Spirituality According to Paul - by Rodney Reeves (Paperback)

About the Book

Rodney Reeves contrasts easy spiritualities of serenity and retreat with the apostle Paul's vision: a cross-shaped spirituality for fools making their way through life's trials. Responding to Paul's invitation "follow me as I follow Christ," Reeves discovers an ancient spiritual path in the letters of Paul.

Book Synopsis

Spirituality often evokes images of quiet centeredness, meditative serenity and freedom from life's pressures. It's become a chic commodity, with its benefits evoked by images of sunrises and secluded retreats.Contrast the apostle Paul, who promotes a cross-shaped spirituality for fools making their way though life's trials. Paul realized that images of crucifixion, burial and resurrection would never be popular images of the spiritual life. So he encourages his fellow travelers, who are spiritually united with Christ, to "follow me as I follow Christ."As he explores this ancient spiritual path, Rodney Reeves probes our understanding of what Christian spirituality should be. And to illuminate its transformative power, he gives us living illustrations of what it means to follow Paul as he followed Christ. Here is a book that joins a deep understanding of Paul with a pastoral and spiritual wisdom born of experience.

Review Quotes

"An engaging discussion of Christian living as expounded in Paul's letters."

--Ray Van Neste, Preaching, November/December 2012

"In the end, the book succeeds in articulating what it would mean for us, as Christ followers in the twenty-first century, to live out Paul's theology in a robust and compelling way with its myriad of contemporary examples. . . . Anyone looking for a depiction of what following Paul would practically look like in our current world will find this book worth his or her time."

--Benjamin J. Burkholder, Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, Fall 2012

"Rodney Reeves' new book, Spirituality According to Paul: Imitating the Apostle of Christ, is one of the most courageous sketches of Paul's view of the Christian life I've seen. I think he takes Paul at his word and then turns Paul's words on us so we can see ourselves in the mirror of Paul's radical (ludicrous) vision. . . . Pastors, buy this book and meditate your way through it. You will rise up and call me blessed if you do"

--Scot McKnight, Jesus Creed, December 14, 2011, www.patheos.com/blogs/jesuscreed

"The book is intended for all who are interested in Paul and who are developing a basic understanding of who he is, and, in this regard, Reeves has accomplished his purpose. It is recommended for scholars, pastors, students, and the untrained who are interested in this area and who desire a current scholarly yet readable and understandable approach that emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the gospel in every situation."

--James M. Howard, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 55(3)

"This accessible book is appropriate not only for classroom use but also for church contexts."

--Matthew P. O'Reilly, Religious Studies Review, Volume 39, Number 4, December 2013

"This book is an outstanding resource for anyone who yearns to know Christ more deeply and follow him more completely. Rodney Reeves has given us a valuable gift in Spirituality According to Paul. His combination of careful biblical scholarship, wise pastoral counsel and open-hearted sharing of his own faith journey helps us see in new ways what authentic spirituality is all about. This book is a rich resource for pastors, lay leaders and all believers who want to grow in their relationship with Christ and to live out their faith each day."

--Mark D. Roberts, senior advisor and theologian-in-residence, Foundations for Laity Renewal

"This is not a book with simple modern steps to achieve a better spirituality, but a valuable engagement with ancient Christian spirituality as exemplified by Paul's teaching and life focused on Christ's crucifixion, burial and resurrection."

--Robert S. Dutch, Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 35(5)

About the Author

Rodney Reeves is professor of biblical studies and dean of the Courts Redford College of Theology and Ministry at Southwest Baptist University. He is coauthor of Rediscovering Paul and author of A Genuine Faith.