close to you unless I have to (use something Jesus did, but not Jesus himself).
Producing people with character without giving them choice is impossible because the capacity to choose is part of character (good or evil). The presence of moral evil in the world is not because God is powerless.
Evil: I should at least worry as much about my responsibility for [moral evil], as much as God’s. This is self-deification. The chain that drags me into moral evil. It’s done under the guise of necessity, to secure my aims, which I must bring about.
It’s noteworthy that those who oppose women in leadership have a hard time saying exactly what it is about women that excludes them from such positions and how that puts an unbearable weight on what was already a weak hermeneutic. It restricts the blessing of God upon the world.
When you come to the place where you are drinking deeply from God and trusting Him to act with you, there is peace about what you’ve communicated. Now remember, it’s what i do (God told him) between your lips and their hearts that matters. That’s a tremendous lesson. If you do not trust God to do that, he’ll let you do what you are going to do, and it’s not going to come to much. Once you turn it loose, and recognize that we are always inadequate but our inadequacy is not the issue, you are able to lay that burden down. Then the satisfaction that you have in Christ spills over into everything you do.
God is far less interested in your results, than the person you are becoming.
Make disciples, submerge them in Trinitarian reality, and teach them to do all that I have commanded you. The 4 great questions of life: God must answer them. What is reality? Who is really well off, blessed, has the good life? Who is a really good person? Who is the one for whom people are naturally grateful, show affirmation and imitation? How does one become a really good person? Answers: Reality is God, a personal self-sufficing being whose deepest nature is love, will to good, and everything that comes from his action, his kingdom. 2, those alive in the kingdom of the heavens are the ones truly well off or blessed. 3, The really good person is ht one whose life is permeated with and animated by the kind of love that characterizes God. 4. One becomes a really good person by placing their confidence in Jesus Christ and living as his apprentice/disciple in kingdom living.
The test of our discipleship is Are we with him, learning to be like him? Which of his commandments have I learned from him to do, or am I now learning from him to do? Non-discipleship is the root of nearly every evil we see in individuals and communities that profess to be trusting Christ. How much time and energy do you spend dealing with issues that shouldn’t even come up among people who profess faith in Christ?
We will do what we are. We will need to become the kind of people who routinely and easily walk in the goodness and the power of Jesus our master. For this a process of spiritual transformation is required.
Thomas Watson, The first fruit of love is the musing of the mind upon God. He who is in love, his thoughts are ever upon the object. By this we may test our love for God. What are our thoughts most upon? Can we say we are ravished with delight when we think on God? How far are they from being lovers of God who scarcely ever think of God.” To think of God rightly, is to lapse into worship, revealed truth confirmed by experience. Worship is the overall character of the renovated thought life.
Simple sleep and rest may be disciplines in the sense of spiritual transformation (to do what we cannot do by direct effort, including staying in good emotional and physical health, being loving and sensitive to our family and coworkers).
Desires are inherently deceitful, clamoring for its own gratification. They each promise a fulfillment which they cannot deliver! Fleshly lusts wage war against the soul.
Irony of spiritual formation is that every spiritual discipline requires or involves bodily behavior. That is where we live and what we live from.
VIM (vision, intention, means) formula is the idea that spiritual transformation into Christlikeness results from getting the right vision of reality and goodness, the right intentions and desire, to actually become like Christ, and adequate means to carry out that intention.
I often use the illustration of Jesus on the cross. It would have been hard for Jesus to say, “You @#$%^&* blankety blank. Just wait till my Father gets his hands on you!” That would have been hard for him to do, because that was not in him. We are talking about changing what is in us. That is what spiritual formation in Christlikeness does. It is not hard to bless rather than curse, because blessing is in us. So when Jesus says that, He’s not saying, Get your will all whipped up, be ready now, and regardless of how you feel, squeeze out a blessing. He is talking about becoming the kind of person for whom blessing is the natural response. That is changing the inside!
We love something when we are devoted to its good, or well being. It applies to God, our neighbor, our flowerbed, our bank account.
The Great Commission is still the mission statement of the church. They should simply do what it says. Surround them in the reality of the Trinity and a fellowship of disciples, teach them to do everything Jesus says. We’re not going to improve on that! That was the church growth program that changed the world.
