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Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era and Place
Surrounded by a Cloud of Witnesses
Do you ever feel like you're alone in your struggles to live out the Christian faith? Do you ever read the Bible yet still wonder what it looks like to follow Jesus in the complexity and difficulty of our time?
The stories of great men and women throughout the history of the church can help us form a bridge between the teaching of Scripture and our embodied lives. This illustrated devotional vividly depicts the lives and words of great women and men of faith. Artist Ben Lansing and Anglican priest D. J. Marotta offer fifty-two profound images and reflections on Christians, from Polycarp in the first century to the martyrs of Sudan in the twenty-first century. These saints, from every continent and century of church history, demonstrate the historic church's relevance for Christians today and reveals God's faithfulness in all times and circumstances.
The artwork, biographies, devotionals, and prayers in this book are meant to spark our imaginations, helping us to be faithful here and now, in our own age.
Do you ever feel like you're alone in your struggles to live out the Christian faith? Do you ever read the Bible yet still wonder what it looks like to follow Jesus in the complexity and difficulty of our time?
The stories of great men and women throughout the history of the church can help us form a bridge between the teaching of Scripture and our embodied lives. This illustrated devotional vividly depicts the lives and words of great women and men of faith. Artist Ben Lansing and Anglican priest D. J. Marotta offer fifty-two profound images and reflections on Christians, from Polycarp in the first century to the martyrs of Sudan in the twenty-first century. These saints, from every continent and century of church history, demonstrate the historic church's relevance for Christians today and reveals God's faithfulness in all times and circumstances.
The artwork, biographies, devotionals, and prayers in this book are meant to spark our imaginations, helping us to be faithful here and now, in our own age.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2024
40 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Ben Lansing
2 booksBen Lansing is an artist from Richmond, Virginia, and the creator of the online art series Our Church Speaks. He is an Anglican deacon and a lifelong student of the history of art and religion. He loves sharing the history of the global church through art and storytelling. He lives in Richmond with his wife, Bethany, in a house full of books.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 14, 2024
I am all kinds of conflicted over this book.
There is much to love. I've been following Our Church Speaks on Instagram for over a year. I appreciate that Lansing and Marotta have brought both ancient and contemporary saints into a new generation. Through their art and knowledge of Church History, they have treated social media as a pedagogical tool for the discipleship of Christians across many traditions. The significance of what they have accomplished even before this book cannot be overstated. It is what drew me to this beautifully organized and informative devotional.
I appreciate the breadth of the saints they chose. They chose saints from different times, professions, and parts of the world. They chose to uplift saints that even after seven years in a Bachelor's and Master's program studying theology, I was unfamiliar with. One of the saints, Moses the Ethiopian was so captivating to me that I included it in my sermon the next Sunday after I read it. Most of this book is a treasure and well-suited for a clergy or layperson. Their selection of saints is true to their objective and it is evident that their desire is for readers to use this book to deepen their spiritual life. Their pastoral heart for the saints and for the reader comes through. The writing is easy to understand and the illustrations magnificent.
I would recommend 85% of this book. But I have been sitting with this book for weeks and I still can't get past the parts of this book that seemed to lack thought and care, especially for marginalized people.
I particularly have issues with the "meditation" sections of this book. As a whole, I found this part of the book unnecessary. It seems as if it is their way to try to make the saint relevant to modern day. In the author's interpretation of how it applies today, you can see an interpretive slant and bias. While some of that is inevitable, as every author has their own perspective, I would have appreciated more voices at the table or a consideration for how the broader church has commemorated or understood that saint. I believe it is more helpful to first understand the saint in their original context like how we look at Scripture in its original context, before trying to make a leap to life application. I think that Lansing and Marotta were aiming to do that, but should have let the reader make that jump through reflection questions or a brief survey of the a few different ways saints have been celebrated and interpreted by those who have carried their memory forward.
My specific grievances span three chapters. The first was in the chapter on Mary Slessor. They said, "On every continent, in nearly every culture, in every age there is a tragic history of the devaluing and killing of children. In our own age, abortions and child abandonment continue this pattern." They go on to talk about the church offering a cultural critique. I agree the church should be invested in the wellbeing of children and advocating for all marginalized groups. But if you are going to go there and make that argument, it should be broader than that. What about the children who are victims of sexual assault forced to carry a child to term? What about the black boys killed by police or 'concerned' citizens? What about the children who are abandoned or neglected not out of a lack of love, but out of a lack of resources? What about the children who have no option but to go to a public school that's falling apart? What about the children of "illegals"? To seek the wellbeing of children as a whole, the church needs to see the bigger picture. Mary Slessor saw the bigger picture. That should be the lesson for the church.
