Customer Reviews

Down-to-Earth Spirituality: Encountering God in the Ordinary, Boring Stuff of Life

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Paul Stevens' passion for the wounded patriarch Jacob has found its full expression in his most insightful work, "Down-to-Earth-Spirituality." Paul's unique approach of blending theological themes with the narrative story gives the book a heightened relevance for the modern reader. After decades of study and reflection, Paul gives us the fruit not just of Jacob's journey but, as a "patriarch" in his own right, reflections from a lifetime of wisdom. Thus he is able to speak with authority regarding all the "earthly" contexts where God shapes the human soul. Each chapter traces an essential theme within the human story - birth, eating, family, sleep, courting, marriage, work, conversion, sex, home, calling, dressing, finishing and death - through Jacob's journey from deceiver and dreamer to entrepreneur and elderly grandfather. Who cannot identify with Jacob's longing to see God's "face" in dysfunctional families, oppressive work environments, in marriages where love has grown cold, and finally in the reconciliation of lost sons? We found Paul's book so valuable it became a major tool in training lay teachers who taught Jacob's story in Romania. Another pastor friend in Albania found it so helpful, he is hoping to have it translated into Albanian for the benefit of his people.

Brian Morgan

pastor, Peninsula Bible Church Cupertino

Adjunct Prof of Old Testament Western Seminary San Jose