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Charitable Writing: Cultivating Virtue Through Our Words
ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Award Our written words carry weight. Unfortunately, in today's cultural climate, our writing is too often laced with harsh judgments and vitriol rather than careful consideration and generosity. But might the Christian faith transform how we approach the task of writing? How might we love God and our neighbors through our writing? This book is not a style guide that teaches you where to place the comma and how to cite your sources (as important as those things are). Rather, it offers a vision for expressing one's faith through writing and for understanding writing itself as a spiritual practice that cultivates virtue. Under the guidance of two experienced Christian writers who draw on authors and artists throughout the church's history, we learn how we might embrace writing as an act of discipleship for today―and how we might faithfully bear the weight of our written words.
248 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2020
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246 people want to read
About the author
Richard Hughes Gibson
5 books5 followersRichard Hughes Gibson (PhD, University of Virginia) is associate professor of English at Wheaton College. He is the author of Forgiveness in Victorian Literature: Grammar, Narrative, and Community. With designer Jeremy Botts, he codirects Manibus Press, an occasional publisher of artists' books.
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August 21, 2021I do believe that Goodreads is the antithesis to the act of charitable reading and writing.
April 8, 2021
Quite honestly the best book on writing I have ever read. I will hold these words close for contemplation and practice as I continue to build my own writing life. They feel like a beacon, a lifeline, a faithful affirmation and challenge to continue pursuing Jesus amid this world’s turbulent waters. What an honor to have studied with these two professors at college! Forever grateful for the lessons gleaned in lecture and workshop alike, as well as for this book’s trusted encouragement to pursue faith, hope, and love through unhurried reading, writing, and fellowship with God and neighbor. A true gift.
April 20, 2021
Love love loved this. Especially the analogies of argument as dance or feast, and the concept of slow writing🤯
January 9, 2021
I’m a writer. I have published two books and have a third wandering dejectedly and despondently through the ego crushing wilderness of publisher-hunting at the present. But I also write blog posts that include articles, book reviews, and prayers I pen a weekly letter to my congregation, I type out emails and replies, and I toil over full sermon manuscripts for two sermons a week. I’m a writer. Therefore, my interest was grabbed when I saw a new book surface, “Charitable Writing: Cultivating Virtue through Our Words”. This 248-page softback was compiled by Richard Hughes Gibson and James Edward Beitler III, both of whom are associate professors of English at Wheaton College. It is written primarily with college composition and writing courses in mind (it even has a nice piece in the appendix for teaching the contents of the book). But it is sincerely useful for all writers outside of academia, those putting together business proposals, research articles, blogs, sermon manuscripts, pastoral letters, books, essays, or whatever. And the gentle approach the authors take make this easily accessible for teens to centenarians.
With a forward written by Anne Ruggles Gere, and an afterword by Alan Jacobs, the book artfully takes essayists through the principles of writing charitably. Though the book is a writing guide, it’s not about comma placements, which voice to use, ways to bring about a concluding statement, paragraph length, run-on sentences, and the like. Instead, it is concerned with “how we conceive of and, in turn, practice writing” while making an argument “that our spiritual commitments can and should provide bearings for our academic and professional work” (1). For the authors, this means that “writing is inescapably bound up with spiritual formation” (9). I found this aim hugely helpful. And especially as Gibson and Beitler point toward one overarching virtue for writing, which is charity founded on humility. In fact, charitable writing “is writing that seeks to fulfill the Lord’s “double commandment” to love God and our neighbor” (11). And that is the whole book in a nutshell. Each chapter circles back round to this point, page after page, subject after subject, discussion after discussion!
“Charitable Writing” includes delving deeply into what charity is; as well as humble listening; rightly-ordered arguing; “slow writing”; and positioning one’s composition as a work of learning, but also a work of prayer (165). The authors use “meditations” on sacred art works (replicated in the chapters) as a way of furthering most subjects and moving the conversation from place to place. The picturesque approach didn’t resonate with me so much, maybe because I’m an artistic troglodyte, but it did keep things progressing at a good pace.
I found almost every subject rich and rewarding. The discussions that were primarily geared toward academia whizzed past me, but even some of those thoughts were useful. Of all the themes I was benefited by here are two. First, the idea that writing is spiritual formation; it is fostering virtue. And the virtue that we want cultivated most is charity – love of God and neighbor. Coupled with charity comes humility, and the importance of writing with humility. I loved their thought, echoing James 4:8a, that states, draw “near to God, charitable writer, and he will draw near to you” (167). In fact, following Augustine, the approach of turning our works into acts of learning and moments of prayer, was beautiful.
The other topic I found valuable, even more so in our present outrage culture, was how to develop rightly-ordered arguments. Gibson and Beitler lay out the importance of our debate metaphors (which usually circle around war) and give numerous examples of alternative ones that can bring the temperature of an argument down from charred to a golden, tasty crust (my attempt at another metaphor, yes?). Once the authors show the importance of changing our metaphors, they then give hefty reasons to argue charitably, mapping out the way to accomplish this feat. One aspect is to create the steel-man argument. Instead of mischaracterizing an opponent’s position, we put their case in the best light, clearheadedly restating our interlocutor’s view before we give our own response. We listen to hear, rather than listen to respond. Further, using a feast as the backdrop, we write in a way that clearly shows that we are a gracious host at the table, but also a good guest. This whole topic covers three chapters (105-136) and was corrective, perceptive, and indispensable. It made me reflect on how often my thesis advisor had to tone me down while I was working on my doctorate. He would often correct my jargon and reasoning, stating the importance of drawing readers into the discussion instead of throwing them out on their ear. This meant I had to return, re-think, and re-write for hours. Honestly, being a charitable writer is not for sissies!
“Charitable Writing” is just too good to let pass by. Are you a blog-writer? Get the book. Social Media mogul? Get the book. Researcher or journalist? Get the book. Sermon manuscript author? Get the book. Taking a college class on composition? Get the book. And whoever else I may have missed, just get the book, pour over it, pray, and pen-away! As you can tell, I’m sold on it, and highly recommend the work to you.
My gratefulness to IVP Academic. I asked for a copy of the book to review, and they ungrudgingly and unhesitatingly sent the one used for this evaluation. Further, they didn’t make any demands on me, nor hold me hostage, nor demand my bank account numbers. Ergo, this assessment is freely made and freely given.
With a forward written by Anne Ruggles Gere, and an afterword by Alan Jacobs, the book artfully takes essayists through the principles of writing charitably. Though the book is a writing guide, it’s not about comma placements, which voice to use, ways to bring about a concluding statement, paragraph length, run-on sentences, and the like. Instead, it is concerned with “how we conceive of and, in turn, practice writing” while making an argument “that our spiritual commitments can and should provide bearings for our academic and professional work” (1). For the authors, this means that “writing is inescapably bound up with spiritual formation” (9). I found this aim hugely helpful. And especially as Gibson and Beitler point toward one overarching virtue for writing, which is charity founded on humility. In fact, charitable writing “is writing that seeks to fulfill the Lord’s “double commandment” to love God and our neighbor” (11). And that is the whole book in a nutshell. Each chapter circles back round to this point, page after page, subject after subject, discussion after discussion!
“Charitable Writing” includes delving deeply into what charity is; as well as humble listening; rightly-ordered arguing; “slow writing”; and positioning one’s composition as a work of learning, but also a work of prayer (165). The authors use “meditations” on sacred art works (replicated in the chapters) as a way of furthering most subjects and moving the conversation from place to place. The picturesque approach didn’t resonate with me so much, maybe because I’m an artistic troglodyte, but it did keep things progressing at a good pace.
I found almost every subject rich and rewarding. The discussions that were primarily geared toward academia whizzed past me, but even some of those thoughts were useful. Of all the themes I was benefited by here are two. First, the idea that writing is spiritual formation; it is fostering virtue. And the virtue that we want cultivated most is charity – love of God and neighbor. Coupled with charity comes humility, and the importance of writing with humility. I loved their thought, echoing James 4:8a, that states, draw “near to God, charitable writer, and he will draw near to you” (167). In fact, following Augustine, the approach of turning our works into acts of learning and moments of prayer, was beautiful.
