The Spirit of Disciplines By Dallas Willard Essay Example for Free

The Spirit of Disciplines By Dallas Willard Essay About the Author   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dallas Willard is known for his enthusiasm in the basic elements of true â€Å"Christianship†. Most of his writings pertain to the different characteristics and disciplines that a true Christian is expected to posses. Being a professor of philosophy, Dallas is also known for his being logical and practical in the process of his presentations of the truth about Christianity and the basic attitudes that are involved in being a real follower of the Christ. It could not be denied then that through his writings, he was able to inspire different individuals, even student who are at some point obliged to review his writings and comment on his idealisms in becoming the rightful Christians that they ought to be. His writings are considered enlightenment to the soul as they all pertain to the ability of man to reach the standards of God and fulfill his requirements to mankind. One of his most remarkable writings is the book entitled â€Å"The spirit of disciplines†. This book has been noted to have changed the views of people in the reality of being Christ-like in their ways of living. It has also been noted by several religious teachers to be a powerful material that have changed the attitude of many readers towards the responsibilities of being a Christian. About the Book   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Published in the year 1996, â€Å"The Spirit of Disciplines† came in as a part of the Willard’s trilogy on Christianity which primarily includes his two major authored books entitled In Search of Guidance and The Divine Conspiracy. These particular books are indeed published to assist Christians find their way back to righteousness amidst all the challenges and the hardships that they need to face in living within the cruel world of the present society.   â€Å"The spirit of disciplines† particularly helps readers understand the different pointers of consideration that they need to learn to be able to create a much more considerable Christian-like personality within themselves. Content and Analysis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The entire context of the book deals with the different virtues of being a Christian. Among which includes the impending belief on the fact that by applying the disciplines of abstinence which includes solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, secrecy and   sacrifice a Christian would be able to bring out the fruits of the disciplines of engagement which in turn includes study, worship, celebration, service, prayer, fellowship, confession and submission. Through the application of these major virtues, Willard points out that the essence of true Christianity could then be established within the personality of a certain individual.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this book, Willard also points out that there is an importance placed in the capability of a person to apply these major characteristics in his dealings with other people through his ministry. The Bible verse 1 Timothy 4:7 which reads: â€Å"But turn down the false stories which violate what is holy and which old women tell. On the other hand, be training yourself with godly devotion as your aim† has also been strongly used by Willard as the major basis of his thoughts that have been presented through the book that he has published. Personal Reaction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If the verse 1 Timothy 4:7 is continued until verses 8, 9 and 10, it would imply: â€Å"For bodily training is beneficial for a little; but godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.   Faithful and deserving of full acceptance is that statement.   For to this end we are working hard and exerting ourselves, because we have rested our hope on a living God, who is a Savior of all sorts of men, especially of faithful ones.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Certainly the verses indicate that for one to be able to attain the absolute state of being a true Christian, he must be able to face the challenges of being a follower of the Christ through his ability of disciplining himself as an individual who is able to train himself in attaining the best results in his ministry. As the book of Willard points out, the application of ones’ learning and training as received from the principles of the Holy Scriptures shall be the main reason for a person to progress in becoming a Christian-like individual who is able to reach the standards of God that HE himself has provided for his disciples to follow.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   True, reading this particular writing of Willard is indeed inspiring and beneficial especially for those who are enthusiastic enough in taking the necessary steps needed in becoming a real Christian. The essence of being a true follower of the Christ indeed lies on the ability of one to discipline himself accordingly to the ways of righteousness. Reference: Dallas Willard. (1996). The Spirit of the Disciplines. Hodder Stoughton Religious; New Ed edition.