In the meditation for Josephine Bakhita, the meditation says, "It's not the comfort of therapy, where you must learn coping mechanisms to deal with the poverty of your spirit in order to feel blessed...None of these can offer the poor and poor in spirit what Jesus can offer." While, I would agree that there is something only Jesus can offer, I don't think it needs to be in competition with therapy. My therapist is an ordained deacon and I believe that Christ is present in our sessions and works through her expertise to help me live a more full, disciplined, and fruitful life. I really do not understand why the author felt the need to include that sentence.
The meditation for Harriet Tubman is entitled: "No Little People." The only way I can think to describe this meditation is: bizarre, especially given the saint on whom's life the meditation should be. If you asked me what Harriet Tubman can teach the church I would say something along the lines of, "A passion for justice, doing the will of God through freeing others even as that was not the will of her master, a holy resistance, someone who internalized and held onto the words of Scripture in a time of horrendous struggle." The author instead chooses the theme of "Look! Anyone can be used by God!" And within the meditation even says, "Jonah was a racist...And yet these are the people God chooses." I was hoping that if the authors were going to faithfully engage in an issue such as racism, it wouldn't just be a one-off sentence ESPECIALLY when discussing someone who was so important in freeing others from slavery. It felt very out of touch and dismissive of the deeper issues saints like Harriett Tubman should lead us to engage with and instead offer a feel-good meditation about how anyone can be used by God.
I went into this book excited and convinced it would be an easy 5-star read, informative and illuminating. Some of it was. There is so much good in this book. But I would recommend skipping over the meditations. The illustrations, history, and prayer are all beautiful. Meditation of those aspects alone make the book worth it to read. And maybe someday there will be a companion with many saints at the table reflecting on the historic saints as they understand them.
For the record, if I could give 3.5 stars, I would do that rather than 3.
Thank you InterVarsity Press and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
There is much to love. I've been following Our Church Speaks on Instagram for over a year. I appreciate that Lansing and Marotta have brought both ancient and contemporary saints into a new generation. Through their art and knowledge of Church History, they have treated social media as a pedagogical tool for the discipleship of Christians across many traditions. The significance of what they have accomplished even before this book cannot be overstated. It is what drew me to this beautifully organized and informative devotional.
I appreciate the breadth of the saints they chose. They chose saints from different times, professions, and parts of the world. They chose to uplift saints that even after seven years in a Bachelor's and Master's program studying theology, I was unfamiliar with. One of the saints, Moses the Ethiopian was so captivating to me that I included it in my sermon the next Sunday after I read it. Most of this book is a treasure and well-suited for a clergy or layperson. Their selection of saints is true to their objective and it is evident that their desire is for readers to use this book to deepen their spiritual life. Their pastoral heart for the saints and for the reader comes through. The writing is easy to understand and the illustrations magnificent.
I would recommend 85% of this book. But I have been sitting with this book for weeks and I still can't get past the parts of this book that seemed to lack thought and care, especially for marginalized people.
I particularly have issues with the "meditation" sections of this book. As a whole, I found this part of the book unnecessary. It seems as if it is their way to try to make the saint relevant to modern day. In the author's interpretation of how it applies today, you can see an interpretive slant and bias. While some of that is inevitable, as every author has their own perspective, I would have appreciated more voices at the table or a consideration for how the broader church has commemorated or understood that saint. I believe it is more helpful to first understand the saint in their original context like how we look at Scripture in its original context, before trying to make a leap to life application. I think that Lansing and Marotta were aiming to do that, but should have let the reader make that jump through reflection questions or a brief survey of the a few different ways saints have been celebrated and interpreted by those who have carried their memory forward.
My specific grievances span three chapters. The first was in the chapter on Mary Slessor. They said, "On every continent, in nearly every culture, in every age there is a tragic history of the devaluing and killing of children. In our own age, abortions and child abandonment continue this pattern." They go on to talk about the church offering a cultural critique. I agree the church should be invested in the wellbeing of children and advocating for all marginalized groups. But if you are going to go there and make that argument, it should be broader than that. What about the children who are victims of sexual assault forced to carry a child to term? What about the black boys killed by police or 'concerned' citizens? What about the children who are abandoned or neglected not out of a lack of love, but out of a lack of resources? What about the children who have no option but to go to a public school that's falling apart? What about the children of "illegals"? To seek the wellbeing of children as a whole, the church needs to see the bigger picture. Mary Slessor saw the bigger picture. That should be the lesson for the church.
In the meditation for Josephine Bakhita, the meditation says, "It's not the comfort of therapy, where you must learn coping mechanisms to deal with the poverty of your spirit in order to feel blessed...None of these can offer the poor and poor in spirit what Jesus can offer." While, I would agree that there is something only Jesus can offer, I don't think it needs to be in competition with therapy. My therapist is an ordained deacon and I believe that Christ is present in our sessions and works through her expertise to help me live a more full, disciplined, and fruitful life. I really do not understand why the author felt the need to include that sentence.
