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Learning in Christ's School
In this unique account of growth in grace, 'babes', 'little children', 'young men' and 'fathers' are the stages through which the learners in Christ's school pass on their way to the 'academy of heaven'. While supporting and comforting beginners in the school of grace, Venning encourages all Christians to make further progress towards 'the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ' (Eph. 4:13).
297 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 28, 2022
Profitable book for both disciplers and disciplees. Knowing the stage of one’s maturity and spirituality and that of others gives a proper perspective, humility, and dependence on our good Lord who gives grace for us to grow and mature in the faith.
May 21, 2025
I'm torn on this.
It could be that I only just finished it, after starting it more than a year ago, and it could be the structure, the argument or even the purpose of writing.
Let's talk about the structure first, the format of the book is confusing. With the exception of the introduction which is quite long, the chapters go in a descending order in terms of length. Starting with Babes, which occupies most of the book, then little children, then young men, and finally Fathers, followed by a conclusion of application. The final chapter occupies but a few pages, surely demonstrating Venning's humility to not talk about a state he feels he had not yet attained. I will say though, that the appendix which outlines the structure, point by point and sub-point is extremely helpful.
The issue is, it's particularly hard to read a book with chapters this long. it's not the the information isn't good or useful, because it is. Rather the issue is that there's simply too much information. Had Watson written this book, it may have been a more enjoyable read!
The argument, I think is sound. Venning seeks to trace the growth of a christian in grace, from a particular section of 1st john, though he starts with babes which are mentioned in other places (Hebrews, and 1 Corinthians). He presents a compelling case for how to discern between the different stages of growth, and perhaps a useful framework. That said, I'm not sure who this is for, I think given the right level of attention and concentration this might be a useful work, because as I said the framework is generally helpful.
With all this said, as I look back over the pages and the outline in the appendix, i see some real gold here. There is value in a book like this existing, but I think that it would have done well with some editing. Perhaps instead of the unbalanced and awkwardly large chapters, a book could achieve the same goal by breaking up the christian life into key areas, and then explaining them through this framework.
Just an idea.
If you see this book and are compelled by the concept, do read it. Just know that it's not an easy read, and it does drag on.
It could be that I only just finished it, after starting it more than a year ago, and it could be the structure, the argument or even the purpose of writing.
Let's talk about the structure first, the format of the book is confusing. With the exception of the introduction which is quite long, the chapters go in a descending order in terms of length. Starting with Babes, which occupies most of the book, then little children, then young men, and finally Fathers, followed by a conclusion of application. The final chapter occupies but a few pages, surely demonstrating Venning's humility to not talk about a state he feels he had not yet attained. I will say though, that the appendix which outlines the structure, point by point and sub-point is extremely helpful.
The issue is, it's particularly hard to read a book with chapters this long. it's not the the information isn't good or useful, because it is. Rather the issue is that there's simply too much information. Had Watson written this book, it may have been a more enjoyable read!
The argument, I think is sound. Venning seeks to trace the growth of a christian in grace, from a particular section of 1st john, though he starts with babes which are mentioned in other places (Hebrews, and 1 Corinthians). He presents a compelling case for how to discern between the different stages of growth, and perhaps a useful framework. That said, I'm not sure who this is for, I think given the right level of attention and concentration this might be a useful work, because as I said the framework is generally helpful.
With all this said, as I look back over the pages and the outline in the appendix, i see some real gold here. There is value in a book like this existing, but I think that it would have done well with some editing. Perhaps instead of the unbalanced and awkwardly large chapters, a book could achieve the same goal by breaking up the christian life into key areas, and then explaining them through this framework.
Just an idea.
If you see this book and are compelled by the concept, do read it. Just know that it's not an easy read, and it does drag on.
June 4, 2020
This was so refreshing. Venning takes you through the different degrees of growth in sanctification: babes, little children, young men, and fathers. He explains from the Scriptures their characteristics and gives application to their specific state. Highly recommended as an thourough and deep introduction to sanctification as well as to Puritan literature.
December 14, 2010
This was a unique classification of the different stages of Christian development. He takes as is the puritan way a biblical approach to the subject and it has some sound advise for those primarily in the 'babes' stage, since they are the ones most in need of solid foods.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews