The Ancient Ladder: A Journey to the Fullness of Life with God

by Scott MacLellan

For all of us longing to find purpose beyond suffering and faith beyond despair, The Ancient Ladder explores the biblically based three-step spiritual passage that ancient mystics saw as the way to follow Jesus toward Christian maturity.

What causes faith to transform from an intellectual knowing about God to a passionate love story with God? Scott MacLellan asked this question as his daughter battled cancer and he looked for purpose in his family’s suffering. He couldn’t believe that God was uninterested, but he also rejected trite reassurances.

He finally found a satisfying answer in the three-step passage—based on the writings of Solomon—that Christian mystics identified as a path through pain to true spiritual devotion. In The Ancient Ladder, Scott helps us apply the wisdom of past centuries to our challenges today as

Move through Proverbs (fearing the Lord) to Ecclesiastes (honoring the Lord) to Song of Solomon (loving the Lord). Journey from stale spirituality to a robust and meaningful faith that enriches our relationships, self-awareness, and enjoyment of God. See with fresh eyes the big picture of the Christian life. Scott helps us understand Solomon’s writings, the spiritual fruit that can come from our suffering, and our seasons of unbelief so we can let go of the people we were and become who we were meant to be.

Audible Audio

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly easy, straightforward read--one I could make an initial pass on in just a couple of days. Maclellan writes well, conversationally and approachably. And I'll admit I just love the concept of a 3-step program, task list, approach--whatever you wish to call it! "Just tell me what to do for spiritual growth and I'll do it."

Therein may lie a bit of my problem, on the same token, though! Heh. Maclellan and I don't see eye to eye on theology, and some of the people/books he quoted raised my eyebrows a few times (Kahlil Gibran, Brother Lawrence, _The Cloud of Knowing_, even Henry Blackaby). The book is rooted in Christian mysticism; truth can certainly be found, but other things can as well. I'd encourage readers to do their due diligence--as ever, in any book they/we read--to hold it up to Scripture and be discerning.

Much of it read very mystically and Zen to me, I'll admit, and I'm not sure how I feel about that--somewhat concerned, particularly as to how it would hold up against the Five Solas. It would make for an interesting discussion with the author, for sure!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read discussing one’s journey to fullness in life with God. The author looks to the ancient writings of King Solomon, who was known for his great wisdom. This book stems from the author’s quest to better understand the suffering his daughter and family endured during her battle with cancer. While searching the scriptures, he uncovers a three-step ladder used by Christian mystics leading from pain to spiritual devotion. The author walks readers through each of the three steps while describing each one in detail, including the traps and offers questions for further contemplation. I am looking forward referencing this book again in the future.

[Alessandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! It came at the perfect time, and felt like a teaser in a lot of ways. The author doesn't so much give you a how to, but rather whet's your appetite so that you want to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus. It's the perfect amount of practical with theology and bringing in church father's and mother's to speak to the depth of intimacy that Jesus calls us to.

I received a free copy of this book for my review. :)

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the idea of a 3 step ladder for spiritual growth anti-gospel. Then the ladder turns into a circle? The whole vision of attaining the next level didn’t sit well with me. I did read this quite quickly so perhaps I’m not being fair.

[Bayler Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed reading this book and being able to grow even more in my faith!! This book had a very good visual for the main plot point of the book and made it easy to follow.