The meditation for Harriet Tubman is entitled: "No Little People." The only way I can think to describe this meditation is: bizarre, especially given the saint on whom's life the meditation should be. If you asked me what Harriet Tubman can teach the church I would say something along the lines of, "A passion for justice, doing the will of God through freeing others even as that was not the will of her master, a holy resistance, someone who internalized and held onto the words of Scripture in a time of horrendous struggle." The author instead chooses the theme of "Look! Anyone can be used by God!" And within the meditation even says, "Jonah was a racist...And yet these are the people God chooses." I was hoping that if the authors were going to faithfully engage in an issue such as racism, it wouldn't just be a one-off sentence ESPECIALLY when discussing someone who was so important in freeing others from slavery. It felt very out of touch and dismissive of the deeper issues saints like Harriett Tubman should lead us to engage with and instead offer a feel-good meditation about how anyone can be used by God.
I went into this book excited and convinced it would be an easy 5-star read, informative and illuminating. Some of it was. There is so much good in this book. But I would recommend skipping over the meditations. The illustrations, history, and prayer are all beautiful. Meditation of those aspects alone make the book worth it to read. And maybe someday there will be a companion with many saints at the table reflecting on the historic saints as they understand them.
For the record, if I could give 3.5 stars, I would do that rather than 3.
Thank you InterVarsity Press and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 24, 2025
I really think Dan and Ben hit the perfect balance between accessibility and depth, making this a perfect devotional for the average Christian to broaden their knowledge and appreciation for Church history and many heroes of the faith.
It is beautifully put together, very easy to read, encouraging, and provides a great starting point to dive deeper into the lives of the saints!
I read through the devotions over the course of this past year, and I look forward to going through them again in the year to come.
It is beautifully put together, very easy to read, encouraging, and provides a great starting point to dive deeper into the lives of the saints!
I read through the devotions over the course of this past year, and I look forward to going through them again in the year to come.
November 18, 2024
Our Church Speaks is a calendar-year devotional of saints from church history. In many ways it is more accessible to Protestants than other saint devotionals I've encountered, which is a good thing. Yet, it did feel a little odd to me that it wasn't arranged by the liturgical year, and that biblical saints were left out entirely. One can't claim "every era" of the church without the apostles!
Of course, as a church historian, I do have quibbles with a few things here and there, but overall the brief biographies of each saint are a good starting point. I heartily appreciate the emphasis on the saints' own words, living up to the title Our Church Speaks. Yet, the reflections on the lives of the saints felt off more often than not. Frequently it was focused on living the way the authors think is the best way to be a Christian, rather than appreciating the breadth and diversity of ways to follow Christ. Sometimes the saint was hardly mentioned in their own reflection! And I was especially disappointed in the reflection on Julian of Norwich when the authors had long quotations from other authors rather than focusing on her own words. The entry for Olaudah Equiano and William Wilberforce (considered together) asks, "How tragic it would have been if each had pursued different interests? How ineffective if they had pursued medicine, art, theater, music, architecture, and farming...all at the same time?" (138) Not only do I find this questioning ridiculous,* it's not a meaningful, productive, or helpful question.
The art is a distinctive and often delightful aspect of the book, certainly the strongest overall. It was fun to see a different spin on the iconographic tradition, with subjects having more expressive faces and being surrounded by their own words in their halos. Great care was taken to set each saint in their time and place, and to me it looks like the artist chose modern people from each region as models for the faces. Yet, some of the artistic choices were...choices. St Kateri Tekakwitha was portrayed with her smallpox scars (according to tradition they disappeared in death); St Francis is portrayed with bandages on his hands (to...indicate or hide the stigmata?).
Back matter includes a survey of church history, setting each saint in their era,** both chronological and geographical listings of saints, and notes. Each entry on the saint includes a page with their image, distinction, dates/place, and quotation. A brief biography, Bible verse, reflection, and prayer (usually a collect, but sometimes a prayer by the saint) complete the entry.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I like the art. I would give it to Protestants who are suspicious of the saints and/or who think the church only exists today in the US. (I still think learning to see figures in the Bible as saints is a better way to do this and branch into the continuing tradition of the saints.) However, I felt the reflections substantially weakened the book. They were often loosely connected to the saint, undercutting the very point that saints from every era and place are meaningful to us today. But I must admit that this might be helpful to people not steeped in the tradition of the saints. To me, I want to think more about the saints because they are my siblings in the faith, and their examples encourage and compel me. I don't need a modernized application of their lives, because spiritual things exist across time, and what is encouraging to an almost-martyr in 4th century Carthage is encouraging to comfortable 21st-century me in the midwestern US. Our Church Speaks is perhaps a good starting-off point. I only hope it is inviting enough to those outside the tradition that further exploration is a result for many readers of this book.