The Gospel/Salvation is not all about forgiveness (it becomes about an atonement theory). What we really think about Jesus is revealed in what we do after we find out that we don’t have to do anything. If you think that all Jesus did was to die for us, pay for our sins, and that’s it, then there’s no reason to try to do what Jesus said. There’s no justification for it based on such a message.
Learn from Jesus how to live your life as he would live your life if he were you.
“In His Steps” doesn’t go far enough. We should grow in our understanding and relationship with Christ where we wouldn’t need to ask, What would Jesus do? We would know and be doing it. The problem with the method is, if you have to stop to ask what Jesus’d do, ordinarily you’d probably already done what he wouldn’t do.
The weakest part of the penal substitution theory is that it tends to focus on one event in the life and death of Christ and say, That is what did it. Then it becomes a theory that isolates atonement from life. It attempts to remove the mystery of what the death of Jesus accomplished. It presents God (popularly) as someone who never forgives really, and if you get off the hook it’s because someone paid for it. While you must forgive, God must have his wrath appeased when someone messes up. It isn’t reconciled with scripture. God delights to forgive.
It’s the fruit of the evangelism style we’ve employed. We do not evangelize for disciples. We evangelize to make Christians and then later might do it. That’s like bait and switch in advertising. They might say to their pastor, Why are you talking about discipleship? I’m right with god. Why are you talking about obedience? There was a guy that came to his pastor and said, I’m going to divorce my wife because I’ve fallen in love with someone else. The pastor turned people of course and said, You can’t do this. The man said, Of course. You’ve said that Jesus will forgive my sins if I believe he died on the cross. There’s no response if you say that’s what the atonement is all about.
Salvation is participating in the life that Jesus is now living on earth. (It is not I who lives but Christ lives in me)
Grace is God acting in my life to accomplish what I cannot on my own.
Jesus' commencement address is John 13-17.
Most of religion is about keeping God at a distance, allowing us to go see him when we want. We say things like, Lord, this morning we come into thy presence. And he responds, Really? Where have you been?
Vampire Christian: I’ll take a bit of your blood Jesus to cover my debts, but I’ll not be close to you unless I have to (use something Jesus did, but not Jesus himself).
Producing people with character without giving them choice is impossible because the capacity to choose is part of character (good or evil). The presence of moral evil in the world is not because God is powerless.
Evil: I should at least worry as much about my responsibility for [moral evil], as much as God’s. This is self-deification. The chain that drags me into moral evil. It’s done under the guise of necessity, to secure my aims, which I must bring about.
It’s noteworthy that those who oppose women in leadership have a hard time saying exactly what it is about women that excludes them from such positions and how that puts an unbearable weight on what was already a weak hermeneutic. It restricts the blessing of God upon the world.
When you come to the place where you are drinking deeply from God and trusting Him to act with you, there is peace about what you’ve communicated. Now remember, it’s what i do (God told him) between your lips and their hearts that matters. That’s a tremendous lesson. If you do not trust God to do that, he’ll let you do what you are going to do, and it’s not going to come to much. Once you turn it loose, and recognize that we are always inadequate but our inadequacy is not the issue, you are able to lay that burden down. Then the satisfaction that you have in Christ spills over into everything you do.
God is far less interested in your results, than the person you are becoming.
Make disciples, submerge them in Trinitarian reality, and teach them to do all that I have commanded you. The 4 great questions of life: God must answer them. What is reality? Who is really well off, blessed, has the good life? Who is a really good person? Who is the one for whom people are naturally grateful, show affirmation and imitation? How does one become a really good person? Answers: Reality is God, a personal self-sufficing being whose deepest nature is love, will to good, and everything that comes from his action, his kingdom. 2, those alive in the kingdom of the heavens are the ones truly well off or blessed. 3, The really good person is ht one whose life is permeated with and animated by the kind of love that characterizes God. 4. One becomes a really good person by placing their confidence in Jesus Christ and living as his apprentice/disciple in kingdom living.
The test of our discipleship is Are we with him, learning to be like him? Which of his commandments have I learned from him to do, or am I now learning from him to do? Non-discipleship is the root of nearly every evil we see in individuals and communities that profess to be trusting Christ. How much time and energy do you spend dealing with issues that shouldn’t even come up among people who profess faith in Christ?