The other topic I found valuable, even more so in our present outrage culture, was how to develop rightly-ordered arguments. Gibson and Beitler lay out the importance of our debate metaphors (which usually circle around war) and give numerous examples of alternative ones that can bring the temperature of an argument down from charred to a golden, tasty crust (my attempt at another metaphor, yes?). Once the authors show the importance of changing our metaphors, they then give hefty reasons to argue charitably, mapping out the way to accomplish this feat. One aspect is to create the steel-man argument. Instead of mischaracterizing an opponent’s position, we put their case in the best light, clearheadedly restating our interlocutor’s view before we give our own response. We listen to hear, rather than listen to respond. Further, using a feast as the backdrop, we write in a way that clearly shows that we are a gracious host at the table, but also a good guest. This whole topic covers three chapters (105-136) and was corrective, perceptive, and indispensable. It made me reflect on how often my thesis advisor had to tone me down while I was working on my doctorate. He would often correct my jargon and reasoning, stating the importance of drawing readers into the discussion instead of throwing them out on their ear. This meant I had to return, re-think, and re-write for hours. Honestly, being a charitable writer is not for sissies!
“Charitable Writing” is just too good to let pass by. Are you a blog-writer? Get the book. Social Media mogul? Get the book. Researcher or journalist? Get the book. Sermon manuscript author? Get the book. Taking a college class on composition? Get the book. And whoever else I may have missed, just get the book, pour over it, pray, and pen-away! As you can tell, I’m sold on it, and highly recommend the work to you.
My gratefulness to IVP Academic. I asked for a copy of the book to review, and they ungrudgingly and unhesitatingly sent the one used for this evaluation. Further, they didn’t make any demands on me, nor hold me hostage, nor demand my bank account numbers. Ergo, this assessment is freely made and freely given.
April 1, 2025
“We write terrible drafts in the hopes that these drafts are not the end, that our ideas will develop beyond these initial moments of composition, and that the pieces we are working on may ultimately have some small part to play in reflecting the truth, beauty, and goodness of God.”
tbh i probably liked this book because it made me wax nostalgic for the assigned readings at my tiny Christian liberal arts college in the mountains 🌄 shoutout wheaton / westmont rivalry
tbh i probably liked this book because it made me wax nostalgic for the assigned readings at my tiny Christian liberal arts college in the mountains 🌄 shoutout wheaton / westmont rivalry
January 12, 2021
Summary: Two writing professors explore how Christian faith ought shape both how one writes and how one teaches students to write, shaped by the virtues of humility, love, and hope.
When many of us think of writing in our present time, we think of contentious writing, angry writing, divisive writing. Whether in academic discourse of a scroll through your social media feed, one doesn’t have to go far to find examples of a “scorched earth” approach to writing. Charitable writing? Not so much.
Actually, the authors of this work only have this indirectly in mind. As writing professors at a Christian college, they realized that their approach to writing wasn’t any different than when they had taught in secular settings. If as Christians your aspiration is “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17), then what might this look like in both the practice of writing, and the teaching of students to write? It is a question about which I think. This is the question out of which this book arose.
The authors propose that virtuous actions manifesting charity ought to shape our writing. They organize the book around three threshold virtues or concepts: humble listening, loving argument and hopeful time keeping. They devote several chapters to each of these ideas. One of the striking features of this book is that they explore these ideas through visual art as well as their own writing.
Humility begins in humbling oneself before God in prayer as one enters one’s study or workspace to write. Humility is the openness to God and denial of self of Mary at the annunciation. Other images point toward humility as an abiding virtue of writing. The authors go on to discuss humility in writing communities, including writing classes, and in discourse communities, where humility means careful listening to the community and attentive use of that community’s language as one communicates.
They turn to loving argument, beginning with a painting of Augustine symbolizing the triangle of head, heart, and tradition or logos, pathos, and ethos in writing. They explore our metaphors for argument, mostly warlike, explaining both our aversion to argument and why they often end badly. They propose different metaphors. One metaphor is the table, a place of hospitality, a feast together. We can share the meal with generous care for each other or we can feast in a “beastly” fashion, where we seek to get ours at the expense of others. Do we make space for the writing of others at our table?
Finally Gibson and Beitler talk about keeping time hopefully. One aspect of this is writing slowly. As others have observed, there is no good writing, only good re-writing. They walk us through pre-writing, drafting, and revising. Writing is an exercise in hope as one engages the slow, patient work involved. Slow writing allows others to join in, helping with revisions and edits, making our ideas better. But writing in hope also incorporates “liturgies” that invite God in, to inform our writing and to point it toward his telos for life.
As they draw to conclusion, we are reminded that these virtues are social virtues. Writing is social and not solitary. Charitable writing reaches out, it converses and disputes, it holds, embraces and releases. Writing in this way reminds us of our call as disciples to love God and each other, even when we argue. As bonuses this book offers an afterword by Alan Jacobs, a guide to discussion with writing prompts, an essay on teaching charitable writing, and one on the spiritual discipline of writing.
I deeply appreciated this book. For someone who never thought of himself as a writer, I’ve done quite a bit of it in the past decade. It can be hard and humbling and drive you to prayer as you look for the words to get past a block. To send one’s ideas out to others invites both community and criticism. Most of the time I’ve written with great love, and sometimes unlovingly. One writes with hope that your words will connect with others, that long deliberated ideas will give encouragement and light to others. If nothing else, writing changes us, and hopefully for the better. Gibson and Beitler show us how that may be so, to the end of loving God and others.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
When many of us think of writing in our present time, we think of contentious writing, angry writing, divisive writing. Whether in academic discourse of a scroll through your social media feed, one doesn’t have to go far to find examples of a “scorched earth” approach to writing. Charitable writing? Not so much.
Actually, the authors of this work only have this indirectly in mind. As writing professors at a Christian college, they realized that their approach to writing wasn’t any different than when they had taught in secular settings. If as Christians your aspiration is “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17), then what might this look like in both the practice of writing, and the teaching of students to write? It is a question about which I think. This is the question out of which this book arose.
The authors propose that virtuous actions manifesting charity ought to shape our writing. They organize the book around three threshold virtues or concepts: humble listening, loving argument and hopeful time keeping. They devote several chapters to each of these ideas. One of the striking features of this book is that they explore these ideas through visual art as well as their own writing.
Humility begins in humbling oneself before God in prayer as one enters one’s study or workspace to write. Humility is the openness to God and denial of self of Mary at the annunciation. Other images point toward humility as an abiding virtue of writing. The authors go on to discuss humility in writing communities, including writing classes, and in discourse communities, where humility means careful listening to the community and attentive use of that community’s language as one communicates.
They turn to loving argument, beginning with a painting of Augustine symbolizing the triangle of head, heart, and tradition or logos, pathos, and ethos in writing. They explore our metaphors for argument, mostly warlike, explaining both our aversion to argument and why they often end badly. They propose different metaphors. One metaphor is the table, a place of hospitality, a feast together. We can share the meal with generous care for each other or we can feast in a “beastly” fashion, where we seek to get ours at the expense of others. Do we make space for the writing of others at our table?
Finally Gibson and Beitler talk about keeping time hopefully. One aspect of this is writing slowly. As others have observed, there is no good writing, only good re-writing. They walk us through pre-writing, drafting, and revising. Writing is an exercise in hope as one engages the slow, patient work involved. Slow writing allows others to join in, helping with revisions and edits, making our ideas better. But writing in hope also incorporates “liturgies” that invite God in, to inform our writing and to point it toward his telos for life.
As they draw to conclusion, we are reminded that these virtues are social virtues. Writing is social and not solitary. Charitable writing reaches out, it converses and disputes, it holds, embraces and releases. Writing in this way reminds us of our call as disciples to love God and each other, even when we argue. As bonuses this book offers an afterword by Alan Jacobs, a guide to discussion with writing prompts, an essay on teaching charitable writing, and one on the spiritual discipline of writing.
I deeply appreciated this book. For someone who never thought of himself as a writer, I’ve done quite a bit of it in the past decade. It can be hard and humbling and drive you to prayer as you look for the words to get past a block. To send one’s ideas out to others invites both community and criticism. Most of the time I’ve written with great love, and sometimes unlovingly. One writes with hope that your words will connect with others, that long deliberated ideas will give encouragement and light to others. If nothing else, writing changes us, and hopefully for the better. Gibson and Beitler show us how that may be so, to the end of loving God and others.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
November 2, 2022
Charitable Writing is more about a general attitude toward all work, using writing as a particular example of how to apply a loving, compassionate attitude to daily work. This is a very Wheaton book—Richard Hughes Gibson and James Edward Beitler III are both professors at Wheaton College, and the brief afterword is written by former Wheaton prof Alan Jacobs—so it reminds me of the ethos of my undergraduate days, which is not a bad thing.
