Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of ... (ISBN 1596441518)

Am I the only one who disagrees with Dallas Willard?:
I have a really hard time swallowing any of this book. The first chapter seems to be an attempt to interject large and cumbersome words to have you submit to Willard's "far superior mind". Really! He spends the whole first chapter taking scripture out of context and rambling about what is sin and never actually saying it. I went to bible college. I took bible study. I took survey of old and new testament. I read and loved C.S. Lewis. But this book is horrible! And I'm shocked that I am the only one who thinks as much!

Soul Changing:
I have read many books that have helped me in my walk with God but, outside of the Bible, only this one has made me who I am. Dallas Willard presents, not only a vision for escaping our worldly selves, but also a clear path to achieve Christ-likeness. If the promises of peace and joy you read about in the Bible have eluded you, and if you have dreamed of living a well-ordered life in which the good you want to do you actually do consistently - this is the book for you. It is challenging, insightful, and biblical. But most of all it is practical. Read and apply the teachings in this book and you WILL see your life change for the better through the grace and for the glory of God.

Great book! Very deep!:
I have not yet finished the book, but of what I have read so far, I am very impressed. Willard does a great job of identifying characteristics that describe both a person away from Christ, as well as a devoted follower of Christ. By identifying these characteristics, he is then able to prescribe the appropriate action and direction that is needed for the former to become the latter. It is typical in our society to feel content wherever we are at spiritually, despite the fact that immature behavior and attitudes are present. We need to be challenged by Scripture and its proper interpretation into becoming more like Christ, not because it improves or benefits us, but because we represent Jesus and His glory in this world. I believe this book takes a great step in that direction.

A man who walks the talk:
Renovation of the Heart has become one of my most favorite books. I have begun to read it for a third time and each time I am getting more out of it. It is quite understandable, however it must be digested slowly since Willard makes every sentence count. I recommend the video curriculum based on Renovation of the Heart produced by LifeSprings. Willard provides short introductions to each of the thirteen chapters followed by an unrehearsed discussion of the content by John Ortberg, Larry Crabb and Dallas. The leader's manual that accompanies the video series is one of the best educational tools for the church available today. What I appreciate most about Dallas Willard is that he writes about spiritual formation from personal life experience. He is a modern day example of someone who has fully embraced Christ's yoke and has truly learned from the Master. Willard has spent a lifetime in a profound apprenticeship with Christ. Not only has he learned much, he has also been transformed from what he has learned. Furthermore, he makes a convincing case to his readers that they too can be transformed into in Christ-likeness...in this world. Then he goes on to demonstrate how that transformation can take place, beginning with our hearts and progressively extending to our minds, feelings, bodies, social relationships and souls.

A Transformational Book:
This book hugely impacted my life. It is more accessible than the author's "Divine Conspiracy", which is very rich but dense reading until you get to the closing chapters of the book. "Transformation of the Heart", on the other hand, gets right down to business and challenges you from the starting mark. I dare you to read this book. Then go and persevere through "Divine Conspiracy". I cannot emphasize enough how profound and yet accessible this book is. Willard is incisive in his critique of American Christianity and what it will take to really transform hearts into Christlikeness. Truly a book of grace.