Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ - 20th Anniversary Edition

Willard, Dallas, 2002. Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress. Dallas Willard (1935-2013) was a professor and former Director of the School of Philosophy at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles where he taught since 1965. Willard lived out his personal philosophy within his teaching, writing and in his strategy for his life: "I know what good work is. I'm going to do it, and I expect God to help me. I will give my life to it. Of course, I will be a prisoner of Christ; that's what I am."[i] This philosophy is very much evidenced in his writing and in his commitment to allowing the Spirit to reign and provide direction in his life. Although not setting out to teach in a secular university, he was led to do so subsequent to his graduate work. Willard stated that he never self-promoted himself - not seeking a position or a raise - but considers himself a "literalist in terms of the Bible,"[ii] as it relates to advancement coming from God. The thesis of this book is that in the process of realizing the character of Christ, one may "remove or master" each impediment to gaining that character (:10-11); and that process should be orderly - not haphazard or mysterious - to those wanting to overcome human (sinful) nature. Willard presents five chapters of introductory, foundation-building elements which examines mankind's frailty in the human existence, and provides support for the development of spiritual formation; including why people often fall short of the ideal of Christ-like character. An "Interlude" chapter reflects on the reality of seeking this transformation. It is Willard's perspective that our own effort falls short; we are in need of God's grace. He states that those who are "the greatest saints are not those who need less grace, but those who consume the most grace;" God's grace sustains them (:93-94). Willard then lays out through six chapters a process of transformation of: (1) Mind/ Thought; (2) Mind/Feeling; (3) Will; (4) Body; (5) Social Dimension; and (6) Soul. These areas of one's self are outlined earlier in chapter two as distinct areas in which we must allow the Spirit to work through for our transformation (:38). In the two concluding chapters Willard examines how this process of transformation interfaces with the world and within the local church. In the world, a contrast of light and darkness presents a picture of the outcome of personal sanctification, and its effect upon us and the world we are in (:224). Willard then presents God's plan for spiritual formation within the congregation of the people of God with a focus on being rather than doing. This book makes me recall Richard J. Foster's Celebration of Discipline. While I read Foster's book in 1978 during a period of discipleship, I find Willard's book is timely to this era of my life. Through this book I am able to more fully recognize my shortcomings and how I may have diverted from disciplines in my life, which were a critical and primary element of my new life in Christ. I am not surprised that Foster provides an endorsement for this book.[iii] Willard puts flesh on the teaching of sanctification in a way I need to reconsider within my life and leadership ministry, and grasp that the transforming work of the Spirit ". . . brings every element in (my) being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God . . ."[iv] C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce also comes to mind, as the landscape on the way to the Kingdom feels unbearably unreachable until one repents through an act of the will. Notes: [i] Dallas Willard, "My Journey To and Beyond Tenure in a Secular University" (Remarks given at the Faculty Forum Luncheon of the C.S. Lewis Foundation Summer Conference, University of San Diego, 21 June 2003), available at http://www.dwillard.org/biography/tenure.asp, Internet. [ii] Ibid. [iii] Richard Foster states, "No one has thought more carefully than Dallas Willard about the human personality and how it can be transformed into Christlikeness." This endorsement is found on the back cover of the hardcover version of Renovation of the Heart. [iv] A summary which quotes the author is found on the back cover of the hardcover version of Renovation of the Heart.

Didn’t like this book and kept putting it down, it occurred to me there might be some spiritual warfare going on, picked it back up and couldn’t put it down. Really good, convicting. Going back to reread immediately. Let’s all get out of this comfort zone that is hurting the true advancement of Christ’s Church on earth. Time to break down the gates of hell, one disciple at a time.

An amazing and comprehensive book that addresses all aspects of life and recognizing aspects of your soul and mind that are not in alignment with Christ. I believe every person can benefit and walk closer to God after reading this book. It is quite dense, so it takes time to read and reflect upon the material, but well worth the time and effort.