Overall (and, I guess, ironically, for a book about writing), the writing style didn’t draw me in. It’s adequate but not effortless. The content, however, is well worth thinking about. I marked several chapters that I will have my writing students read in class next semester (chapter 3, “Humble Listening in Local Writing Communities”; chapter 6, “On Argument”; closing meditation, “At the Gallery”; and Stephanie Paulsell’s essay, “Writing as a Spiritual Discipline,” included as an appendix). I also really like the authors’ idea of having a class discuss metaphors for a good conversation; I plan to do that with a class next semester on the first day, and I think it’s going to be a good setup for discussions throughout the semester. The authors’ reminder to reframe our language and metaphors for argument—that is, don’t rely on terminology related to war—is always good to hear again.
Gibson and Beitler have an interesting idea of bringing in various artworks to their discussions of attitudes in writing. I wished they had pushed that theme further; I felt like it had promise, but it didn’t flourish into what it might have become. I always appreciate authors who draw examples from multiple artistic genres, especially when it’s unexpected and illuminating.
Charitable Writing wasn’t quite all I’d hoped it would be, and a reader needs to know that it’s not as much about the craft of writing as you might expect. But the subject matter is worthwhile, and reading it just a little at a time (no more than one chapter a day, over a few weeks) was a good plan for this book.
Overall (and, I guess, ironically, for a book about writing), the writing style didn’t draw me in. It’s adequate but not effortless. The content, however, is well worth thinking about. I marked several chapters that I will have my writing students read in class next semester (chapter 3, “Humble Listening in Local Writing Communities”; chapter 6, “On Argument”; closing meditation, “At the Gallery”; and Stephanie Paulsell’s essay, “Writing as a Spiritual Discipline,” included as an appendix). I also really like the authors’ idea of having a class discuss metaphors for a good conversation; I plan to do that with a class next semester on the first day, and I think it’s going to be a good setup for discussions throughout the semester. The authors’ reminder to reframe our language and metaphors for argument—that is, don’t rely on terminology related to war—is always good to hear again.
Gibson and Beitler have an interesting idea of bringing in various artworks to their discussions of attitudes in writing. I wished they had pushed that theme further; I felt like it had promise, but it didn’t flourish into what it might have become. I always appreciate authors who draw examples from multiple artistic genres, especially when it’s unexpected and illuminating.
Charitable Writing wasn’t quite all I’d hoped it would be, and a reader needs to know that it’s not as much about the craft of writing as you might expect. But the subject matter is worthwhile, and reading it just a little at a time (no more than one chapter a day, over a few weeks) was a good plan for this book.
April 1, 2025
Originally, I gave this book 3 stars and thought about it all night because I’m an overthinker and chronic worrier. This will be our text for teaching writing next semester and as an educational text that lays a foundation of humble listening and loving argument for writing and communicating, I think it is efficient and gracious. There’s a hospitable tone for the reader who may not have much experience with writing or academic research. My original rating was due to some of the evangelical language and theology that rubbed against my own evangelical trauma. While this book may not be the most helpful for *me* personally, I think it will be incredibly beneficial for my students, especially in helping them develop frameworks for charitable writing, humble researching, and loving argument—all virtues I can absolutely get behind!
August 17, 2021
Have you ever had the experience of having a very specific question and then reading a book that answered that question on a level you never imagined? That's what reading this book was like for me. There are several ideas and suggestions that have shifted my entire philosophy on how to teach writing in a Christian university setting and I am so excited to try new things!
March 28, 2025
Gulped this in a hasty skim. Want to return to it for a slower, deeper read. Packed with wisdom. Appendix C is a treasure.
May 9, 2025
I can’t wait to teach writing!¡!!¡
June 18, 2025
hooray for the intersection of faith and writing!!
January 20, 2026
LOVED this book, it’s an excellent teaching of what it means to “argue” with love and humility. A star is redacted because I don’t think that the historical art examples were always particularly helpful, AND sometimes it felt like they were looking to these paintings and artwork for authority and truth a liiiiiiiiitle bit more than I was comfortable with.
Read all but one or two chapters for class.
Read all but one or two chapters for class.
February 7, 2021
I really loved this book. I found it incredibly helpful to think about my writing and also how to co-create well with other writers. I especially appreciated the concept of "brooding" over our work, and that we don't create out of nothing. The suggestion to begin writers critique circles with the peace of Christ is so simple and beautiful. In my role as a magazine editor, we purchased 30 copies and mailed them to some of our writers across Canada. We look forward to continuing discussing it with them in the future. Thank you for this book.
March 11, 2023
In lieu of a review please read the final four sentences + fall in love with this book like I did:
“To write under love’s jurisdiction, we have said, is to hold a patient conversation. It is to brave the wild terrains of thought. It is to move in time with other dancers. It is to stage a glorious feast. But in John’s pose we find a still more succinct summary of our hopes: charitable writing as an embrace.”
“To write under love’s jurisdiction, we have said, is to hold a patient conversation. It is to brave the wild terrains of thought. It is to move in time with other dancers. It is to stage a glorious feast. But in John’s pose we find a still more succinct summary of our hopes: charitable writing as an embrace.”
November 21, 2020
We have been told that love is the greatest. The Bible says so. Our culture also asserts that. We all believe so. We are taught to love our neighbour. We all want love but the truth is, love is often more easily said than done. This applies equally to the field of writing. Authors Richard Gibson and James Beitler helps us understand what it means to apply the expression of love in our writings, via charitable writing. Being a Christian is not just about speaking or living out the good news in public. It is also in how we write and express our love in writing. It is also a way of spiritual formation. It is discipleship. It is using our writing to paint the art of love. The central theme of this book is that "charitable writers listen humbly, argue lovingly, and keep the time of writing hopefully." Without going into the details of how to write or not to write, the focus is on the "big picture," to imagine, to relate, to respond, and how to express our neighbourliness in our writing. In other words, we write not for the sake of writing but for the purpose of showing we care and we love. These can be done through applying "spiritual threshold concepts," which are concepts to help integrate academic disciplines, including the discipline of writing. They engage the wisdom of ancient as well as modern writers to help us along. Through imitation, we learn from the practitioners in the past. Through practice, we apply the process over and over again to solidify the habit. This dual rhythm of imitation and practice are incorporated into the three key parts of the book. I appreciate how the authors remind us once again that writing is not only social and spiritual, it is also communal. The best way to integrate all of these is to begin with humility. Using art and images to supplement this manual about writing charitably, the authors show us the significance of our humble words. It begins with "humble listening." This is most appropriate because charity begins with humility. Being charitable needs to begin with us receiving charity from others. We are reminded that while most writers would write alone, there are wise companions that we can tap upon. Nicolas Frances calls writing a social activity. We cite others. We build upon the works of others. There is also the spiritual component to it when writers pray before writing.
In Part Two, Gibson and Beitler teach us about responding to what we hear or read. Recognizing the importance of this and how to develop "loving argument" in our writings, this part of the book is the longest. The authors allocate six chapters to help us formulate and develop this critical aspect of writing. They remind us of the double command. Loving God must be reflected in our love to fellow humans; and our love for fellow humans cannot be divorced from God's love. With this "law of charitable writing," we learn about crafting arguments that move away from "war languages" toward the dance metaphor as well as an invitation to a conversation. Both are great alternatives to the typical confrontations we see daily on social media or competing news networks. Going back to the great love chapter in 1 Corinthians 13, the authors expound on the meaning of agape as a way of life. From here, the authors gives us the banquet metaphor that invites one to join in the feasting. This helps us see writing beyond solo efforts and to make space at the table.
Part Three reminds us about learning to pace ourselves appropriately. Slow writing enables us to humanize our words instead of rushing something off hastily to press. Whether it is prewriting, drafting, or rewriting, we learn that crafting good words need time. At the same time, we need to beware of our tendencies to either procrastinate or to be perfectionists. They conclude with a chapter on writing as a liturgy.