March 29, 2018
This is such a treasure for people who love Willard's writing or will be introduced to them through these essays. To read Willard's application of discipleship and the kingdom on such a variety of relevant topics was so helpful. One can get caught up in Willard's expansive description of the Kingdom of God and the discipleship but fail to apply it in ordinary life. The vision he often talks about in his VIM approach (vision-intention-method) gets unpacked for work, temptation, addictions, relationships, ministry, spiritual disciplines, etc.
The format of the book was a welcome read because I was able to jump around from topic to topic as it got my attention. I personally read an essay every Monday morning (my Sabbath and usual day off) to off set my regular reading through out the week.
Read it, absorb it, digest it, discern through it - you won't regret it.
The format of the book was a welcome read because I was able to jump around from topic to topic as it got my attention. I personally read an essay every Monday morning (my Sabbath and usual day off) to off set my regular reading through out the week.
Read it, absorb it, digest it, discern through it - you won't regret it.
January 24, 2018
Dr. Dallas Willard does not simply promote spiritual disciplines. He belongs, in many ways, to a rare category of Christian philosophers. His background in ancient and modern philosophy enables him to shed light on many Christian essential topics from outside of Christianity. One may argue whether his background limits or enhances Dr. Willard's approach but for anyone who comes from the background of modern or ancient philosophy, Willard's representation of Christianity can be very valuable. Besides that, both a weary and a young minister will find simple descriptions of contemporary problems within Christianity, possible solutions, and encouragement for a holier life.
February 4, 2022
If you will notice, I started this book in 2019. Lest you think I put it down and picked it back up, that was not the case. It is a very (underscore 'very') thorough (underscore 'thorough') resource of Dallas Willard's essays, interviews, talks, [etc.]. Thankfully, I was reading through it with three friends, one chapter a month with a discussion afterwards so that is why it took almost 3 years. The thoughts are deep, no question about it. I'm glad we read and discussed all the way through it. I'm glad I underlined and highlighted passages. I'm sure I will refer back and read some chapters again...but not the entire book. :)
December 28, 2017
The first third to first half of this book is a wonderful collection of essays on Christian spirituality and discipleship as it applies to all believers. For me these essays affronted my current position on where I stood in relationship to the kingdom of God and I will certainly reread and meditate on these essays going forward. Then I got to the last part of the book. This part was less applicable to me as I am not a minister or leader in my church. Hence the lag in reading time. I lost interest at this point but picked up the book again in the last month and finished reading.
February 11, 2022
For the past several years, I've read a different Dallas Willard book each year and have enjoyed them. I already had this one on my bookshelf - a collection of articles and interviews that were brought into one volume. I have greatly enjoyed Willard - the reality of living in the kingdom of God and being a disciple of Jesus. There were a few articles I didn't get much out of, and some I did share his interpretation, but many of these were golden and those few pages alone were well worth the price of the book.
May 11, 2018
This book is long. Really long! It covers a wide variety of topics. It was published posthumously. But in my opinion, it is one of Willard's best. It is a fantastic introduction to a wide breadth of Willard's teaching. If a reader is willing to slog through this massive text, they will be rewarded with a feast about faith in contact with all areas of life. This book has my highest recommendation.
June 12, 2018
I general enjoyed the book and would heartily recommend it. The interviews, the sections on spiritual transformation, spiritual disciplines and discipleship were exceptional. Where I had bogged down was in the philosophical sections where Dallas spoke from his background and training to the problems in postmodern America. This for me was like a plate of brussel sprouts after eating a great meal.
May 26, 2023
Willard, Dallas, and Gary Black. Renewing the Christian Mind. New York, NY, HarperCollins, 12 July 2016.
Review
Compiled, edited, and introduced by his friend and fellow theologian, Gary Black, Jr., Renewing the Christian Mind is a collection of essays, interviews, and articles that brilliantly encapsulate Willard’s spiritual philosophy and his contributions to theology.
Renewing the Christian Mind offers insight into spiritual formation, avocation, and theology, and includes sections directed at specific audiences, from church leaders to laypeople looking for spiritual counsel and nurture. Reasoned, honest, thought- provoking, and illuminating, this important anthology is an invaluable introduction and companion to Dallas Willard’s acclaimed body of work.
This is a profound and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to reexamine their approach to faith and embrace a transformative mindset. Willard, a renowned philosopher and theologian, invites Christians to go beyond a mere adherence to religious practices and rituals and instead develop a robust and integrated Christian worldview.