*To answer these foolish questions, in the Lord's purposes, he would have raised up other leaders in their place, as he does over and over again when leaders fail and/or die all through history. These questions are also foolish because we are talking about historical figures, and we are examining what they actually did and not what they could have done or left undone. This line of questioning applied to one's life (as the authors invite) can lead to scrupulosity and anxiety. It also undercuts the polymath, like Hildegard of Bingen, who is also included in this volume, and Hannah More (contemporary of Equiano and Wilberforce), who is not. Despite what these authors want you to think, and as their own lives demonstrate, you can do more than one thing.
**This is not always exactly right--several 19th- and 20th-century saints are listed under the 21st-century section, for example. To the tune of "Tradition," precision, precision! Precision!
Of course, as a church historian, I do have quibbles with a few things here and there, but overall the brief biographies of each saint are a good starting point. I heartily appreciate the emphasis on the saints' own words, living up to the title Our Church Speaks. Yet, the reflections on the lives of the saints felt off more often than not. Frequently it was focused on living the way the authors think is the best way to be a Christian, rather than appreciating the breadth and diversity of ways to follow Christ. Sometimes the saint was hardly mentioned in their own reflection! And I was especially disappointed in the reflection on Julian of Norwich when the authors had long quotations from other authors rather than focusing on her own words. The entry for Olaudah Equiano and William Wilberforce (considered together) asks, "How tragic it would have been if each had pursued different interests? How ineffective if they had pursued medicine, art, theater, music, architecture, and farming...all at the same time?" (138) Not only do I find this questioning ridiculous,* it's not a meaningful, productive, or helpful question.
The art is a distinctive and often delightful aspect of the book, certainly the strongest overall. It was fun to see a different spin on the iconographic tradition, with subjects having more expressive faces and being surrounded by their own words in their halos. Great care was taken to set each saint in their time and place, and to me it looks like the artist chose modern people from each region as models for the faces. Yet, some of the artistic choices were...choices. St Kateri Tekakwitha was portrayed with her smallpox scars (according to tradition they disappeared in death); St Francis is portrayed with bandages on his hands (to...indicate or hide the stigmata?).
Back matter includes a survey of church history, setting each saint in their era,** both chronological and geographical listings of saints, and notes. Each entry on the saint includes a page with their image, distinction, dates/place, and quotation. A brief biography, Bible verse, reflection, and prayer (usually a collect, but sometimes a prayer by the saint) complete the entry.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I like the art. I would give it to Protestants who are suspicious of the saints and/or who think the church only exists today in the US. (I still think learning to see figures in the Bible as saints is a better way to do this and branch into the continuing tradition of the saints.) However, I felt the reflections substantially weakened the book. They were often loosely connected to the saint, undercutting the very point that saints from every era and place are meaningful to us today. But I must admit that this might be helpful to people not steeped in the tradition of the saints. To me, I want to think more about the saints because they are my siblings in the faith, and their examples encourage and compel me. I don't need a modernized application of their lives, because spiritual things exist across time, and what is encouraging to an almost-martyr in 4th century Carthage is encouraging to comfortable 21st-century me in the midwestern US. Our Church Speaks is perhaps a good starting-off point. I only hope it is inviting enough to those outside the tradition that further exploration is a result for many readers of this book.
*To answer these foolish questions, in the Lord's purposes, he would have raised up other leaders in their place, as he does over and over again when leaders fail and/or die all through history. These questions are also foolish because we are talking about historical figures, and we are examining what they actually did and not what they could have done or left undone. This line of questioning applied to one's life (as the authors invite) can lead to scrupulosity and anxiety. It also undercuts the polymath, like Hildegard of Bingen, who is also included in this volume, and Hannah More (contemporary of Equiano and Wilberforce), who is not. Despite what these authors want you to think, and as their own lives demonstrate, you can do more than one thing.
**This is not always exactly right--several 19th- and 20th-century saints are listed under the 21st-century section, for example. To the tune of "Tradition," precision, precision! Precision!
July 5, 2024
I’m so excited for this book’s release, Oct. 29, 2024. Inspired by my art series at www.ourchurchspeaks.com and written in collaboration with D.J. Marotta, we wrote this book to encourage the modern church with the stories of our sisters and brothers who have gone before us. Featuring 52 saints from every era and place, with artwork, biographies, and devotional reflections. It is our hope that this book of historic saints will spark our imaginations and help us to be faithful here and now in our own age.
September 2, 2024
This is a fascinating book. The authors share 52 short stories of important Christians from throughout the 2,000 years of Church history. Some names you will recognize, others you probably never heard of before. Along with the short biographical sketch, the authors then share a Bible verse and a relevant short reflection. Each chapter also includes a beautiful illustration of the Christian figure and one memorable quote.
