Customer Reviews

Christian Proficiency

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Like his 'English Spirituality', this book, 'Christian Proficiency' is written for the English context but is capable of speaking to Christians everywhere. Thornton acknowledges that certain literary accommodations have been made for North American readers in the Morehouse-Gorham edition (1959). These accommodations do not alter the book's premises and this review is based on that edition. Thornton reverses the perspective of his writing in this book compared to his approach in 'Pastoral Theology: A Reorientation' (1958). 'Christian Proficiency' is addressed to the faithful laity, not to clergy and theological students. Thornton warns of a lay tendency to over-rate devotion in the Christian life which takes on the character of a particular age and culture. What is needed currently is a pastoral theology not a devotional theology. In typical English fashion, he writes: "My assumption is that the faithful, the serious but perfectly 'ordinary' Christian to whom I write, does not want to be particularly 'pious' or 'devout' or even vaguely 'good': he wants to be efficient." This is truly a pastoral (practical) book for developing the spirituality of a Christian life. It is a prayer book, not a book on praying. Engaging and digesting the content of this book illustrates how secular and pseudo-prayerful our present Christian thinking has become. The book contains a valuable theological glossary which lists 200 entries succinctly and clearly.

This book is a wonderful description of what a Christian daily walk can/should be. It has encouraged me in my faith and shown me a reasonable way to walk out my faith on a deeper level. This is definitely a book that any lay person could read and understand, but it's not "dumbed down" in any way. It makes you think about your walk with Christ and how it can be improved, but doesn't come across with any condemnation, but simply states and defines what Christ taught. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to renew and re-energize their Christian walk.