The central premise of the book is that many Christians have neglected the intellectual dimensions of their faith, reducing Christianity to a set of beliefs and behaviors without engaging the mind. Willard argues that this approach limits the transformative power of the Gospel and hinders believers from fully living out their faith in all areas of life.
Willard begins by critiquing the prevalent dualism that separates the sacred and secular realms, urging Christians to recognize the lordship of Christ over all aspects of life. He emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that integrates faith, reason, and action. Willard contends that a renewed Christian mind involves a deep engagement with scripture, a commitment to intellectual growth and discernment, and an intentional pursuit of wisdom and virtue.
Throughout the book, Willard draws upon a rich blend of philosophical insights, theological reflections, and practical examples. He explores topics such as the nature of truth, the importance of moral character, the role of spiritual disciplines, and the transformative power of grace. Willard skillfully weaves together these themes to present a compelling vision of what it means to live as a fully committed disciple of Christ.
One of the strengths of "Renewing the Christian Mind" is Willard's ability to make complex concepts accessible to readers without sacrificing depth or rigor. His writing is clear, insightful, and intellectually stimulating. Willard challenges readers to wrestle with important questions and engage in the ongoing process of intellectual growth and spiritual transformation.
Moreover, Willard's emphasis on the integration of faith and knowledge resonates with the longing for a more authentic and impactful Christian experience. He provides practical guidance on how to cultivate a renewed mind, offering concrete steps and practices that can be implemented in daily life.
While the book is primarily aimed at a Christian audience, it has relevance beyond religious circles. Willard's insights into the nature of truth, human flourishing, and the pursuit of wisdom have broader implications for anyone seeking a more meaningful and purposeful existence. Hence, the book's place on my Philosophy shelf, as well.
Dallas Willard's wry wisdom and kind clarity shine through in his writing. Having listened to audio versions of his books read by the author, I can hear his kind and gentle voice as I read, inspiring me to deepen my faith and integrate it into all aspects of my life. This book is highly recommended for those seeking a transformative and intellectually vibrant faith journey.
Outline
I. Introduction
A. The importance of intellectual engagement in Christian faith
B. The need for a holistic approach to Christian living
II. The Sacred-Secular Divide
A. Critiquing the dualistic mindset
B. Recognizing Christ's lordship over all areas of life
C. Embracing the integration of faith and reason
III. The Role of Scripture
A. Engaging with scripture as a transformative practice
B. Understanding the depth and richness of biblical teachings
C. Discerning biblical truth in a pluralistic culture
IV. The Pursuit of Wisdom and Virtue
A. Recognizing the importance of character formation
B. Cultivating wisdom through reflection and discernment
C. Living virtuously in a world of moral relativism
V. The Power of Grace
A. Embracing the transformative power of God's grace
B. Overcoming legalism and embracing grace-driven living
C. The role of spiritual disciplines in receiving and responding to grace
VI. The Christian Mind in Practice
A. Integrating faith and knowledge in daily life
B. Nurturing intellectual growth and curiosity
C. Engaging in lifelong learning and intellectual discipleship
VII. Implications for Christian Living
A. Transforming the way we think about work, relationships, and culture
B. Embracing a missional mindset and actively engaging in the world
C. Becoming ambassadors of Christ's love, truth, and goodness
VIII. Conclusion
A. The ongoing journey of renewing the Christian mind
B. The transformative power of a holistic and intellectually engaged faith
C. Encouragement to embrace the renewal process and live as faithful disciples
Review
Compiled, edited, and introduced by his friend and fellow theologian, Gary Black, Jr., Renewing the Christian Mind is a collection of essays, interviews, and articles that brilliantly encapsulate Willard’s spiritual philosophy and his contributions to theology.
Renewing the Christian Mind offers insight into spiritual formation, avocation, and theology, and includes sections directed at specific audiences, from church leaders to laypeople looking for spiritual counsel and nurture. Reasoned, honest, thought- provoking, and illuminating, this important anthology is an invaluable introduction and companion to Dallas Willard’s acclaimed body of work.
This is a profound and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to reexamine their approach to faith and embrace a transformative mindset. Willard, a renowned philosopher and theologian, invites Christians to go beyond a mere adherence to religious practices and rituals and instead develop a robust and integrated Christian worldview.