This book will give the reader a taste of Church history, jumping into stories from a wide variety of locations and historical periods. It made me want to learn more about many of these inspirational people. I appreciated the short, accessible chapters- perfect for reading one a day in five minutes. But I found that I often did not stop at one, as my curiosity kept me turning the pages!
This book will give the reader a taste of Church history, jumping into stories from a wide variety of locations and historical periods. It made me want to learn more about many of these inspirational people. I appreciated the short, accessible chapters- perfect for reading one a day in five minutes. But I found that I often did not stop at one, as my curiosity kept me turning the pages!
August 8, 2024
Perhaps the most creative and interesting church history book I’ve read. Does an excellent job demonstrating the incredible socio-ethnic diversity of the global Church/Kingdom of God. Also a sobering reminder of the courageous convictions of so many great heroes of the faith who ended this life as martyrs.
The research and accompanying notes are substantial. Highly recommend.
The research and accompanying notes are substantial. Highly recommend.
July 27, 2025
First time reading through a calendar of the saints & it was more rich than I could’ve hoped!!
The artwork was such a beautiful layer to each chapter, and this book both encouraged & challenged me to reflect on the lack of duality demonstrated by these saints. To love Christ is to have good theology THAT has you carry your cross in the physical world, share your means with the poor, take up the cause of the widow, orphan, & immigrant.
I have so much to learn from these mothers and fathers of the faith.
The artwork was such a beautiful layer to each chapter, and this book both encouraged & challenged me to reflect on the lack of duality demonstrated by these saints. To love Christ is to have good theology THAT has you carry your cross in the physical world, share your means with the poor, take up the cause of the widow, orphan, & immigrant.
I have so much to learn from these mothers and fathers of the faith.
December 6, 2025
Overall this book is worthwhile to read; however, I found some of the meditations to be hit-or-miss. Nevertheless, it’s a helpful book to share about many saints who I previously did not know.
August 8, 2024
Absolutely love this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end, and wish there were more entries! Highly recommended, and I can't wait for a second volume or expanded edition.
This book contains 52 entries of saints throughout church history, from apostolic fathers like Polycarp and early church fathers like Athanasius to medieval saints like Thomas Aquinas and modern figures such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Each entry comes with an artwork of the saint from @ourchurchspeaks (on Instagram) and a quote from him/her, a biography of the saint, a short write-up for devotion and meditation in response to the saint's life, and a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer.
There are also great pieces at the beginning and end of the book. The end contains 3 appendixes, one of which is a brief summary of 2000 years of church history. The Introduction, titled "Saints over Celebrities", starts by pointing out a problem with our modern society – everyone desires to be a celebrity. And this desire both transforms virtue into vanity (sometimes even without the doer noticing it) and generates anxiety to no end. The solution to this problem, the authors submit, is to "tune the frequency of our souls to the still-broadcasting song of the gospel being sung by the lives of men and women throughout the history of the church" (see also Hebrews 12:1-2). Saints are almost the diametrical opposite of celebrities - "The celebrity demands, “Look at me!” The saint whispers, “Look to God.” The celebrity says “Try to be like me, but you'll never be like me.” The saint says, “Why would anyone want to be like me? Who has God made you?” The celebrity is ever ascending, climbing the tower of Babel to the double-platinum throne. The saint is ever descending, saying, “Please have my seat, I insist.”
I end this review with the same invitation the authors extend to the reader: "Our church speaks. Those who have ears, let them hear."
I am grateful to Netgalley for an advance copy to review.
This book contains 52 entries of saints throughout church history, from apostolic fathers like Polycarp and early church fathers like Athanasius to medieval saints like Thomas Aquinas and modern figures such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Each entry comes with an artwork of the saint from @ourchurchspeaks (on Instagram) and a quote from him/her, a biography of the saint, a short write-up for devotion and meditation in response to the saint's life, and a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer.
There are also great pieces at the beginning and end of the book. The end contains 3 appendixes, one of which is a brief summary of 2000 years of church history. The Introduction, titled "Saints over Celebrities", starts by pointing out a problem with our modern society – everyone desires to be a celebrity. And this desire both transforms virtue into vanity (sometimes even without the doer noticing it) and generates anxiety to no end. The solution to this problem, the authors submit, is to "tune the frequency of our souls to the still-broadcasting song of the gospel being sung by the lives of men and women throughout the history of the church" (see also Hebrews 12:1-2). Saints are almost the diametrical opposite of celebrities - "The celebrity demands, “Look at me!” The saint whispers, “Look to God.” The celebrity says “Try to be like me, but you'll never be like me.” The saint says, “Why would anyone want to be like me? Who has God made you?” The celebrity is ever ascending, climbing the tower of Babel to the double-platinum throne. The saint is ever descending, saying, “Please have my seat, I insist.”
