Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation [Paperback]

M. Robert Mulholland Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 28, 1996

The process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others:" so M. Robert Mulholland Jr. defines spiritual formation. Compact and solid, this definition encompasses the dynamics of a vital Christian life and counters our culture's tendency to make spirituality a trivial matter or reduce it to a private affair between "me and Jesus."

In , Mulholland helps Christians new and old to understand that we become like Christ gradually, not instantly. Not every personality is suited to an early morning quiet time, so Mulholland frees different personality types to express their piety differently. He reviews the classical spiritual disciplines and demonstrates the importance of undertaking our spiritual journey with (and for the sake of) others.

This road map for spiritual formation is profoundly biblical and down to earth. In the finest tradition of spiritual literature, it is a vital help to Christians at any stage of their journey.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A gem. . . . If you have time to read only one book on spiritual formation, this is a good candidate." (Christian Counseling Today)

"You will not be disappointed with this already very popular book." (Evangelical Journal)

Product Details

• Paperback: 173 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (March 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830813861
• ISBN-13: 978-0830813865
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,325 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

M. Robert Mulholland Jr. (Th.D., Harvard) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of several books, including Shaped by the Word (Upper Room), Revelation (Zondervan), and the landmark spiritual formation book Invitation to a Journey (IVP).

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide for a practical, personal spirituality June 24, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This easy-to-read book provides sound, practical guidance for the development of a personal practice of spirituality. Dr. Mulholland recognizes the individual ways each of us approaches God, and he encourages us to develop these methods to their fullest measure. He also challenges us to explore spiritual disciplines with which we are less comfortable as a way to add depth to our relationships with God. His discussion on the nature of prayer weaves its way throughout the book and provides the foundation upon which spiritual disciplines are built. This book will prove useful to spiritual leaders who wish to introduce spiritual disciplines to others, as well as to individuals who want to explore ways to practice spiritual disciplines in everyday life.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Hard for a left-brained reader to enjoy. November 25, 2007

By C. Lambeth

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I feel a little gruff in only giving this book three stars, but that is largely due to the fact that if someone were to ask me what the book was about, I would scratch my head and be able to say little more than, "Spiritual Formation" and hope that the other person knew what that was. Mulholland's book was well written enough, but I found that the book did not hold my attention very well, even amidst a quiet environment. I re-read page after pager trying to glean something that would stick with me after I set the book down.

These "sticking points" were few and far between. However, some of its more salient features included the idea that Christians are not converted in one, fell swoop going from zero to 60 in nothing flat, but that they undergo multiple conversions as God increases in their lives (and as they seek to let him do so).

I liked Mulholland's urging contemporary Christians to try and measure themselves as God sees them (both better and worse) and not by what spiritual disciplines THEY are doing. I also appreciated his insights on how to read for "formation" (not just for information) and every Christian's need for a community of believers. Many of us neglect these important aspects.

What hit closest to home for me was just a few, brief sections on doubt and the mystery we encounter with God. Mulholland says that, "If there is no mystery, there is no room for God, because God is the ultimate mystery" (P. 148). I appreciate this honesty in a sea of Christians who would otherwise have us believe that they have it all figured out.

In a related section labeled "The Dark Night of the Senses," he paints an authentic picture of what every believer will eventually encounter: "Not a cloudless summer sky, but a spring morning after a night of violent storms; there are still dark clouds in the sky, downed trees and the occasional live-wire" (paraphrased). At those moments in life when we can no longer sense God's presence we usually doubt our faith or relationship with him, but Mulholland says that this is to place God in a box and relegate his role to one of simply maintaining a feedback loop for his followers. He stresses many times that Christians must give God free reign to be who he is and do what he will do, especially when it doesn't match their expectations and when they are confused or frustrated by him. That kind of wisdom is priceless.

Overall, this book has a few key points that I found quite helpful and insightful. I was mildly disappointed that I had to search so heavily for them among so much other chaff, yet I know that I tend to be a very linear thinker and most spiritual formation books don't fall into that category. I think the whole book could be read in about 3 hours, but it took me close to 5 due to the need for re-reading and lack of registering in my mind. If you know that you track well with this kind of reading then I would alter my rating to 4 stars. There are far worse books on spiritual formation out there, after all.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent insights for spiritual formation January 29, 2003

By R. Paoni

Format:Paperback

I think that Mulholland did an excellent job stating and formulating his ideas on growth and spiritual formation. I found the section, that utilized the pyschologist Carl Jung and the Meyers-Brigg's type indicator extremely facinating and useful. I am currently enrolled in a graduate level Leadership class that utilizes these type indicators. Mulholland identified many things that I am dealing with spiritually, that relate to my personality, that I never have pin-pointed before (e.g. because I am an extrovert, I need to focus more on quite time and reflection in regards to spiritual growth rather than my natural tendency to study in larger groups).

It is a very interesting book, although dry at points. I would definately recommend that you read it for your self.

If you dont know what personality type you are, check out [the humanmetrics website] and click on the myers-brigg type indicator.