My Thoughts
This book is targeted at the writing audience. Both authors are professors of English at Wheaton, so it is natural that their immediate concerns are students of writing. By clarifying upfront that this book is not about the technical aspects of writing but the principles of charitable writing, we get a better sense of where this book is heading. There are several ways to benefit from this book. The first is the reminder about having humility as a starting point. This is hugely important because all charity needs to begin with a recognition that we don't exist for our own sake. We exist because God first created us, blessed us, and called us to a particular purpose. Writing may not necessarily be everyone's core calling, but it is definitely a common expression of love. This is of paramount importance in an age of hasty texts and rapid tweets, both of which could ignite controversies and noisy debates. Humility helps keeps any quick tempers down. It also keeps us grounded to know that we are not always right and others are not necessarily wrong. Secondly, the authors rightfully spend more time developing the principles of arguments. We do not write opposing views like some kneejerk reactions to opinions that differ from ours. If people are different, we need to learn to appreciate the diversity of opinions that expand on particular meanings. We should not straitjacket any alternative pointers as necessarily against us. Words are important. Don't use counter-arguments or pushbacks strategies in our response. Use invitation to expand on the meaning or an encouragement to join in a conversation. Our first response often sets the tone for the rest of the dialogue. This leads me to the third point: leave room for alternative perspectives. This means we avoid making dogmatic statements that force people to choose between black or white. Like the proverbial blind men touching the different parts of an elephant, we need to humbly accept that in any topic, there is likely more than two opinions. The spectrum of opinions are much bigger than two colours. The way forward in charitable writing is to learn from both the past as well as the present. Like the authors, there is much we could learn from the ancients like the desert fathers, the medieval folks, and the spiritual masters. Writing is about discipleship. Writing well brings credibility and honour to both student and teacher. Listening humbly enables the Holy Spirit to work within our hearts. Writing slowly keeps us in step with our humanness. Writing charitably gives glory to God.
Thanks to Gibson and Beitler, these three principles of humility, loving argumentation, and keeping time hopefully could be distributed to many more writers and budding writers to be. For anyone curious about what it means to write, read this book. For anyone interested in writing, purchase this book. For anyone passionate about writing, buy a second copy to give away.
Richard Hughes Gibson (PhD, University of Virginia) is associate professor of English at Wheaton College. He is the author of Forgiveness in Victorian Literature: Grammar, Narrative, and Community. With designer Jeremy Botts, he codirects Manibus Press, an occasional publisher of artists' books.
James Edward Beitler III (PhD, University of Michigan) is associate professor of English at Wheaton College, where he is the director of First-Year Writing and also coordinates the Writing Fellows Program.
Rating: 5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
In Part Two, Gibson and Beitler teach us about responding to what we hear or read. Recognizing the importance of this and how to develop "loving argument" in our writings, this part of the book is the longest. The authors allocate six chapters to help us formulate and develop this critical aspect of writing. They remind us of the double command. Loving God must be reflected in our love to fellow humans; and our love for fellow humans cannot be divorced from God's love. With this "law of charitable writing," we learn about crafting arguments that move away from "war languages" toward the dance metaphor as well as an invitation to a conversation. Both are great alternatives to the typical confrontations we see daily on social media or competing news networks. Going back to the great love chapter in 1 Corinthians 13, the authors expound on the meaning of agape as a way of life. From here, the authors gives us the banquet metaphor that invites one to join in the feasting. This helps us see writing beyond solo efforts and to make space at the table.
Part Three reminds us about learning to pace ourselves appropriately. Slow writing enables us to humanize our words instead of rushing something off hastily to press. Whether it is prewriting, drafting, or rewriting, we learn that crafting good words need time. At the same time, we need to beware of our tendencies to either procrastinate or to be perfectionists. They conclude with a chapter on writing as a liturgy.
My Thoughts
This book is targeted at the writing audience. Both authors are professors of English at Wheaton, so it is natural that their immediate concerns are students of writing. By clarifying upfront that this book is not about the technical aspects of writing but the principles of charitable writing, we get a better sense of where this book is heading. There are several ways to benefit from this book. The first is the reminder about having humility as a starting point. This is hugely important because all charity needs to begin with a recognition that we don't exist for our own sake. We exist because God first created us, blessed us, and called us to a particular purpose. Writing may not necessarily be everyone's core calling, but it is definitely a common expression of love. This is of paramount importance in an age of hasty texts and rapid tweets, both of which could ignite controversies and noisy debates. Humility helps keeps any quick tempers down. It also keeps us grounded to know that we are not always right and others are not necessarily wrong. Secondly, the authors rightfully spend more time developing the principles of arguments. We do not write opposing views like some kneejerk reactions to opinions that differ from ours. If people are different, we need to learn to appreciate the diversity of opinions that expand on particular meanings. We should not straitjacket any alternative pointers as necessarily against us. Words are important. Don't use counter-arguments or pushbacks strategies in our response. Use invitation to expand on the meaning or an encouragement to join in a conversation. Our first response often sets the tone for the rest of the dialogue. This leads me to the third point: leave room for alternative perspectives. This means we avoid making dogmatic statements that force people to choose between black or white. Like the proverbial blind men touching the different parts of an elephant, we need to humbly accept that in any topic, there is likely more than two opinions. The spectrum of opinions are much bigger than two colours. The way forward in charitable writing is to learn from both the past as well as the present. Like the authors, there is much we could learn from the ancients like the desert fathers, the medieval folks, and the spiritual masters. Writing is about discipleship. Writing well brings credibility and honour to both student and teacher. Listening humbly enables the Holy Spirit to work within our hearts. Writing slowly keeps us in step with our humanness. Writing charitably gives glory to God.
Thanks to Gibson and Beitler, these three principles of humility, loving argumentation, and keeping time hopefully could be distributed to many more writers and budding writers to be. For anyone curious about what it means to write, read this book. For anyone interested in writing, purchase this book. For anyone passionate about writing, buy a second copy to give away.
Richard Hughes Gibson (PhD, University of Virginia) is associate professor of English at Wheaton College. He is the author of Forgiveness in Victorian Literature: Grammar, Narrative, and Community. With designer Jeremy Botts, he codirects Manibus Press, an occasional publisher of artists' books.
James Edward Beitler III (PhD, University of Michigan) is associate professor of English at Wheaton College, where he is the director of First-Year Writing and also coordinates the Writing Fellows Program.
Rating: 5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
April 27, 2025
Cannot even begin to express how excited I am for how this has informed me as a writer and an instructor.
July 23, 2021
The central premise of this book is that writing is a discipline wherein we cultivate and exercise virtue (specifically: humility, charity, and hope). In that regards, it was a commendable and challenging book.
However, one of the main contentions of the authors is that we ought to cease using metaphors which cast writing in terms of warfare, preferring instead to use language of feasting and hospitality (at one point, writing is said to be an embrace). If the only data point was Twitter, this would be understandable. But given that we worship a king with a sword in his mouth (Rev 1 and 3) and sing songs like Psalm 148 and have exhortations such as 2 Corinthians 10, it is really more errant and effeminate.
The book reminds me of what JC Ryle calls “hazy theology” which isn’t wholly wrong but lacks substance and isn’t the full 16 oz to the pound. Would not recommend.
However, one of the main contentions of the authors is that we ought to cease using metaphors which cast writing in terms of warfare, preferring instead to use language of feasting and hospitality (at one point, writing is said to be an embrace). If the only data point was Twitter, this would be understandable. But given that we worship a king with a sword in his mouth (Rev 1 and 3) and sing songs like Psalm 148 and have exhortations such as 2 Corinthians 10, it is really more errant and effeminate.
The book reminds me of what JC Ryle calls “hazy theology” which isn’t wholly wrong but lacks substance and isn’t the full 16 oz to the pound. Would not recommend.
July 31, 2024
This book put so many ideas I’ve been wrestling with into conversation—how to listen well, how to argue lovingly, and how to teach writing as a daily rhythm. It convicted me and motivated me to view my writing work as a spiritual discipline. There’s nothing we can do apart from loving God and loving neighbor, especially not our writing. I’ll be coming back to this book frequently this year I’m sure!