The central premise of the book is that many Christians have neglected the intellectual dimensions of their faith, reducing Christianity to a set of beliefs and behaviors without engaging the mind. Willard argues that this approach limits the transformative power of the Gospel and hinders believers from fully living out their faith in all areas of life.
Willard begins by critiquing the prevalent dualism that separates the sacred and secular realms, urging Christians to recognize the lordship of Christ over all aspects of life. He emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that integrates faith, reason, and action. Willard contends that a renewed Christian mind involves a deep engagement with scripture, a commitment to intellectual growth and discernment, and an intentional pursuit of wisdom and virtue.
Throughout the book, Willard draws upon a rich blend of philosophical insights, theological reflections, and practical examples. He explores topics such as the nature of truth, the importance of moral character, the role of spiritual disciplines, and the transformative power of grace. Willard skillfully weaves together these themes to present a compelling vision of what it means to live as a fully committed disciple of Christ.
One of the strengths of "Renewing the Christian Mind" is Willard's ability to make complex concepts accessible to readers without sacrificing depth or rigor. His writing is clear, insightful, and intellectually stimulating. Willard challenges readers to wrestle with important questions and engage in the ongoing process of intellectual growth and spiritual transformation.
Moreover, Willard's emphasis on the integration of faith and knowledge resonates with the longing for a more authentic and impactful Christian experience. He provides practical guidance on how to cultivate a renewed mind, offering concrete steps and practices that can be implemented in daily life.
While the book is primarily aimed at a Christian audience, it has relevance beyond religious circles. Willard's insights into the nature of truth, human flourishing, and the pursuit of wisdom have broader implications for anyone seeking a more meaningful and purposeful existence. Hence, the book's place on my Philosophy shelf, as well.
Dallas Willard's wry wisdom and kind clarity shine through in his writing. Having listened to audio versions of his books read by the author, I can hear his kind and gentle voice as I read, inspiring me to deepen my faith and integrate it into all aspects of my life. This book is highly recommended for those seeking a transformative and intellectually vibrant faith journey.
Outline
I. Introduction
A. The importance of intellectual engagement in Christian faith
B. The need for a holistic approach to Christian living
II. The Sacred-Secular Divide
A. Critiquing the dualistic mindset
B. Recognizing Christ's lordship over all areas of life
C. Embracing the integration of faith and reason
III. The Role of Scripture
A. Engaging with scripture as a transformative practice
B. Understanding the depth and richness of biblical teachings
C. Discerning biblical truth in a pluralistic culture
IV. The Pursuit of Wisdom and Virtue
A. Recognizing the importance of character formation
B. Cultivating wisdom through reflection and discernment
C. Living virtuously in a world of moral relativism
V. The Power of Grace
A. Embracing the transformative power of God's grace
B. Overcoming legalism and embracing grace-driven living
C. The role of spiritual disciplines in receiving and responding to grace
VI. The Christian Mind in Practice
A. Integrating faith and knowledge in daily life
B. Nurturing intellectual growth and curiosity
C. Engaging in lifelong learning and intellectual discipleship
VII. Implications for Christian Living
A. Transforming the way we think about work, relationships, and culture
B. Embracing a missional mindset and actively engaging in the world
C. Becoming ambassadors of Christ's love, truth, and goodness
VIII. Conclusion
A. The ongoing journey of renewing the Christian mind
B. The transformative power of a holistic and intellectually engaged faith
C. Encouragement to embrace the renewal process and live as faithful disciples
February 15, 2024
Restatement Revisited but Necessarily So
Having read Spirit of the Disciplines, Divine Conspiracy, and Renovation of the Heart in the past three months, this book was largely a restatement of targeted discussions to different audiences with calibrated focus accordingly. For me, repetition is a good and necessary component in my learning and this stuff I need to learn, understand, embrace and live out. Thanks again Dallas. You are still working even as you rest.
Having read Spirit of the Disciplines, Divine Conspiracy, and Renovation of the Heart in the past three months, this book was largely a restatement of targeted discussions to different audiences with calibrated focus accordingly. For me, repetition is a good and necessary component in my learning and this stuff I need to learn, understand, embrace and live out. Thanks again Dallas. You are still working even as you rest.
August 17, 2025
Not as good as his books that were written and edited to be whole individual works - it's repetitive, at times more philosophical than accessible, and sometimes really could have used an editor for individual unpublished chapters. At the same time, it's useful if you want to give someone a chapter of Willard who couldn't handle a whole book and one of the chapters written to religious leaders was worth the price of the book to me.
