Dissident Discipleship
A Spirituality of Self-Surrender, Love of God, and Love of Neighbor
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- $15.99
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- $15.99
Publisher Description
We all want to improve our spiritual lives, but the task often can seem overwhelming. And while there is no shortage of self-help gurus hawking their wares, not enough Christians are making meaningful progress toward a deeper relationship with God. Now best-selling author David Augsburger reveals the life-giving nature of surrender and service in Dissident Discipleship.
Moving beyond self-centered therapies and "Lone Ranger" spirituality, Augsburger reveals that our spiritual lives will grow when we look outside of ourselves and lay down our lives in service to God and neighbor. Anyone interested in the topic of spiritual growth, from pastors to counselors, will be sure to welcome Augsburger's balanced approach.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Drawing on the Anabaptist traditions, Fuller Theological Seminary professor Augsburger explores what spirituality looks like when it imitates Jesus and is directed outward in service to the world, instead of inward on the self. This is not the usual all-about-me spirituality book nor does it focus solely on community to the exclusion of the individual, but it balances the needs of people and communities as they try to imitate the ways of Jesus. In clear and accessible language, Augsburger recommends and explores eight practices: radical attachment, stubborn loyalty, tenacious serenity, habitual humility, resolute nonviolence, concrete service, authentic witness and subversive spirituality. Each chapter begins with several stories and ends with meditations that make what might otherwise be strictly theoretical into practices readers can imagine emulating. Those who are tired of the same old spirituality books will find surprises. The chapter on humility, for instance, looks at "humor that enhances spirituality" and at holy fools. Augsburger has written a book that is challenging but still pastoral; it is realistic and honest about the cost of true discipleship even as it encourages readers to embrace that path.