March 28, 2022
What if writing could be a spiritual discipline to help one grow in virtue? Gibson and Beitler delve into the writing process by looking at humble listening, loving argument, and keeping time hopefully to explore how writing is a communal act through which we can practice love. As they teach together in a Christian college, many of their examples and suggestions are germane to that space, but the ideas are applicable to any Christian seeking virtue via writing.
There are many reasons behind the writing of this book, but the one that caught my attention was the authors' revelation that they taught writing in a Christian college nearly the same way to how they taught writing at other schools. Namely, the Christian imperatives to grow in virtue and be in constant prayer were not part of their Christian classrooms any more than they'd been part of their secular classrooms. They were teaching students to write, but were they teaching students to love? (As I write this, I realize how foreign this might sound to those who haven't participated in Christian education/faith and learning discussions for years like I have. Pedagogy has a totally different vocabulary here.)
In the chapter "On Argument," the authors explore alternative metaphors for argument, because war and sports metaphors often use the language of violence to illustrate argument. Barn-raising, a meal, a conversation, and other metaphors are offered instead. Viewing argumentation as collaborative rather than combative is a healthier and more encouraging way to think of it. In the middle of the book, this chapter builds on the previous establishment of understanding writer and reader in communion with one another, an exploration that will make perfect sense to any reader who feels like they've communed with a distant, perhaps deceased author while reading.
As a whole, Charitable Writing is not another book with tips and tricks for writing, or one that promises to make writing easier or faster. (There's a whole chapter on "Slow Writing," modeled after the slow food movement.) Instead, the project here is to reframe writing as a Christian practice, as a spiritual discipline, as an act that can cultivate faith, hope, and love. Similarly, the practices of humble listening and loving argument are applicable elsewhere, even when not writing about spiritual things or for a Christian audience. One of the examples the authors turn to is Maya Angelou, who was a deeply religious person, but whose work is appreciated outside of Christianity. When I think of humble listening, I think of Marshall Rosenberg and nonviolent communication, which is built on the principle of humility. Though the authors don't turn to him in Charitable Writing, NVC is a great resource for those wanting to build "steel man" arguments instead of "straw man" arguments, as discussed in the book.
Charitable Writing includes several appendices, one of which includes discussion questions/writing prompts. I can imagine that being used well in a senior seminar class for students who are considering a career in writing education. The authors' boss, Jeffry C. Davis, provides another appendix for teachers looking to incorporate these ideas into their classrooms. His description of going gradeless in writing classes blew me away. There's a teacher who truly loves his students--he willingly takes on more than twice the amount of work he would have if he graded, just to ensure his students participate in collaborative feedback. The final appendix is a reprinted chapter from another book (Stephanie Paulsell's "Writing as a Spiritual Discipline" in The Scope of Our Art), to which the authors refer very frequently, and which is a solid ending to the whole project. A complete list of works cited, a general index, and a Scripture index round off the book. The general index is particularly useful because examples from history, art, literature, and writing studies are present on nearly every page. However, it's only for names and not for other topics. I went hunting to find that nugget they said about first drafts, and came up empty.
I'd recommend Charitable Writing to anyone teaching writing in a Christian space, to home school parents wanting a bigger picture for writing education, and to Christian writers who want to cultivate virtue in writing. For those in the hospitable pedagogy conversation, Charitable Writing will make a wonderful conversation piece.
-----
"The goal of charitable writing isn't simply to use Christian practices to smooth out wrinkles in the writing process. It's to turn the writing process into an occasion for spiritual growth." (18-19)
"One's local writing community may in fact have established rituals of revision in place, as when members of writing groups workshop each other's pieces. We've noticed that students sometimes worry about being a burden on their peers in such moments. Should that fear creep up on you, we urge you to remember that we are not called to play the part of host exclusively. We, too, are called to be guests, which is to say that we are called both to give love and receive it. When we ask a peer for help, we become the neighbor." (156-157)
There are many reasons behind the writing of this book, but the one that caught my attention was the authors' revelation that they taught writing in a Christian college nearly the same way to how they taught writing at other schools. Namely, the Christian imperatives to grow in virtue and be in constant prayer were not part of their Christian classrooms any more than they'd been part of their secular classrooms. They were teaching students to write, but were they teaching students to love? (As I write this, I realize how foreign this might sound to those who haven't participated in Christian education/faith and learning discussions for years like I have. Pedagogy has a totally different vocabulary here.)
In the chapter "On Argument," the authors explore alternative metaphors for argument, because war and sports metaphors often use the language of violence to illustrate argument. Barn-raising, a meal, a conversation, and other metaphors are offered instead. Viewing argumentation as collaborative rather than combative is a healthier and more encouraging way to think of it. In the middle of the book, this chapter builds on the previous establishment of understanding writer and reader in communion with one another, an exploration that will make perfect sense to any reader who feels like they've communed with a distant, perhaps deceased author while reading.
As a whole, Charitable Writing is not another book with tips and tricks for writing, or one that promises to make writing easier or faster. (There's a whole chapter on "Slow Writing," modeled after the slow food movement.) Instead, the project here is to reframe writing as a Christian practice, as a spiritual discipline, as an act that can cultivate faith, hope, and love. Similarly, the practices of humble listening and loving argument are applicable elsewhere, even when not writing about spiritual things or for a Christian audience. One of the examples the authors turn to is Maya Angelou, who was a deeply religious person, but whose work is appreciated outside of Christianity. When I think of humble listening, I think of Marshall Rosenberg and nonviolent communication, which is built on the principle of humility. Though the authors don't turn to him in Charitable Writing, NVC is a great resource for those wanting to build "steel man" arguments instead of "straw man" arguments, as discussed in the book.
Charitable Writing includes several appendices, one of which includes discussion questions/writing prompts. I can imagine that being used well in a senior seminar class for students who are considering a career in writing education. The authors' boss, Jeffry C. Davis, provides another appendix for teachers looking to incorporate these ideas into their classrooms. His description of going gradeless in writing classes blew me away. There's a teacher who truly loves his students--he willingly takes on more than twice the amount of work he would have if he graded, just to ensure his students participate in collaborative feedback. The final appendix is a reprinted chapter from another book (Stephanie Paulsell's "Writing as a Spiritual Discipline" in The Scope of Our Art), to which the authors refer very frequently, and which is a solid ending to the whole project. A complete list of works cited, a general index, and a Scripture index round off the book. The general index is particularly useful because examples from history, art, literature, and writing studies are present on nearly every page. However, it's only for names and not for other topics. I went hunting to find that nugget they said about first drafts, and came up empty.
I'd recommend Charitable Writing to anyone teaching writing in a Christian space, to home school parents wanting a bigger picture for writing education, and to Christian writers who want to cultivate virtue in writing. For those in the hospitable pedagogy conversation, Charitable Writing will make a wonderful conversation piece.
-----
"The goal of charitable writing isn't simply to use Christian practices to smooth out wrinkles in the writing process. It's to turn the writing process into an occasion for spiritual growth." (18-19)
"One's local writing community may in fact have established rituals of revision in place, as when members of writing groups workshop each other's pieces. We've noticed that students sometimes worry about being a burden on their peers in such moments. Should that fear creep up on you, we urge you to remember that we are not called to play the part of host exclusively. We, too, are called to be guests, which is to say that we are called both to give love and receive it. When we ask a peer for help, we become the neighbor." (156-157)
Read
January 30, 2021Introduction
Writing is a spiritual exercise. It is more than just having the right skills needed to put words on a page. The Christian writer should be characterized by a love that is demonstrated in their words. In Charitable Writing: Cultivating Virtue Through Our Words, authors Richard Hughes Gibson and James Edward Beitler III attempt to direct students to think about their writing as an exercise in Christian spirituality. Both Gibson and Beitler III are professors of English at Wheaton College. Their previous publications are also focused on Christian virtues in the Language Arts. Charitable Writing is an invitation to retrieve the great tradition of Christian writing (1) This book will help equip both students and educators with a deeper respect for virtuous Christian writing.
