From Publishers Weekly
This first book in English from Korean-American pastor and prolific author Kang (
Oriental Mission Church in Los Angeles) presents 52 reflections on spiritual growth. Most of us long for transformation but are afraid to change, he writes, focusing on the deepening of the interior journey. Kang identifies with both his Asian and American roots, and his emphasis on balance and harmony reflects Eastern spiritualities interwoven with his orthodox, biblical evangelicalism. He focuses on simple metaphors and stories from both the Old and New Testaments; themes include silence, solitude, waiting, the wilderness, fruitfulness and self-giving as well as care of the soul. Kang gently urges character before success, integrity before popularity, maturity before growth and service to others before accomplishment in your own life. He is direct in his countercultural insistence that worldly wealth isn't true wealth; external success should never be our aim. Rather than providing practical advice on spiritual disciplines, this book leans more toward devotional reading. While some of his observations are vague, Kang's sensible wisdom and quiet emphasis on depth over superficiality on the path toward change make this book a refreshing return to themes of classic Christian spirituality. Richard J. Foster (
Celebration of Discipline) provides the foreword.
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Review
"Western readers will be blessed by this book. The thought and writing are simple and fresh. Pastor Joshua Choonmin Kang brings his own insight and gentle spirit to Christian life. His work will regenerate and enliven us as he teaches us how to become 'deep people.'" (From the afterword by Emilie Griffin, author of Wilderness Time )
"
Deep-Rooted in Christ . . . is a treasure. It reminds me of the gentle spiritual direction of the classic spiritual writers. On the Protestant side, the writings of Andrew Murray and A. W. Tozer and Oswald Chambers. On the Catholic side, François Fénelon and Thomas à Kempis and the letters of Francis of Assisi to Sister Clare. That is to say, Pastor Kang's book is spiritual wisdom literature of the highest order.
"
Deep-Rooted in Christ speaks to the heart. It urges, gently but ever so persistently, that our hearts should always be turning, turning into the light of Christ, turning toward the Lover of our souls, turning into the Way and the Truth and the Life--'till by turning, turning we come round right.' At the same time this book warms the heart, constantly drawing and encouraging, never pushing and condemning." (From the foreword by Richard Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline )
