Spirituality According to John - by Rodney Reeves (Paperback)

About the Book

Through all of John's works, a consistent message is woven: being a Christian is about abiding in Christ and in his words. Combining exegesis with spiritual reflection, this accessible introduction on the Johannine literature from Rodney Reeves helps readers envision how to follow Jesus--as disciples, in community, and even at the end of the world.

Book Synopsis

Biblical Foundations Book Awards Finalist

Through all of John's works, a consistent message is woven: being a Christian is about abiding in Christ and in his words. The Gospel of John, the epistle of 1 John, and the Apocalypse all begin in the same way: by pointing to the importance of knowing the Word, both written and incarnate. Using an artistic, storytelling approach to spirituality, John relies heavily on readers' imaginations to help them see what it takes to become disciples by abiding in Jesus.

Rodney Reeves combines exegesis with spiritual reflection to explore how the only biblical writer to employ three different genres presents a consistent vision of Christian spirituality. Rather than focusing on detailed instructions, John uses evocative metaphors and illustrations so that readers can envision how to follow Jesus--as disciples, in community, and even at the end of the world.

Filled with stories and implications for today's readers, Spirituality According to John provides an accessible introduction to the rich spiritual world of the Johannine literature that makes up much of the New Testament. In John's era and now, anyone who has ears to hear can learn to truly abide in Christ.

Review Quotes

"Spirituality According to John is an invitation to dwell with Christ--a life of faith moved by storytelling that imagines and reimagines lived experiences of God in community rather than by privatized systematic regurgitations of theologically correct abstract doctrines. Dr. Rodney Reeves offers theologically and socially engaged ministers and laypersons invaluable insights into Johannine spirituality foregrounded in the multivalent locution: 'abide.' It enshrines a Christian journey of faith that manifests itself in terms of seeing and believing, confessing sin, denying worldliness, keeping commandments, exercising mutual love, worshiping, and learning to hear Christ in Johannine words. This is an exceptional resource for spiritual formation that clergy, seminarians, and lay ministers will find indispensable for Christian ubuntu."

--Aliou Cissé Niang, Union Theological Seminary

"Focusing on what he calls 'the canonical John'--the Gospel, the three epistles, and Revelation--Reeves keys in on a major Johannine theme: abiding. What does it mean, or better yet, what does it look like to abide in Christ? With the skill of a storyteller and a sensitivity to the narrative and cultural dynamics of the text, Reeves unveils what an authentic Johannine discipleship might look like. An engaging and creative book!"

--Christopher W. Skinner, professor of New Testament and early Christianity at Loyola University Chicago

"Studies about the writings of the apostle John have been abundant throughout church history. Spirituality According to John represents this extensive literature responsibly, sifts it, and then offers its best insights for practical use. The book's value lies in its easy accessibility, its insights, and its wisdom designed for students, teachers, and pastors. Reeves is doing exactly what John was doing for his own churches: bringing the deepest insights about Jesus into the church. Spirituality According to John succeeds in every respect."

--Gary M. Burge, Calvin Theological Seminary

"The prologue to the fourth Gospel declares that the preexistent, incarnate Word is life and light, grace and truth. In Spirituality According to John, New Testament scholar, seasoned pastor, and skilled communicator Rodney Reeves probes the Gospel, letters, and Apocalypse of John to help Christ followers know better how to hear, confess, incarnate, and abide in the glorious Word and Son of God. Those who would long to follow, commune, and remain in the Word would be wise and would do well to read and reflect on Reeves's valuable volume. This is a rich resource for those who are willing to ponder and to practice the abundant life Jesus lived and gives."

--Todd D. Still, Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean and William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures at Truett Seminary, Baylor University

About the Author

Rodney Reeves (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He has also taught New Testament at Northern Seminary, Southwest Baptist University, and Williams Baptist University. His many publications include Spirituality According to Paul, Rediscovering Paul, Rediscovering Jesus, and Matthew in the Story of God commentary series.