Title: Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God
Author: Dallas Willard
First published January 1, 1984
228 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780830822263 (ISBN10: 0830822267)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
Have you ever wished to hear God’s voice? To be able to communicate with Him and understand what He has in store for you?
It’s not an easy feat, but it’s possible. In Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God, author Dallas Willard shares his spiritual insights on how to build a personal relationship with God and hear His voice clearly.
He addresses common questions such as, how can we be sure that what we hear is not our own subconscious? What role does the Bible play?
And what if what God says to us is not clear? Willard’s key to success is to focus on building our personal relationship with God, rather than individual actions and decisions.
This updated classic, originally published as In Search of Guidance, is a must-read for anyone looking to develop an intimate partnership with God in the work of His kingdom.
About the Author
Dallas Willard was a highly respected professor within the School of Philosophy at the University of Southern California located in Los Angeles. He dedicated his time to teaching students within the USC community from 1965 until 1985, where he also served as the Director of the School of Philosophy.
In addition to USC, Willard also taught at the University of Wisconsin from 1960 to 1965 and held visiting appointments at UCLA in 1969 and the University of Colorado in 1984.
Willard’s educational background began with his undergraduate studies at William Jewell College, Tennessee Temple College (B.A., 1956, Psychology), and Baylor University (B.A., 1957, Philosophy and Religion). He continued his academic pursuits with graduate studies at Baylor University and the University of Wisconsin (Ph.D., 1964: Major in Philosophy, Minor in the History of Science).
Editoral Review
Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God by Dallas Willard is a spiritual guidebook that has been praised for its unique approach to understanding one’s relationship with God. With its initial publication in 1984, Willard’s teachings on how to listen for God’s voice and have an intimate conversation with Him have garnered a multitude of followers over the years.
Willard, who was a professor of philosophy at the University of Southern California, was a highly respected Christian thinker and writer. In Hearing God, he aims to help readers deepen their relationship with God by fostering an environment of attentive listening and openness to divine guidance.
The book takes a unique approach to spiritual education, as Willard provides practical guidance on how to develop one’s relationship with God through everyday activities. He stresses the importance of deep contemplation and meditation on God’s word, as well as simple acts of kindness and selfless service to others.
Throughout the book, Willard provides an excellent overview of Christian theology, using simple language and straightforward concepts to guide readers through the complexities of faith. He highlights common misconceptions about God and challenges readers to cultivate a more profound understanding of their spiritual beliefs.
One of the strengths of this book is how Willard encourages readers to trust in their relationship with God rather than relying on strict adherence to a particular religious dogma. He emphasizes the importance of having a personal and authentic conversation with God, rather than relying on established traditions or practices.
Another strength of Hearing God is how Willard draws on his years of experience as a professor of philosophy to provide critical analysis and an academic perspective on Christian spirituality. He provides nuanced arguments that reinforce his central premise that a true relationship with God requires a willingness to engage in deep contemplation and self-discovery.
The book’s main weakness is its outdated language, which can make it difficult for modern readers to connect with some of the concepts and ideas presented in the text. Additionally, some readers may find the book too dense, with too many ideas and concepts presented in a short amount of time.
Overall, Hearing God is an exceptional book that provides new insights into Christian spirituality and encourages readers to cultivate a deeper relationship with God. Those who are interested in personal spiritual growth and want to learn how to listen more closely to God’s voice will find this book incredibly helpful.
Anyone looking for a unique perspective on Christianity should read Hearing God. It provides a comprehensive overview of modern Christian theology while offering practical advice on how to develop a more personal relationship with God.
I would rate this book a solid 4 out of 5, with its only downside being the outdated language and somewhat dense presentation of ideas. It is an essential read for anyone seeking a personal relationship with God, regardless of their religious background.