Summary
Charitable Writing opens with a meditation on the San Luca Altarpiece by Andrea Mantegna. The meditation focuses on the detail of Saint Luke, who appears in the middle of the painting. He is depicted sitting at a desk writing (2). Around him are prominent figures from church history. Some of the figures are depicted holding books and quills, others seem as if they are peeking over the shoulder of the writer. The takeaway is clear. The Christian faith is steeped in the tradition of reading and writing (4). This meditation helps to set the stage for the rest of the book. The authors challenge their readers to look at and practice writing in light of their religious commitments (9). In the introduction, the authors admit that in their attempt to craft a new vision for Christian writing, they ended up rediscovering the vast beauty of the past. In the words of the authors, Charitable Writing is an attempt to let the tradition speak (10). Specifically, the authors look to the tradition to cast a vision for charitable writing. They argue that charitable writers listen humbly, argue lovingly, and keep the time of writing hopefully (13).
The book is divided into three parts. Each part looks at one of the three characteristics listed above: humble listening, loving argument, and keeping time hopefully. They define charitable writing as writing that seeks to fulfill the two great commandments of loving for both God and neighbor.
The authors begin with the discipline of humble listening. Before the Christian can set out to write charitably, they must first exhibit humility. Writes love their audience by listening. The last two chapters in this section are focused on writing and discourse communities. The authors present a vision of writing as a spiritual exercise that flourishes within diverse communities.
The second section centers on the writer's ability to argue lovingly. Here the authors reference their influence and gratitude for much of the thought articulated in Alan Jacobs, How to Think. The authors apply the concept of argument and engagement to the disciple of writing and present a vision for writing as a banquet that seeks to serve, love, and be hospitable.
Part three focuses on the discipline of writing. Here the authors offer some practical tips for spiritual writing. They encourage the habit of slow writing, diligent planning, and patient editing. The final chapter in this section puts the pieces together. Once again casts a vision for writing as liturgy.
Review
This book is a conversation starter. It does not attempt to claim that it is the final answer to virtuous writing. Instead, it cast a vision for writing that captures the imagination. The authors do a fantastic job of applying recent thought in Christian education to the disciple of writing. As I read this book, I came to see my writing life in a new light. I found myself longing for the vision that they present; to view my wiring as an exercise in spiritual formation for both myself and my community. In an age where it is easy to view writing as an act of ultimate independence, the Christian is called to something higher. Christians are called to love both God and Neighbor through their words. Charitable Writing can help us pursue this higher calling with humility and love.
Writing is a spiritual exercise. It is more than just having the right skills needed to put words on a page. The Christian writer should be characterized by a love that is demonstrated in their words. In Charitable Writing: Cultivating Virtue Through Our Words, authors Richard Hughes Gibson and James Edward Beitler III attempt to direct students to think about their writing as an exercise in Christian spirituality. Both Gibson and Beitler III are professors of English at Wheaton College. Their previous publications are also focused on Christian virtues in the Language Arts. Charitable Writing is an invitation to retrieve the great tradition of Christian writing (1) This book will help equip both students and educators with a deeper respect for virtuous Christian writing.
Summary
Charitable Writing opens with a meditation on the San Luca Altarpiece by Andrea Mantegna. The meditation focuses on the detail of Saint Luke, who appears in the middle of the painting. He is depicted sitting at a desk writing (2). Around him are prominent figures from church history. Some of the figures are depicted holding books and quills, others seem as if they are peeking over the shoulder of the writer. The takeaway is clear. The Christian faith is steeped in the tradition of reading and writing (4). This meditation helps to set the stage for the rest of the book. The authors challenge their readers to look at and practice writing in light of their religious commitments (9). In the introduction, the authors admit that in their attempt to craft a new vision for Christian writing, they ended up rediscovering the vast beauty of the past. In the words of the authors, Charitable Writing is an attempt to let the tradition speak (10). Specifically, the authors look to the tradition to cast a vision for charitable writing. They argue that charitable writers listen humbly, argue lovingly, and keep the time of writing hopefully (13).
The book is divided into three parts. Each part looks at one of the three characteristics listed above: humble listening, loving argument, and keeping time hopefully. They define charitable writing as writing that seeks to fulfill the two great commandments of loving for both God and neighbor.
The authors begin with the discipline of humble listening. Before the Christian can set out to write charitably, they must first exhibit humility. Writes love their audience by listening. The last two chapters in this section are focused on writing and discourse communities. The authors present a vision of writing as a spiritual exercise that flourishes within diverse communities.
The second section centers on the writer's ability to argue lovingly. Here the authors reference their influence and gratitude for much of the thought articulated in Alan Jacobs, How to Think. The authors apply the concept of argument and engagement to the disciple of writing and present a vision for writing as a banquet that seeks to serve, love, and be hospitable.
Part three focuses on the discipline of writing. Here the authors offer some practical tips for spiritual writing. They encourage the habit of slow writing, diligent planning, and patient editing. The final chapter in this section puts the pieces together. Once again casts a vision for writing as liturgy.
Review
This book is a conversation starter. It does not attempt to claim that it is the final answer to virtuous writing. Instead, it cast a vision for writing that captures the imagination. The authors do a fantastic job of applying recent thought in Christian education to the disciple of writing. As I read this book, I came to see my writing life in a new light. I found myself longing for the vision that they present; to view my wiring as an exercise in spiritual formation for both myself and my community. In an age where it is easy to view writing as an act of ultimate independence, the Christian is called to something higher. Christians are called to love both God and Neighbor through their words. Charitable Writing can help us pursue this higher calling with humility and love.
June 18, 2021
Finally, I have finished this great book on writing and now I want to share not just quotes from it but my impression of this volume. It’s took me a few months before I finish this due to the fact that I have to give way to other books that is short so I can have something to put on my blog. But as I lay aside this book and the parts I already read, the content still is stuck in my mind all throughout those time that’s why I was so eager to pick it up and finish it.
The introduction to Charitable Writing is of course essential but its a bit long. However, once you get out of the woods and it will be a smooth and enjoyable ride. Its a long read so expect it to be grueling but interesting journey.
I like how the authors make use of the painting and the people depicted on it. In the early chapters, the authors let you encounter them and how their practice of writing can impact yours. It makes this book an fascinating page after page recovery of the art of writing. On one hand you become sort of an art critic and decodes and on the other it is so encouraging for us writers who lost their sight or doesn’t know the rich Christian tradition of the craft. Truly with those things laid bare for the reader it affirms that writing is indeed spiritual discipline that would resonate into a royal endeavor worth pursuing.
If you think all of these are mere “meet and greet” with dead folks who we should look up to, think again. Nor a turn you into an art critic (for a brief moment). The authors also gives a heads up to contemporary writers. Its all about looking back at the past, staring at the present and taking up the mantle for the future. This book brings the arsenal and class back on your writing. This is not just nudge to help you write better but a launch you to go what writing. You’ll never be the same when you put down this book. With those things in mind, indirectly, Charitable Writing is asking writers: can you handle the weight of what it means to write?
Well the answer should be a loud, Yes! And to do it, there is a detour. You won’t be isolated in your ivory tower of writing but you’ll go low as Charitable Writing presents how we should write in service to God and our neighbor.
By now might think that this book presents just theory but no practical stuff. The later part of the book gives way to help you apply what you have learn so far. That’s the chapter on slow writing. So this is the part where we get down and dirty after a long discussion on charitable writing. You’ll say finally with a relief and joy not because you’re near the end but you are thoroughly equipped from that long journey. The author gave us three points: pre-writing, drafting and revising. The also shoot down procrastination and perfectionism in writing. There’s a bit of a fourth walling when they use the book and that chapter as example on revising.
Charitable Writing is a force to reckon with in terms of the weightiness it gives on the importance of writing and how to ground it on the law of love. Savor every part of this book and be encourage to put you pen on a paper or tap mightily on your laptop. Bloggers and writers will benefit from this book when they want more than an encouragement on their craft. Writing is more that putting ink on the paper or typing the keyboard. This will help them dig deeper and unearth treasures. Let this book wean you for achieving ivory tower writing with a down to earth noble cause. All for God’s glory. Highly recommended!
My verdict:
5 out of 5
Purchase the book by clicking here.
Read my favorite quotes from the book here.
Get some quote cards to share quotes from this book by clicking this link.
(Review copy of this book was provided by Inter-Varsity Press.)
(Did you like what you read? Did this article helped you? Then you can share some love by buying me a coffee).
The introduction to Charitable Writing is of course essential but its a bit long. However, once you get out of the woods and it will be a smooth and enjoyable ride. Its a long read so expect it to be grueling but interesting journey.
