Holiness for Ordinary People

by Keith Drury

Book by Drury, Keith W.

Genres: Faith, Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Christian Living

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Cori · Rating 1 out of 5]

This author spent so much time considering how he could convolute such a simple issue, he never stopped to question if he should.

If you appreciate denominational black holes that that require mental gymnastics to explain poorly, this book is for you.

If you enjoy "denomonational giants" confusing congregants by emphatically using imprecise, contradictory speech, this book is for you.

If you enjoy a 222 page book whereby 20 pages would have been sufficient, this book is for you.

Finally, if you relish 222 pages, with next to no scripture corresponding to the manmade text, this book is for you! What little scripture references exist are printed to the side of the page with no correspondence to the narrative text.

Keith Drury does an excellent job of muddying waters that do not require him floundering in to begin with.

The only excellent takeaway is the short and sweet Chapter 14, written by his wife. This could have been a 222 page book.

I'd rate this book a G.

Original review posted 2/2/25.

[Shane Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the subject. Highly recommend. Written in clear and convincing style.

[Aaron Case · Rating 4 out of 5]

A required book to meet an ordination transfer requirement. A great resource for anyone wrestling with Wesleyan holiness theology.

[Nathan Metz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of a simpler, more contemporary version of John Wesley's 'A Plain Account of Christian Perfection'. Drury begins with a definition, moves on to discussion of the basic in building toward to more complicated or remote ideas. Throughout, he uses imagined diaries, conversations and clever examples to explain his point. I knew within the first few pages that the book was going to be elementary in some places with highlights of 'Aha' moments in others. I was right. The talented author describes the essentials of holy living, consecration and faith, as the bottom floor and then builds on that floor. The definition of these and other key terms are phrased and rephrased so that no one can put the book down without a greater knowledge of the subject. I enjoyed this book entirely and I will point to it as a major influence in the building of my understanding of holiness.

[Tori Hook · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was okay with this book until Chapter 14, which talked about "women's holiness" and how it's different from men's holiness. I don't need deliverance from finding my identity in the "kitchen" or my "furniture." My pursuit of holiness, while unique to me, is not fundamentally different from a man's.

[Joseph Brubaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need an introduction to the subject of Holiness and Sanctification, this is a great place to start. I would have liked to have read previous editions to see what was said 25 years prior, but this edition is simple, direct, and helpful in developing the reader's understanding of the topic of holiness. Both historic and modern approaches concerning spiritual growth are discussed and used to develop the depth of knowledge and application of personal discovery. The terms are defined clearly and succinctly so that readers can follow the unique writing of the author. If you want to understand separation from the world, dying to yourself, and deepening your relationship with God, this book is for you.

[Adrien · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended by one of my previous teachers because it talked about one aspect of Methodism that he was unsure of. I also was a little unsure about this, and after reading about the idea of being entirely santified makes sense to me. Regardless of wether one believes that entire santification can happen, this book helped me further my commitment to Christ.
TL;DR: Read this book if you're curious about the holiness movement or if it is possible to become holy(spoiler, it is but not by your own means).

[Evan Hoekzema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drury writes a really helpful book to help explain holiness to ordinary people. It contains a lot of dialogue between different views of holiness, resulting in a broad scope of holiness thinking. It’ll help you clarify where you’re at in regards to what the “normal” experience is for a Christian in regards to holy living.

[Evangeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. A very clear explanation of sanctification.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, perfect place to start when trying to make sense of the theology of holiness!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for "ordinary people" and full if good information!

[David Shoven · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book.Explains the complex subject of sanctification/holiness in a simple fashion that anybody can understand.

[Jt]

read for school