The premise of this book is that the spirit, mind, body, social context, and soul of an individual needs to be spiritually transformed into Christlikeness, by relying on the grace of God, and having and implementing the appropriate vision, intention, and means to Christlikeness. Willard’s book is essentially divided into two major sections. The first section begins by defining authentic spiritual formation. Willard emphasizes how true spiritual formation is not just about the external, but it is more about inward obedience and conformity to Christ (Chapter 1, Location 215). In setting up the second half of the book, Willard states that the major obstacle to spiritual formation is self-worship, whereas self-denial is the foundation of its renovation (Chapter 5, Location 983). For spiritual formation to be effective, this self-denial needs to happen in one’s whole self – namely, these six areas: spirit, mind, body, social context, and soul (Chapter 2, Location 330). As a result, a strategy to transform each of these essential dimensions to Christlikeness composes the second section of his book. I love how Willard focuses on the change that needs to happen in the inner world of the individual, instead of merely trying to focus on changing one’s behavior. It is powerful when he mentions what has already happened in Western Christianity because of our overt focus on the external – all of the “notorious failures of Christian leaders.” (Chapter 5, Location 1013). This point is especially relevant to me as I tend to have very legalistic tendencies, coupled with a love to please others and look good in front of others. In order to not be one of those “notorious Christian leaders,” I need to keep the vision of the Kingdom of God in front of me constantly. In addition to the right vision, I need to have the intention to obey Jesus, and also develop the means to change my inner being “until it is substantially like his, characterized by his thoughts, feelings, habits, and relationship to the Father.” (Chapter 5, Location 1186). I love how all the means for spiritual formation are not under my control; I need to constantly depend on God’s grace, believing that he is the one enacting this formative process in me (Chapter 5, Location 1062). Rather than haphazardly referring to individuals as needing spiritual transformation and then giving suggestions on how to do so, I appreciate how Willard divides the six areas of one’s life and presents a plan for spiritual formation within each of these areas. By differentiating these six areas in an individual, Willard faced the potential to present a compartmentalized path to spiritual formation, though I am not convinced he did so. He differentiated these six areas, while noting that each of these areas need to work in an integrative and holistic manner for spiritual formation to truly occur. Consequently, I find this book to be so beneficial for ministry as it provides a simple and comprehensive guide to discipleship that one can lead another individual through to grow in Christlikeness.

Dallas Willard is a Professor in the School of Philosophy at the University of Southern California. Although he is a philosophy professor who has published in his main area of study and teaching, it seems that Willard has found greater success in the area of publishing Christian books. He has published more Christian books than he has philosophical books, while having received more book awards for his Christian books. Furthermore, Willard's background in academics and philosophy heavily influences his writing; for example, he refuses to assert his "how-to" points without first providing the background information and then carefully and systematically supporting his points in a well rounded manner. This method may seem logical, but it is not necessarily the norm in the array of books that come out these days. The thesis of this book is that the spirit, mind, body, social context, and soul of an individual needs to be spiritually transformed into Christlikeness, by relying on the grace of God, and having and implementing the appropriate vision, intention, and means to Christlikeness. Willard's book is essentially divided into two major sections. The first section begins by defining authentic spiritual formation. Willard emphasizes how true spiritual formation is not just about the external, but it is more about inward obedience and conformity to Christ (Chapter 1, Location 215). In setting up the second half of the book, Willard states that the major obstacle to spiritual formation is self-worship, whereas self-denial is the foundation of its renovation (Chapter 5, Location 983). For spiritual formation to be effective, this self-denial needs to happen in one's whole self - namely, these six areas: spirit, mind, body, social context, and soul (Chapter 2, Location 330). As a result, a strategy to transform each of these essential dimensions to Christlikeness composes the second section of his book. I love how Willard focuses on the change that needs to happen in the inner world of the individual, instead of merely trying to focus on changing one's behavior. It is powerful when he mentions what has already happened in Western Christianity because of our overt focus on the external - all of the "notorious failures of Christian leaders." (Chapter 5, Location 1013). This point is especially relevant to me as I tend to have very legalistic tendencies, coupled with a love to please others and look good in front of others. In order to not be one of those "notorious Christian leaders," I need to keep the vision of the Kingdom of God in front of me constantly. In addition to the right vision, I need to have the intention to obey Jesus, and also develop the means to change my inner being "until it is substantially like his, characterized by his thoughts, feelings, habits, and relationship to the Father." (Chapter 5, Location 1186). I love how all the means for spiritual formation are not under my control; I need to constantly depend on God's grace, believing that he is the one enacting this formative process in me (Chapter 5, Location 1062). Rather than haphazardly referring to individuals as needing spiritual transformation and then giving suggestions on how to do so, I appreciate how Willard delineates the six areas of one's life and presents a plan for spiritual formation within each of these areas. By differentiating these six areas in an individual, Willard faced the potential to present a compartmentalized path to spiritual formation, but he did not do so. He differentiated these six areas, while noting that each of these areas need to work in an integrative and holistic manner for spiritual formation to truly occur. Consequently, I find this book to be so beneficial for ministry as it provides a simple and comprehensive guide to discipleship that one can lead another individual through to grow in Christlikeness. I give this book 4 stars out of 5.