I end this review with the same invitation the authors extend to the reader: "Our church speaks. Those who have ears, let them hear."
I am grateful to Netgalley for an advance copy to review.
January 20, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Ben Lansing and D. J. Marotta run a popular social media account that celebrates faithful Christians from throughout global church history. Each post includes an illustration of someone along with a notable quote from them, and then there is a short biographical sketch and a reflective prayer. This devotional book collects fifty-two of these different profiles, and adds brief Scripture reading and longer devotional reflections.
The authors encourage people to honor and admire saints over celebrities, and to get to know their global family of other Christians throughout history. The selections in the book are very diverse, and in addition to including obvious choices of official church saints and well-known, much-admired Christians, they include obscure people who most readers will never hear of apart from this book. I appreciate the broad range of selections, although there are not actually saints from "every era" here, since this book does not include any Christians from biblical times.
I enjoyed the illustrations, quotes, and short biographical sketches the most. The devotional reflections vary in quality. Some of them are very insightful and truly focus on that historical figure's legacy and the lessons we can learn from their lives, while others only seem tangentially related, and read more like a soap box for the author's opinions about the Christian life.
I appreciate how non-denominational this book is. It represents Christians from a variety of different backgrounds, and the presentation style and writing can appeal to Christians from both high church and low church traditions. Also, People who are new to learning about church history can benefit from the appendix in the back that summarizes various key developments. However, on that note, I did find it strange that Martin Luther was not one of the historical figures profiled, even though the church history summary mentions him, and even though other profiles reference The Reformation.
This is a unique devotional book with a lot of depth. This will appeal greatly to fans of the Our Church Speaks social media account, and it is taking the author and illustrator's message to a much broader audience, encouraging others to learn about these figures from church history. The book is also nice quality as a physical object, since it is a sturdy hardcover with thick, glossy pages. This would make a great gift, and it is the kind of book that someone can read straight through, use as a devotional, or dip into when they are looking for encouragement.
I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Ben Lansing and D. J. Marotta run a popular social media account that celebrates faithful Christians from throughout global church history. Each post includes an illustration of someone along with a notable quote from them, and then there is a short biographical sketch and a reflective prayer. This devotional book collects fifty-two of these different profiles, and adds brief Scripture reading and longer devotional reflections.
The authors encourage people to honor and admire saints over celebrities, and to get to know their global family of other Christians throughout history. The selections in the book are very diverse, and in addition to including obvious choices of official church saints and well-known, much-admired Christians, they include obscure people who most readers will never hear of apart from this book. I appreciate the broad range of selections, although there are not actually saints from "every era" here, since this book does not include any Christians from biblical times.
I enjoyed the illustrations, quotes, and short biographical sketches the most. The devotional reflections vary in quality. Some of them are very insightful and truly focus on that historical figure's legacy and the lessons we can learn from their lives, while others only seem tangentially related, and read more like a soap box for the author's opinions about the Christian life.
I appreciate how non-denominational this book is. It represents Christians from a variety of different backgrounds, and the presentation style and writing can appeal to Christians from both high church and low church traditions. Also, People who are new to learning about church history can benefit from the appendix in the back that summarizes various key developments. However, on that note, I did find it strange that Martin Luther was not one of the historical figures profiled, even though the church history summary mentions him, and even though other profiles reference The Reformation.
This is a unique devotional book with a lot of depth. This will appeal greatly to fans of the Our Church Speaks social media account, and it is taking the author and illustrator's message to a much broader audience, encouraging others to learn about these figures from church history. The book is also nice quality as a physical object, since it is a sturdy hardcover with thick, glossy pages. This would make a great gift, and it is the kind of book that someone can read straight through, use as a devotional, or dip into when they are looking for encouragement.
I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 15, 2024
I have been following Our Church Speaks on Instagram for over a year or maybe more. Thank you so much to Intervarsity and netgally for gifting this to me as a complimentary digital copy.
I myself am from a Protestant section of the Christian faith, and have been brought up to believe that all Christians are considered to be "saints" and need not be cannonised as my Catholic brothers tend to do. However, I have been brought up knowing and hearing about the work and faith of Christian "heros." Recently I am recognizing that whether "saints" or "heroes" maybe this is a case of semantics. All have set an example for us to lead similar lives of conviction and self sacrifice.
I was immediately drawn in by the illustrations created for each person mentioned in this selection of 52 saints, ancient and modern. I appreciate the selected people being from a wide array of locations and cultures. I think the entries may have been on the theologically and thoughtfully light side, but I appreciate having a launchpad or prompt for deeper study and discussion.
I have never used a litergical style of devotional before, and I enjoyed that aspect.
As with all devotionals and studies, I will be taking the teachings and thoughts with a grain of salt, taking in the good and profitable, building up the weak parts, and setting aside what doesn't fit with my faith.