I like how the authors make use of the painting and the people depicted on it. In the early chapters, the authors let you encounter them and how their practice of writing can impact yours. It makes this book an fascinating page after page recovery of the art of writing. On one hand you become sort of an art critic and decodes and on the other it is so encouraging for us writers who lost their sight or doesn’t know the rich Christian tradition of the craft. Truly with those things laid bare for the reader it affirms that writing is indeed spiritual discipline that would resonate into a royal endeavor worth pursuing.
If you think all of these are mere “meet and greet” with dead folks who we should look up to, think again. Nor a turn you into an art critic (for a brief moment). The authors also gives a heads up to contemporary writers. Its all about looking back at the past, staring at the present and taking up the mantle for the future. This book brings the arsenal and class back on your writing. This is not just nudge to help you write better but a launch you to go what writing. You’ll never be the same when you put down this book. With those things in mind, indirectly, Charitable Writing is asking writers: can you handle the weight of what it means to write?
Well the answer should be a loud, Yes! And to do it, there is a detour. You won’t be isolated in your ivory tower of writing but you’ll go low as Charitable Writing presents how we should write in service to God and our neighbor.
By now might think that this book presents just theory but no practical stuff. The later part of the book gives way to help you apply what you have learn so far. That’s the chapter on slow writing. So this is the part where we get down and dirty after a long discussion on charitable writing. You’ll say finally with a relief and joy not because you’re near the end but you are thoroughly equipped from that long journey. The author gave us three points: pre-writing, drafting and revising. The also shoot down procrastination and perfectionism in writing. There’s a bit of a fourth walling when they use the book and that chapter as example on revising.
Charitable Writing is a force to reckon with in terms of the weightiness it gives on the importance of writing and how to ground it on the law of love. Savor every part of this book and be encourage to put you pen on a paper or tap mightily on your laptop. Bloggers and writers will benefit from this book when they want more than an encouragement on their craft. Writing is more that putting ink on the paper or typing the keyboard. This will help them dig deeper and unearth treasures. Let this book wean you for achieving ivory tower writing with a down to earth noble cause. All for God’s glory. Highly recommended!
My verdict:
5 out of 5
Purchase the book by clicking here.
Read my favorite quotes from the book here.
Get some quote cards to share quotes from this book by clicking this link.
(Review copy of this book was provided by Inter-Varsity Press.)
(Did you like what you read? Did this article helped you? Then you can share some love by buying me a coffee).
January 5, 2021
How should Christians write in this world? What is a Christian writer? In Charitable Writing, Richard Hughes Gibson and James Edward Beitler III teach us how to cultivate virtue through our words.
Expressing Faith through Writing
In just over 200 pages, this book presents a vision for expressing faith through writing and understanding writing itself as a spiritual practice. The authors have written several books, and they are both associate professors of English at Wheaton College. They have a lot of wisdom to share, and it will help you see the art of writing with fresh spiritual eyes.
By using art to illustrate different concepts, Gibson and Beitler III present ambitious yet convincing arguments about what it means to be “charitable” in our writing. We learn about humble listening, loving argument, and keeping time hopefully. The chapters are short and help keep the book moving at a lively pace.
Room at the Table
The reader is encouraged to write in community, and this must involve listening to others with humility. The metaphor of a banquet is used to describe charitable writing, and this includes loving your guests with hospitality as well as making room at the table. The reader is exhorted to slow and prayerful writing, with liturgical intent and practice.
I was most impacted by how this book helped to recalibrate how I view my own writing. This book introduced me to the concept of understanding my writing as a framework. In regards to writing arguments, I tend to think of it with words of war. I want to “take down” my opponents, I want to “destroy” them. Reframing how I write with the background of a banquet allows me to invite others in, serve them, and feed them.
A Spiritual Practice
In a practical conclusion, the obstacles of procrastination and perfectionism can be removed with prewriting, drafting, revising, and making time for others. We can practice the community aspect of writing by inviting others to listen, by talking through our ideas and our work, and by asking for feedback. We can show love to others by offering to do the same.
As I grow as a writer and communicator, I want to learn how to better serve my audience while improving my craft. But I don’t just want to be technical about it. Like the very words I write, I want the act of writing to itself to also shape who I am. This book shows me that there is a still more excellent way.
I received a media copy of Charitable Writing and this is my honest review.
Expressing Faith through Writing
In just over 200 pages, this book presents a vision for expressing faith through writing and understanding writing itself as a spiritual practice. The authors have written several books, and they are both associate professors of English at Wheaton College. They have a lot of wisdom to share, and it will help you see the art of writing with fresh spiritual eyes.
By using art to illustrate different concepts, Gibson and Beitler III present ambitious yet convincing arguments about what it means to be “charitable” in our writing. We learn about humble listening, loving argument, and keeping time hopefully. The chapters are short and help keep the book moving at a lively pace.
Room at the Table
The reader is encouraged to write in community, and this must involve listening to others with humility. The metaphor of a banquet is used to describe charitable writing, and this includes loving your guests with hospitality as well as making room at the table. The reader is exhorted to slow and prayerful writing, with liturgical intent and practice.
I was most impacted by how this book helped to recalibrate how I view my own writing. This book introduced me to the concept of understanding my writing as a framework. In regards to writing arguments, I tend to think of it with words of war. I want to “take down” my opponents, I want to “destroy” them. Reframing how I write with the background of a banquet allows me to invite others in, serve them, and feed them.
A Spiritual Practice
In a practical conclusion, the obstacles of procrastination and perfectionism can be removed with prewriting, drafting, revising, and making time for others. We can practice the community aspect of writing by inviting others to listen, by talking through our ideas and our work, and by asking for feedback. We can show love to others by offering to do the same.
As I grow as a writer and communicator, I want to learn how to better serve my audience while improving my craft. But I don’t just want to be technical about it. Like the very words I write, I want the act of writing to itself to also shape who I am. This book shows me that there is a still more excellent way.
I received a media copy of Charitable Writing and this is my honest review.
March 8, 2021
In this book, two English professors share insight into how Christian writing programs can encourage students to glorify God and love their neighbor through their writing. Richard Hughes Gibson and James Edward Beitler III taught English for years at a Christian university without using explicitly Christian materials, but began to consider ways that they could better bring their worldview to bear on their subject, in addition to using the best secular resources in their field. This book is the result of mutual exploration and provides rich theoretical and practical advice, quoting from many traditional Christian thinkers such as Augustine and incorporating classical artwork that represents writing as part of the Christian life. The authors analyze the different ways that these sources conceptualize and model writing, and encourage their readers to see their work as directly connected to God and to other people, not as a solitary discipline.
Although this book comes from an academic background, its theoretical underpinnings and practical suggestions apply to other Christian writers as well. I found the emphasis on writing with virtue helpful for my academic work in grad school, but I also enjoyed thinking through these principles in relation to my book reviewing and other nonfiction writing that I do. The authors show how our writing connects to our personal character, and they encourage their readers to listen well, engage charitably in writing communities, and develop clear, cogent arguments out of a sense of love. One of my favorite chapters is the one about argumentation, in which Gibson and Beitler show how a shift away from warfare metaphors can help people conceptualize argumentation in more constructive, loving, and positive ways.
This book is very unique, and is based in a rich tradition of Christian thinking, contemporary mainstream sources, and a broad focus that brings in wisdom and life examples from male and female writers from a variety of time periods, nations, and ethnic backgrounds. This is a great book for any Christian who writes nonfiction, and even though it comes from an academic paradigm, many of the same principles apply to people who run blogs, write nonfiction books, or write for their communities. I would also recommend this as a homeschool resource for older high school students who are serious about writing.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Although this book comes from an academic background, its theoretical underpinnings and practical suggestions apply to other Christian writers as well. I found the emphasis on writing with virtue helpful for my academic work in grad school, but I also enjoyed thinking through these principles in relation to my book reviewing and other nonfiction writing that I do. The authors show how our writing connects to our personal character, and they encourage their readers to listen well, engage charitably in writing communities, and develop clear, cogent arguments out of a sense of love. One of my favorite chapters is the one about argumentation, in which Gibson and Beitler show how a shift away from warfare metaphors can help people conceptualize argumentation in more constructive, loving, and positive ways.