RENOVATION OF THE HEART: A READER ANALYSIS OVERVIEW Dr Willard, through his book Renovation of the Heart, continues to build upon the principles of spiritual transformation that were presented in his previous book, Divine Conspiracy. Willard conclusively demonstrates the need, opportunity, and availability for spiritual transformation within the Christian community. He establishes the ideal of spiritual life as a life where "all of the essential parts of the human self are effectively organized around God, as they are restored and sustained by Him." This goal, however, can never be achieved without a radical transformation of each dimension of the human self, which is the primary focus of the text. OBJECTIVE OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION Willard begins by setting the parameters of "spirituality" and spiritual formation. Willard presents spiritual formation as "the process leading to an ideal end, and its result is love of God with all the heart, mind, and strength, and of the neighbor as oneself." Yet, he warns that spiritual formation "is not a project of `life enhancement.' It is the process of developing a different kind of life, sustained by God as a new reality." Full formation is only accomplished when the human self is completely integrated under God. This topic is underscored with an emphasis on the necessity and value for proper spiritual transformation for each believer. Throughout his discussion, Willard makes it clear that spiritual transformation is not just a mystical illusion; it is readily attainable for all who seek it. OBSTACLES TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION After establishing the biblical precepts of spiritual transformation, Willard once again insightfully isolates and analyzes the core "hindrances" and "entanglements" that prevent most Christians from experiencing spiritual transformation. He begins his work by making a definitive examination of the function of the human will (includes heart and spirit), body, soul, and mind in relation to the total person. Additionally, he correlates the interaction and influence that each has on the other. He completes his observations by emphasizing the proper roles that God intended for the will, body, soul, and mind that will result in a proper relationship with Him and a Christian life characterized by joy and peace. This study in turn is carried forward to show the proper connection that spiritually-healthy believers should have within the local church congregation. ORDER OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION Willard provides an orderly pattern for spiritual formation, which can be utilized by believers at every level of maturity. He uses the short acrostic VIM to provide the foundation for his plan. The "V" represents the vision in the life of the Kingdom. Willard writes, "the vision that underlies spiritual (trans)formation into Christlikeness is, then, the vision of life now and forever in the range of God's effective will." The "I" signifies the intention to be a Kingdom person. This intention is only brought to completion by a "decision to fulfill or carry through with the intention." Finally, the "M" denotes the means for transformation. This includes using the guidance and wisdom of the previous generations of Christian saints that chronicled their own spiritual journey. CONCLUSION Once again Willard has taken the reader to new spiritual heights. Naturally, only a small vein of the goldmine of insights found in this book has been properly mined. Yet even with only a limited understanding of Willard's text, this book has revealed the biblical precepts and ideals of spiritual formation in a new light. There is not doubt that this book, if it receives the proper exposure within the Christian community, will serve as a valuable tool for a multitude of other Christians in their own spiritual journeys!

This is an amazing book, so practical, with real eye opening insights. Dallas Willard masterfully writes with clarity and eloquence, and all from a biblical perspective.

A Transformative Guide to Spiritual Formation Dallas Willard’s Renovation of the Heart is a profound and insightful exploration of Christian spiritual formation, offering a blueprint for deep, lasting transformation. Willard, a philosopher and theologian, masterfully integrates biblical wisdom with practical guidance on how to cultivate Christlike character in every aspect of life. A Holistic Approach to Transformation One of the book’s greatest strengths is its holistic approach to spiritual growth. Willard emphasizes that true transformation is not about surface-level behavior modification but about a complete renewal of the heart, mind, will, and soul. He lays out a clear process for allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts, desires, and actions, moving beyond legalism to genuine inner change. Practical and Theologically Rich While deeply philosophical, Renovation of the Heart remains accessible and practical. Willard provides tangible steps for cultivating spiritual disciplines such as prayer, scripture meditation, and community engagement. His insights challenge readers to move from passive faith to an active, intentional pursuit of Christlikeness. A Must-Read for Discipleship and Spiritual Growth This book is an essential resource for anyone seeking a deeper relationship with God. Whether you’re a pastor, small group leader, or an individual believer desiring transformation, Renovation of the Heart offers both the theological depth and practical wisdom needed for real spiritual renewal. Final Thoughts Dallas Willard’s Renovation of the Heart is a timeless and life-changing work. It calls readers to embark on a journey of true discipleship, reminding us that spiritual transformation is not just about knowing God but becoming like Him. A must-read for those serious about growing in faith and character.

a must read & re-read for any north american follower of Jesus

Really great book if you wold like to understand human and what is needed to change our character

Wer das Buch "Divine Conspiracy" von Willard kennt, wird auch diesen Titel mit grossem Gewinn lesen - allerdings: keine ganz einfache Sprache!

A fantastic and refreshing way to engage with spiritual formation that is accessible and essential for all who call themselves Christian.

Good book. Good price