I myself am from a Protestant section of the Christian faith, and have been brought up to believe that all Christians are considered to be "saints" and need not be cannonised as my Catholic brothers tend to do. However, I have been brought up knowing and hearing about the work and faith of Christian "heros." Recently I am recognizing that whether "saints" or "heroes" maybe this is a case of semantics. All have set an example for us to lead similar lives of conviction and self sacrifice.
I was immediately drawn in by the illustrations created for each person mentioned in this selection of 52 saints, ancient and modern. I appreciate the selected people being from a wide array of locations and cultures. I think the entries may have been on the theologically and thoughtfully light side, but I appreciate having a launchpad or prompt for deeper study and discussion.
I have never used a litergical style of devotional before, and I enjoyed that aspect.
As with all devotionals and studies, I will be taking the teachings and thoughts with a grain of salt, taking in the good and profitable, building up the weak parts, and setting aside what doesn't fit with my faith.
December 6, 2025
InterVarsity Press sent me a copy of "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era and Place" by Ben Lansing and D. J. Marotta in exchange for an honest review.
It is extremely important for Christians to be in conversation with our forefathers in the faith. This book seeks to do that in a unique and accessible way. The most obvious highlight is the art. It has a unique and appealing style, with custom artwork for each entry. Te selection is also impressive. There are 52 figures of faith in this book spanning a diverse array of Christian traditions. Each chapter includes a brief biographical overview, a selection from Scripture, a brief meditation on the saint, and a closing prayer. I was already familiar with many figures in this book, but there were some I was delighted to learn about. Altogether, this is a wonderfully unique way to engage with the historic church.
It is extremely important for Christians to be in conversation with our forefathers in the faith. This book seeks to do that in a unique and accessible way. The most obvious highlight is the art. It has a unique and appealing style, with custom artwork for each entry. Te selection is also impressive. There are 52 figures of faith in this book spanning a diverse array of Christian traditions. Each chapter includes a brief biographical overview, a selection from Scripture, a brief meditation on the saint, and a closing prayer. I was already familiar with many figures in this book, but there were some I was delighted to learn about. Altogether, this is a wonderfully unique way to engage with the historic church.
October 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book!
When I requested it from NetGalley, I hadn't connected the dots between the book title and the artistic project of the same name. I actually own a couple prints (which I've since framed) from them and totes love them and the artistic style and quotes, so that added an extra depth of enjoyment to the read.
The collection is diverse and well organized, and I enjoyed the setup--biography, scripture, and prayer. My liturgical-fangirl self geeks out hard over much of this, and I think it's a helpful addition to my devotional collection and faith journey. Plus, a great way to enjoy more of the artwork without springing for individual prints!
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
When I requested it from NetGalley, I hadn't connected the dots between the book title and the artistic project of the same name. I actually own a couple prints (which I've since framed) from them and totes love them and the artistic style and quotes, so that added an extra depth of enjoyment to the read.
The collection is diverse and well organized, and I enjoyed the setup--biography, scripture, and prayer. My liturgical-fangirl self geeks out hard over much of this, and I think it's a helpful addition to my devotional collection and faith journey. Plus, a great way to enjoy more of the artwork without springing for individual prints!
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 13, 2024
It was a genuine delight to partner with Ben Lansing to create this book. Ben is a gifted artist, a careful student of history, and wise beyond his years. He taught me so much during the two years we worked on this together.
The stories of these Saints have stuck with me and are a deep well of encouragement to me, especially on bad days and dark seasons.
Ben and I hope that this book will serve as a hospitable on-ramp to the cultural breadth and historical depth of the global church. I pray that, years from now, many of our readers find themselves emulating the conviction, faithfulness, and fruitfulness of these Saints.
Enjoy!
The stories of these Saints have stuck with me and are a deep well of encouragement to me, especially on bad days and dark seasons.
Ben and I hope that this book will serve as a hospitable on-ramp to the cultural breadth and historical depth of the global church. I pray that, years from now, many of our readers find themselves emulating the conviction, faithfulness, and fruitfulness of these Saints.
Enjoy!
November 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book telling the stories of people of faith throughout history. One of the things that I appreciated the most was that this book didn't just focus on the usual heroes of faith who are mostly men, but they included many women who also helped form the faith that we practice, as well as some more modern heroes of the faith. The illustrations were really nice and added a lot to the stories, and the reflections included for each individual were thought provoking and well written. This book would be a great addition to any family or church library.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
December 28, 2025
Our Church Speaks is a year long devotional that covers 52 saints from across the history of the church. There is a short biography about each saint followed by a verse, devotional and prayer. The book is beautifully illustrated and written. There is also an appendix that gives a brief survey of Christian history.
