Customer Reviews

Let God: The Transforming Wisdom of Fenelon

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Collier is an emerging spiritual writer's writer in the tradition of Frederick Buechner and Wendell Berry. I'm a big fan of his "Deeper Walk" columns in Relevant Magazine and was also impressed by his previous book, "Restless Faith." So when I heard that he had written a paraphrase of some 17th century Christian's written correspondence, well, I thought maybe he had gone all academic or something.

But "Let God: The Transforming Wisdom of Francois Fenelon," (shouldn't the subtitle alone be a Hollywood epic?) is the right book at the right time. In an age of professional sports heroes and dime-store wisdom dispensed by anyone who calls themself a spiritual guru, Fenelon's writings carry an undeniable weight and authority. Colliers paraphrasing is lively, relevant, and contemporary without being trendy or trying to hard to be hip. The book is creatively divided into topical sections with commentary from the author at the beginning of each section.

The thing that most suprised me as I read through the book was that I couldn't help but imagine myself in a real life conversation with this philosopher, theologian, and poet whose voice echoed from nearly five centuries ago.

"Let God" is a rich resource on two levels. The first is Colliers deft paraphrasing that pumps life into some long forgotten words. But the second is the very nature of Fenelon's dialogue: unhurried, meditative, and without agenda. At a time when programs and formulas for spiritual growth are the norm, Evangelicals in the 21st century would do well to borrow from this 17th century soul friend.

I can't wait for Volume Two!

The writing is articulate and succinct. I found the wisdom of this 17th century monk relevant to emotions and struggles I face and the counsel so wise. A book I'd like to give all my friends.

This book is one of the most formative books I have read. Winn perfectly captures the conversational nature of Fenelon, bringing you right into the conversation as if Fenelon was writing to you. In an age of surface superficiality this book leads you to ask not "what am I doing" but "why am I doing it". Leaving you to then do as the title infers "Let God". Rest in God and let Him do the sanctifying and salvific work God has promised to do. If you have been worn out by guilt and by the burden of the yoke of self sanctification this is a must read. I would recommend (and do) this book to anyone seeking a vibrant and life giving walk with our Messiah.