This book is very unique, and is based in a rich tradition of Christian thinking, contemporary mainstream sources, and a broad focus that brings in wisdom and life examples from male and female writers from a variety of time periods, nations, and ethnic backgrounds. This is a great book for any Christian who writes nonfiction, and even though it comes from an academic paradigm, many of the same principles apply to people who run blogs, write nonfiction books, or write for their communities. I would also recommend this as a homeschool resource for older high school students who are serious about writing.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2020
Charitable Writing
Cultivating Virtue Through Our Words
by Richard Hughes Gibson; James Edward Beitler III
InterVarsity Press
IVP Academic
Christian
Pub Date 15 Dec 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Charitable Writing through InterVarsity Press in Netgalley:
Charitable Writing is a writing guide, but not in the typical sense; this book examines how we think about writing as well as how we go about it. In both respects, the conceptual and the practical, this book argues that our spiritual commitments can and should provide bearings for our academic and professional work.
This book reminds us that; Writing is a social and rhetorical activity • Writing involves making ethical choices • Writing speaks to situations through recognizable forms • Disciplinary and professional identities are constructed through writing • Writing enacts and creates identities and ideologies • All writers have more to learn.
We are reminded too that to recognize that writing not only can be but also should be a hospitable practice has profound implications for Christian writers. To write hospitably requires that we use words and genre conventions that our reader will recognize and understand. To write hospitably requires that we take the time to edit our writing so as to make it approachable. To write hospitably requires that we actually think about who are readers are in the first place. Above all, to write hospitably requires that we recognize writing as a gift.
Charitable Writing reminds us that our words carry weight, but unfortunately in today’s climate our words are often laced with harsh judgments and vitriol rather than careful consideration and generosity. But might the Christian faith transform how we approach the task of writing? How might we love God and our neighbors through our writing?
What this book isn’t is a style guide, but what it does is offers a vision for expressing one's faith through writing and for understanding writing itself as a spiritual practice that cultivates virtue.
I give Charitable Writing five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Cultivating Virtue Through Our Words
by Richard Hughes Gibson; James Edward Beitler III
InterVarsity Press
IVP Academic
Christian
Pub Date 15 Dec 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Charitable Writing through InterVarsity Press in Netgalley:
Charitable Writing is a writing guide, but not in the typical sense; this book examines how we think about writing as well as how we go about it. In both respects, the conceptual and the practical, this book argues that our spiritual commitments can and should provide bearings for our academic and professional work.
This book reminds us that; Writing is a social and rhetorical activity • Writing involves making ethical choices • Writing speaks to situations through recognizable forms • Disciplinary and professional identities are constructed through writing • Writing enacts and creates identities and ideologies • All writers have more to learn.
We are reminded too that to recognize that writing not only can be but also should be a hospitable practice has profound implications for Christian writers. To write hospitably requires that we use words and genre conventions that our reader will recognize and understand. To write hospitably requires that we take the time to edit our writing so as to make it approachable. To write hospitably requires that we actually think about who are readers are in the first place. Above all, to write hospitably requires that we recognize writing as a gift.
Charitable Writing reminds us that our words carry weight, but unfortunately in today’s climate our words are often laced with harsh judgments and vitriol rather than careful consideration and generosity. But might the Christian faith transform how we approach the task of writing? How might we love God and our neighbors through our writing?
What this book isn’t is a style guide, but what it does is offers a vision for expressing one's faith through writing and for understanding writing itself as a spiritual practice that cultivates virtue.
I give Charitable Writing five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
December 3, 2020
I think it is a good idea to gift this book to anyone who you know loves to write. Anyone who wants to leave a message of true and virtue in the world. This title captured my attention because I use to think about tangible things when I hear the word Charity. But charity means love, so I started thinking: I can definitely love through my words, so I took it, I´m glad I did. Everything we "eat" with our brains has an effect on us. I hope and pray many could make a pact with their writing and decide to cultivate just pure, lovely and true. I liked how the author makes a connection between spiritual instruction and writing instruction. I know God loves words, he leaves us the Bible, so we must take care of what we leave through our own words. My favorite part of the book it is when the author defines Humility and how it reshapes or writing practice. I don´t want to spoil you. Get the book. Just one quote:
"God has endowed us with profound capacities to learn, to ponder, to hypothesize, to reason, to understand. These powers apply to a range of fields and areas of inquiry—not least the knowledge of God himself! To recognize this is to realize that delighting in our thinking, delighting in our nimble intellects, may be a godly pursuit. To cultivate humility in regard to our ideas does not, in G. K. Chesterton’s words, require that we become “too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table.”15 Rather, such humility liberates us. As Dow observes, “Because intellectually humble people value truth over their egos need to be right, they are freed up to admit the limits of their own knowledge. This freedom naturally produces a teachable spirit and the habit of humble inquiry that are at the heart of sustained personal"
"God has endowed us with profound capacities to learn, to ponder, to hypothesize, to reason, to understand. These powers apply to a range of fields and areas of inquiry—not least the knowledge of God himself! To recognize this is to realize that delighting in our thinking, delighting in our nimble intellects, may be a godly pursuit. To cultivate humility in regard to our ideas does not, in G. K. Chesterton’s words, require that we become “too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table.”15 Rather, such humility liberates us. As Dow observes, “Because intellectually humble people value truth over their egos need to be right, they are freed up to admit the limits of their own knowledge. This freedom naturally produces a teachable spirit and the habit of humble inquiry that are at the heart of sustained personal"
July 16, 2021
DISCLAIMER: I'm reading this with high school and middle school writers in mind, and I found a good deal of the book to be far too abstract and conceptual.
That said, what beautiful concepts. What delightful ponderings about the most appropriate metaphors. What rich quotations and works of art. What intentional simplicity in the concepts. I love that the authors were captivated by the question of how to make writing practices more virtuous. This isn't about writing on virtuous subject matter, but about making the entire writing process more charitable. And while it lacks in practical, tangible practices, it enriched my thinking about the writing process as I switch from teaching public school to private school.
That said, what beautiful concepts. What delightful ponderings about the most appropriate metaphors. What rich quotations and works of art. What intentional simplicity in the concepts. I love that the authors were captivated by the question of how to make writing practices more virtuous. This isn't about writing on virtuous subject matter, but about making the entire writing process more charitable. And while it lacks in practical, tangible practices, it enriched my thinking about the writing process as I switch from teaching public school to private school.
August 17, 2021
My review in 3 or more words: reflective (both cerebral & emotional) | informative & richly sourced | inspiring a prophetic imagination
Thank you to author Karen Stiller, for this excellent recommendation! This book is one of the most excellent encouragements I’ve ever seen to consider writing as a spiritual discipline to form us in the virtues of humility, love, and hope. I was especially helped by the insight that making a loving argument is an act of charitable writing. Don’t let the word “academic” throw you off. The authors employ academic research but write accessibly and charitably for every reader.
More here: https://www.tamarahillmurphy.com/blog...
Thank you to author Karen Stiller, for this excellent recommendation! This book is one of the most excellent encouragements I’ve ever seen to consider writing as a spiritual discipline to form us in the virtues of humility, love, and hope. I was especially helped by the insight that making a loving argument is an act of charitable writing. Don’t let the word “academic” throw you off. The authors employ academic research but write accessibly and charitably for every reader.
More here: https://www.tamarahillmurphy.com/blog...
November 3, 2020
One of the best books on writing I’ve ever read. The authors are clear in their mission: to encourage writers to obey the double commandment in Matthew 22:37-40—to love both God and reader. They remind us that writing is an opportunity for prayer as well as an opportunity to grow in virtue. It does read academic (the authors are both professors), but I love how they brought in writers and artists from different centuries to illustrate their message. This will be a book I come back to in the future. “Writing charitably is nothing less than the work of a writing lifetime. We are a people of the threshold; we are pilgrim writers.” I couldn’t agree more. I will need these truths again.
December 15, 2020
I highly recommend people of all backgrounds read this book. Seeing hostility every day in the online world and poorly argued polemics that is more of an attack on the other person is exhausting. We would all do well to consider what we write, and before that, how we read. The authors do a wonderful job encouraging and providing ideas how to engage in the act of writing in a way that glorifies God. They do not tell one how to write something which is grammatically sound or a masterpiece. Rather, they desire those writing to do so with love. I would recommend this book to anyone who so much as comments on social media, so pretty much everyone.
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