Through the Looking Glass: Reflections on Christ That Change Us

by Kris Lundgaard

This inspiring look at the many facets of Christ's splendor offers us the opportunity to become like Christ by focusing on him. Lundgaard draws on the teaching of John Owen in this fresh and moving portrayal of the glory of Christ.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology, Christian, Devotional, Christian Living

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2000

About the author

Kris Lundgaard and his wife, Paula, served fourteen years with Mission to the World in Slovakia. As well as authoring several books, he has been a technical writer, computer programmer, pastor, program manager, and test-engineering manager. He and Paula have four married children and many grandchildren.

Reviews

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolutely excellent aid to understanding John Owen’s classic (The Glory of Christ). It isn’t a modernization or a study guide to Owen’s tome. It’s rather as if Lundgaard studied and studied Owen’s work and set down to rewrite a work - to the chapter - making all the same points - but meant for our modern era. Perfect for reading alongside Owen’s work - and hey the chapters even line up with the old classic!

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this book and much of the content. The execution was a little rough. I think because it was more of a "devotional" it seemed disjointed between chapters instead of unified. Also, I think some of the illustrations were helpful and others were not as clear.
But Christ was central and I appreciated his focus on meditating on Him through all of life.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kris Lundgaard has become a good friend, and I have enjoyed his other book (The Enemy Within) prior to reading this one. I asked him once which book he found "easier" to write, consider that The Enemy Within dealt with the mortification of sin, and Through the Looking Glass deals with the vivification of life. He said that Through the Looking Glass was more satisfying to write because of its content. I was a bit surprised by his answer, because it seems easier for me to recognize sin than to ponder Christ--or rather it is hard for me to do one without the other. Perhaps that is how it must be, and Kris' book does deal with sin, though it is a great primer on contemplating Christ.

[Joshua Bond]

An adaptation of John Owen's Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ. Very helpful.

[Jesse Jost · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful but short read reflecting on the glory of Christ. It's John Owens insights with simpler language and modern examples. A convicting wake up call for those who who are spiritually dry or back sliding, but also a glimpse at the pleasures that can be found when our souls are in true communion with the glorified Christ.

[Alex Etheridge · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't personally connect much to this book, which was disappointing given how much I grew from reading his other book. I'd fully recommend his "The Enemy Within: Straight Talk about the Power and Defeat of Sin", which breaks down John Owen's "Mortification of Sin" in plain language. This book looks at Owen's "Vivification of Christ" in plain language.

[Dan Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

[Tony Pirrone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read and the meditations and poetry are wonderful.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

slow start but got better and better towards the end. questions very helpful for reflection and silent retreats.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not read the book this is based on by John Owen, The Glory of Christ, so I can't say how it compares as far as depth of thought and effectiveness of conveying that thought, but one thing I am sure, it is easier to understand! Learning to reflect more on Christ and grow in love for Christ is a lifelong journey and no book can offer a shortcut. So I'm not surprised that I didn't find it hugely helpful in my own personal spiritual walk, but I did think it was a good book and that it was somewhat helpful. It's the type of book that benefits from taking slowly and meditating on what you're reading, something I'm afraid I didn't do enough of.

I found the writing to be a bit strained at times, using analogies and metaphors that either didn't quite work or drew so much attention to the metaphor that the truth trying to be conveyed was overshadowed a bit. It wasn't bad writing, just not great writing but the themes were great enough to make up for it and make it very worth reading.

Here are a few favorite quotes:
"When our best thoughts are fixed on Jesus, our hearts will be kept holy, serene, and spiritual. For "to be spiritually minded is life and peace.""

This is an analogy I thought did work "What are all the stained glories, the fading beauties of this world? Pile them all in a bucket and weigh them in the balance against one glimpse of God's face in Christ- they will be as a feather to an elephant."

"Our minds are accustomed to other entertainment and aren't in shape for the faith-work of reflecting on Christ. That may be why most of us live at low spiritual tide, powerless and joyless in our religion."

[Bobby James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good! Thought he sacrificed a little on doctrinal precision for the sake of making the book more devotional. Strikes a good balance. Great devotional on Christology.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book Points to Christ.

This book points to Christ, and all he has done for the believer. Each chapter explores a different aspect of his person and his offices. At the end of each chapter are some questions for further exploration. The reader comes away with a greater appreciation for Jesus.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an updating of the John Owen classic about the glory of Christ. It is the most devotional book I have ever read, and truly puts you face-to-face with the glory of Jesus. A must-read for any Christian.

[Samson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often hear people talk about "for the glory of Christ". But how is Christ's glory manifested in this world and beyond? And how shall we respond? This book helps me answer these important questions and leads me to appreciate the beauty of Christ.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a really moving look at the person of Christ. Worth reading for the poem in the middle of the book if nothing else.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is your heart ruminating on wordly things? Use this book to reorient your heart and mind to the glory of Christ which will bring renewed life to your faith.