It is inspiring to learn about the faith of saints who faced persecution yet did not waver in their commitment to follow Jesus. It puts in context the struggles the church faces to today and calls me/us to deeper commitment to live out our faith in love and truth.
I highly recommend this book.
It is inspiring to learn about the faith of saints who faced persecution yet did not waver in their commitment to follow Jesus. It puts in context the struggles the church faces to today and calls me/us to deeper commitment to live out our faith in love and truth.
I highly recommend this book.
October 6, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
52 devotionals based on a wide-range of saints from the last 2,000 years - some familiar, others less so.
Beautiful modern iconography for each saint + a brief and accessible intro to the saints life + a Bible passage + a meditation and prayer based on the saints life/writing.
One wish: While each devotion included a brief sentence quote from each saint, I wish the quotes or excerpts were longer to truly let the saint/church speak.
52 devotionals based on a wide-range of saints from the last 2,000 years - some familiar, others less so.
Beautiful modern iconography for each saint + a brief and accessible intro to the saints life + a Bible passage + a meditation and prayer based on the saints life/writing.
One wish: While each devotion included a brief sentence quote from each saint, I wish the quotes or excerpts were longer to truly let the saint/church speak.
October 16, 2024
This book highlights 52 saints in the church with art, a summary of the person, a Bible verse, and a meditation. The book serves as a good introduction to saints from around the world and across church history. I recommended using this book as a devotional rather than reading the book at once to better distinguish the people and their impact.
Thank you NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
June 7, 2025
This book is well formatted for use as a daily devotional. It introduces the lives of a variety of Christians from across history, from Augustine to C.S. Lewis, and pairs them with a scripture verse, lesson, and prayer.
I also appreciated the inclusion of Appendix A: Church History Survey, which breaks church history into various eras and describes the major events and spiritual attitudes that define that era.
I also appreciated the inclusion of Appendix A: Church History Survey, which breaks church history into various eras and describes the major events and spiritual attitudes that define that era.
August 11, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I’ve heard of several of these people but there were several that were new to me. I like the mediation points and scripture at the end of each bio. This is a good read to learning more about the various people that helped spread the gospel.
September 27, 2024
'Our Church Speaks' is a diverse collection of 52 faithful believers from church history and how they point us to trust in Christ. Each entry has a beautiful illustration, brief biography about the believer, lesson from the Bible, and crafted prayer. This is a great resource to go through in personal or family devotional time, or in a meeting with fellow believers.
Just like 'Foxe's Book of Martyrs', I greatly appreciated this opportunity to be challenged and encouraged by the lives of my brothers and sisters in Christ. If you enjoy learning about believers who have said yes to following God even when it's difficult, then I recommend this devotional to you!
Special thanks to the Publisher, InterVarsity Press, and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Just like 'Foxe's Book of Martyrs', I greatly appreciated this opportunity to be challenged and encouraged by the lives of my brothers and sisters in Christ. If you enjoy learning about believers who have said yes to following God even when it's difficult, then I recommend this devotional to you!
Special thanks to the Publisher, InterVarsity Press, and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 17, 2025
Such a gift to the church! Great artwork, good bios (wished they were a little longer), and mostly appropriate devotionals based on themes that come up from the bios. Like any devotional I didnt connect with all of them - some I felt were unnecessary. Loved that there was a good cross section of time periods, continents, and genders.
December 27, 2025
Fun and beautiful journey through a year’s worth of saints and Christian figures. Enjoyed learning more about many of these as well as the devotional bits that accompanied and paralleled their lives and ministries.
November 13, 2024
Excellently written and illustrated. Captivating. Thought Provoking.
November 27, 2024
Our Church Speaks is an interesting introspection of the saints. It includes a short history of each saint, from the first century to modern-day saints, and is accompanied by illustrations.
August 8, 2024
if you're like me who is eager to learn about the church and the saints we have, then this book is the one for you. it has illustrations as well as a profound explanations and description as to who the saint is and their ways in the early times and what considered them to be a "saint. now i, myself, am a Catholic and i think this was written by a Christian perspective but i really believe that this can be for everyone! i suggest to also read this while having your Bible study as it is more fun that way but that's just me! reading this anytime is great as it also has prayers for every saint.
thank you so much to NetGalley for this book as well as the authors who really took their time to write this book <3
thank you so much to NetGalley for this book as well as the authors who really took their time to write this book <3
July 5, 2024
I’m so excited for this book’s release, Oct. 29, 2024. Inspired by my art series at www.ourchurchspeaks.com and written in collaboration with D.J. Marotta, we wrote this book to encourage the modern church with the stories of our sisters and brothers who have gone before us. Featuring 52 saints from every era and place, with artwork, biographies, and devotional reflections. It is our hope that this book of historic saints will spark our imaginations and help us to be faithful here and now in our own age.
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