The Wholeness Imperative: How Christ Unifies our Desires, Identity and Impact in the World

by Scott Redd

There is a yearning within all of us to be ‘whole’ – a recognition that we live fragmented lives: striving and failing, believing but doubting, speaking one thing then doing another. We are all righteous sinners, in a battle with ourselves. In this semi–biographical work, Scott Redd examines this fight, discussing how we should be approaching it theologically and practically, in our day–to–day lives.

Filling each chapter with doctrines and biblical texts, Redd uses his theological training to tease out the idea of becoming fully–functioning, love–filled, Christ–devoted people. There is also a focus on using a cross–section of texts and concepts from the Old as well as the New Testament, making this a well–balanced and enlightening discussion. With an engaging, humorous tone, The Wholeness Imperative presents Christ as the unifying force of our hearts and minds – not abstract or unattainable, He is right in front of us, waiting to be embraced.

Genres: Theology

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2018

About the author

John Scott Redd is the president and associate professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, as well as an ordained minister in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He began his career in media consultation but felt called to leave the business world to pursue a Master of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. He then went on to complete his doctoral dissertation in the Department of Semitic Language and Egyptian Languages and Literatures
at the Catholic University of America. After serving as dean of students at RTS Orlando, he moved to Washington, DC, in 2012. Dr. Redd also currently sits on the board of the Washington Theological Consortium, an organization dedicated to ecumenism in the Washington area.

Reviews

[Joon Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and encouraging book. Dr Redd reminds us to “live lives marked by wholeness, unified around the love for our death-slaying king.” “Finally unburdened with guilt and corruption of sin, those in Christ live in freedom, having been liberated from the condemnation of the law.”

[Francesca DiGiacomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many helpful thoughts, the overall structure of the book felt a little disconnected/unconnected.

[Thephoeniciansailor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profound idea delivered in accessible packaging. Redd is writing about two different things: one is the call to wholeness throughout the biblical faith, and the other is a study in how the Bible works as a literary and theological whole. The chapters are loosely bound together by the theme of wholeness (from Deut 6:4-9) that is threaded throughout the Old and New Testaments. The theme is developed over the course of the progression of the Bible, though the final form is present in the seed. The voice of Moses proclaims the command (be whole as God is whole), while the prayer of Christ in John 17 shows us how the command works (spoiler alert: it's union with Christ). This is the goal of Christian salvation, and everything else in the redemptive plan is working towards this end to the glory of God.

The style is personal but theologically- and literarily- informed. He cites Herman Bavinck and T.S. Elliot as well as David Mitchell, Langston Hughes, and Frank O'Hara. So, in other words, he had me at hello. The personal stories keep the book from spinning into a matrix of cultural references, a problem of too much Christian non-fiction these days.

This notion of wholeness helps us get past the usual ping-ponging debates between licentiousness and legalism. We are truly free in Christ, but that freedom is unto life, unto wholeness. If you attempt to use it unto fragmentation and death, you are not doing it right.

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a series of sermons, this book advances a view of the Christian life under the theme of wholeness (as opposed to fracturing). The opening two chapters lay the groundwork, and the subsequent chapters flesh out various dimensions and applications of wholeness, from different Scriptural texts. In addition to sound and erudite exposition and application of Scripture, this book delivers many useful illustrations from the history of literature, poetry, film, and music. As to be expected from a volume comprised of sermons, there are also some poignant and appropriate illustrations drawn from the author’s personal life.

This book is overall a success, and is well worth the thoughtful Christian’s time, even if just as a meaty devotional aid. Pastors would do well to read at least the two opening chapters to gain a helpful, biblical, and culturally relevant approach to thinking about Christian salvation as “wholeness.” Throughout, there is good use of contrast (wholeness vs. fragmentation), redemptive history, and helps for applications (lists, imperatives, appeals to the heart/will/desires).

The one consideration that knocked this book from a 5/5 rating was the choppiness at parts. This is almost unavoidable in a book of discreet textual sermons, not part of a lectio continua series. I highly recommend this book, and am glad to have read it.

[Margaret Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply encouraging. As each chapter progressed, there was a greater approachability to the text just like how we are when we come to know and bask in the Lord. Felt fragmentality. I loved the focus on Christ as king and deliverer and how we are to live as pilgrims eating ‘waybread’ of the truth. This book is the ‘therefore’ call to live in the “no less days” filled with “nothing but the blood.”

“The Lord has authority that is overwhelmingly global and imminently local. It is cosmic and worldwide, and it is intensely, compassionately, tenderly personal.”

[Jonathan Song · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of essays on how the Christian life demands the whole of us. His chapter alone on Christian superstition is worth the read. Pastoral, theological, practical, and great for any Pastor or layman to pick up and challenge themself on the implications of the Shema.

[Mitchell Traver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads like a collected work of sermons, but with a more pastoral and conversational tone. Beautifully done. A life-giving refresher centered on the Gospel - the great story that grows sweeter and richer the more that I dive in and dwell on it.

Grateful for Scott Redd and his pastoral heart.

[Jake Ruefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing new but a refreshing, holistic picture of the gospel and its implications.

[Will Cunningham-Batt · Rating 3 out of 5]

It begins with a superb chapter opening up the idea of wholeness (or oneness) from Deuteronomy 6 and John 17. The rest of the book however felt like loosely connected sermons that had little to do with the main theme. A bit of a disappointment.