August 10, 2017
This is a thorough review of Willard's work and main themes, which point again and again to discipleship and 'salvation' as spiritual formation, or the formation toward Christ-likeness. There is a lot of repetition, but by the time you're done with these nearly 500 pages, you'll have a good understanding of Willard's teaching and passion.
January 11, 2018
This is an outstanding book. I understood Dallas Willard and the principles he espouses even more clearly from reading this compilation of essays, talks and interviews than in reading his books, over the years. The Kingdom of heaven is indeed at hand ...
September 3, 2021
there are a number of essays in this book that were previously unpublished. Dallas Willard has a sharp mind and an interesting perspective. I enjoyed reading some of his work again. It is very refreshing. So I reading
December 5, 2023
A collection of articles, interviews and speeches from Willard. I liked his reported clarification of "What would Jesus do" as "What would Jesus do in this situation if he was me" which makes it a bit more applicable.
August 12, 2017
Entirely refreshing, well written and well thought out. Some of the essays and speeches repeat some ideas but that's totally acceptable, since the content is so good.
May 7, 2018
Solid collection of Willard's thoughts on a lot of different topics.
August 23, 2020
I read portions of this book again & again. It’s chock full of biblical wisdom for the world we live in.
March 15, 2022
There are a few previously undiscovered jewels from Willard in this publication. For that reason, it was worth the read.
October 30, 2022
Interviews and She Essays
This book is primarily interviews and short essays by Dallas Willard. There isn't anything new here, just a compilation of Village's previous work.
This book is primarily interviews and short essays by Dallas Willard. There isn't anything new here, just a compilation of Village's previous work.
March 25, 2024
Especially the last parts are very relevant for student ministry but I liked the first part too. Talking about the importance of discipleship and spiritual formation.
January 7, 2025
Really helpful to get this picture of Willard, whose work I haven't engaged with previously.
January 1, 2017
"We are saved by grace, not paralyzed by it," Willard succinctly states in an essay on leadership, "It is we who are given the task of putting off the old personality and putting on the new." (441)
And again, "How the disciple lives naturally comes out out of who the disciple is. As Jesus's disciple, I am his apprentice in kingdom living. I am learning from him how to lead my life in the kingdom of the heavens as he would lead my life if he were I." (280)
And finally, "Placing our faith in Jesus's gospel means we are placing our confidence in the availability of heaven's rule now. This begins with our honest desire. We must not attempt to fake it. God knows whether we really want and deeply desire Jesus to be with us or not. Many regard Jesus as necessary, but not desirable. " (276)
Willard presents a keen-minded, no-nonsense approach to life with Jesus, confident yet humble, profound yet practical. Plus he seems to have actually done life with Jesus.
I find Willard's stuff immensely helpful. And inspiring me to pursue life with Jesus.
And again, "How the disciple lives naturally comes out out of who the disciple is. As Jesus's disciple, I am his apprentice in kingdom living. I am learning from him how to lead my life in the kingdom of the heavens as he would lead my life if he were I." (280)
And finally, "Placing our faith in Jesus's gospel means we are placing our confidence in the availability of heaven's rule now. This begins with our honest desire. We must not attempt to fake it. God knows whether we really want and deeply desire Jesus to be with us or not. Many regard Jesus as necessary, but not desirable. " (276)
Willard presents a keen-minded, no-nonsense approach to life with Jesus, confident yet humble, profound yet practical. Plus he seems to have actually done life with Jesus.
I find Willard's stuff immensely helpful. And inspiring me to pursue life with Jesus.
October 19, 2016
I hope Gary finds every phrase Willard scribbled on a napkin and publishes it!
July 5, 2021
Very. very, good work
April 23, 2017
This book is a selection of shorter works (essays, etc.) of Dallas Willard. The chapters have been organised into various sections (Theology, Leadership, etc.) by the editor David Black. This same editor has written a short introduction to each chapter. Some of these introductions are irritating, and Black is wanting to make his own point, rather than simply introducing the chapter. But, the material within each chapter is from Willard, and I believe the content is beyond important for anyone who wants to be a Jesus follower. My favourite quotation, which occurred more than once was: “Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with forgiveness of sins alone.”
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