Being Human: The Nature of Spiritual Experience [Paperback]

Ranald Macaulay (Author), Jerram Barrs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 20, 1998

Who is right about what it means to be human? The Greeks envisioned an ideal humanity. Their ethereal sculptures depict a transcendent, spiritual model. But today many scientists view human beings as mere machines. And some believe we will be able to make machines with human-like intelligence in the near future. The biblical view of humanity is different from both of these. For the writers of Scripture, to be human is to be in the image of God. Guided by this view, Ranald Macaulay and Jerram Barrs discuss the nature of spiritual experience. As the pursuit of true spirituality takes us away from sinfulness, it moves us closer to what God intended us to be. When we are truly spiritual, we are fully human. Macauley and Barrs begin by stressing the centrality of Christ. Then they distinguish between self and the sinfulness of self, argue for using our minds in spiritual matters, and illuminate the many ways God guides us. Their chapter on the family discusses the vexed issue of authority. And they conclude with a look at the evidence, judgment, hope, joy and reward of faith. In short, this book, now back in print due to ongoing demand, presents an integrated model for what human beings really are.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Macaulay (M.A., Cambridge University) is principal of the Cambridge Centre for Apologetics, an educational program of Christian Heritage. Formerly he worked with L'Abri Fellowship in England.

Barrs (M.Div., Covenant Seminary) heads the Francis Schaeffer Institute at Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (July 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830815023
• ISBN-13: 978-0830815029
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #814,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Spirituality Primer -- much needed, at that!, May 5, 2000

By 

"discerningreader" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Being Human: The Nature of Spiritual Experience (Paperback)

The theme of this book is that understanding the nature of spiritual experience is the key to restoring our true humanness.

For the writers of Scripture, to be human is to be in the image of God. Taking this as their organizing principle, Ranald Macaulay and Jerram Barrs discuss the nature of spiritual experience.

As the pursuit of true spirituality takes us away from sinfulness, it moves us closer to what God intended us to be. When we are truly spiritual, we are fully human -- like Jesus Christ, the God-Man.

Macauley and Barrs begin by underscoring that the process of sanctification -- of becoming more holy, more like God -- should be seen as a "life-affirming" activity. They then contrast the Biblical framework for understanding the Christian life with two alternatives: the materialistic view and the Platonic view. In doing so, they counter much of the false teaching about spirituality that has become so popular today -- both inside and outside of Christian circles.

The Bottom Line: This book, now back in print due to ongoing demand, presents an integrated model for what human beings really are. It is one of the best books ever written on the topic of spirituality, and deserves a wider audience.

This is a must read.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read book, January 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Being Human: The Nature of Spiritual Experience (Paperback)

Being Human by Ranald Macauley and Jerram Barrs is an essential classic that is finally in re-print after a decade. This is one of the most important books I have ever read on orthodox Biblical Christian living. It is a much-needed antidote to the many destructive spiritual teachings that abound today. If you read any book on Christian spirituality this year, read this book!

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Missiological Book for Islamic cultures, December 3, 2004

By 

G. Kaya "Cross-cultural missionary" (North America) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Being Human: The Nature of Spiritual Experience (Paperback)

As you might guess from the title of this review that I come from an Islamic cultures. I have greatly struggled when I read the only first chapter of this book during my short time at Canadian L'abri as Christian. I did not know the reasons of my emotional effect. After I finished the book, It down on me that it was definitely Platonic view of Human which had been given to me in Islam and its culture. Since Western World based on Aristotelian view, therefore it is not easy for Westerners to really, deeply understand the importance of this book in Mission field. I believe this book should be in the list of priority list of books on education for Muslim Converts. It is quite challenging and would probably give pain to the reader if they come from Platonic view as well as others. On the other hand, one thing I wish this book would have talked about was Aristotelian view! Althought it talks about Materialistic, Biblical and Platonic view; on the other hand, it does not connect Materialistic view with a Philosohpy. Everyone especially for those who come from either Western or Eastern culture should read this. THis is certainly cross-cultural book. Change in your life will start once you see yourself how God sees you!