The Theology of Dallas Willard: Discovering Protoevangelical Faith

I learned of this book only a few weeks ago. I then purchased it and read it straightaway. But this is a book I've been waiting a very long time to read. As I understand it, this book is a re-write for general publication of the author's Ph.D. thesis. It's clear that he knew Willard well and is totally familiar with Willard's thinking and theology. While there are a number of typos or formatting issues with the book that I read, which we normally expect an editor to deal with, these are only a minor annoyance in what is otherwise a very fine, stimulating and helpful presentation of Willard's theology as found in his published works. The first chapter presents the best brief historical summary I've read of the quandary to which Evangelicalism has come; discipleless churches. What I don't get and what the author is not in a position to discuss is why after the wide popularity of Willard's, "Divine Conspiracy" more people in a position to do something about it did not. The question remains for me at to why it has taken so long for someone to write this book on the so-called 'protoevangel' when the popular and stunted version of the gospel as commonly presented is so inadequate in terms of both Scripture and the needs of the world. Better now than never, I suppose. Thanks to Dallas Willard and Gary Black.

I offer a huge note of gratitude to Gary for shedding light on a much needed subject. This book has not only helped me make sense out of my own spiritual journey, but it has greatly enhanced my dissertation work in the area of missional spirituality in the suburbs.Black’s scholarship and detailed effort to synthesize Willard’s theology into a cohesive whole, combined with his ability to bring Willard into conversation with post-hermeneutical, post-structural, post-modern philosophy brought forth the missing piece that I intuitively knew had to be there in Willard’s work. The missing piece: phenomenology.Black points out in many places throughout the book that Willard’s theology is grounded in Husserlian phenomenological realism. Husserl, in the wake of post-Kantian dualism and subjective constructivism, proposed that, just because the individual cannot fully grasp the objective reality—as goes rationalism—it does not mean that reality does not exist—as goes Derridian deconstructivism. The personal experience of reality is limited, or “bracketed,” but not a complete fabrication of the mind. Phenomenological methodology is the study of the experienced “bracketed” reality, in its particular, case-by-case phenomena that leads to the provisional, communicative knowledge of the real.

This book is an adaptation of Gary Black's doctoral dissertation. Some of the scholarly language used could be daunting to some, but continue to push through and you will find much to make you ponder the amazing God who loves us. Dallas was clearly a gifted man who spent much time reflecting on God and his kingdom and thanks to that he has blessed us all with one insight after another. Thank God for Dallas and Gary Black, for this and the Divine Conspiracy Continued. To me this is required reading for pastors and church leaders no matter what their denomination - it is likely to expand your vision of both God and Christianity - and that's a real good thing.

This book is an outstanding resource that successfully complements, collates and interprets the amazing body of literature that Dallas Willard left us. The only thing that might overshadow it is the life Dallas himself lived. Someone now should write his biography. Black's scholarly work clearly articulates what Dallas believed and taught; a biography would demonstrate to the world how he put his teachings into practice in his daily life.Whether or not this information better positions the church for a new spiritual movement depends not on Willard or Black, but on us. The ball is in our court now.

I have appreciated the historical perspectives which has helped to explain the basis of what and how I have arrived at my own "system of belief". This is especially relevant for the North American baby boomer who may sense a spiritual gap between what is written in the Word vis-a-vis the expression of of the Gospel in one's life; a matter of genuinely lived-out Christianity versus an emphasis on living according to a Christian based church culture. With discovery, I have sought other books by Dallas which has provided some guidelines assisting my journey towards a genuine renovation of my heart for God in Christ. This book should be read slowly with purposeful periods of self-reflection. You will not be disappointed.

Does not have the tone of Willard.

This book is thorough as an analysis of its subject. But it's quasi-scholarly vocabulary and the author's verbose writing style tend to obscure its message. When I encounter more than two consecutive comma-separated phrases of some length, I tend to lose sight of where the author is going. Four of more, and I'm out of luck.Yet, the book does provide insight into Willard's belief system that is perhaps not as clearly laid out or put in context by Willard's own writings. So I would recommend it for those who, like myself, feel drawn to Willard's uncanny understanding of the nature of the Kingdom of God, and his perscriptions for living within it. This understanding I believe is a unique gift which fortunately, Willard elected to share wtih us. Understanding the framework within which Willard understood these teachings of Christ is itself a gift.

Well worth the effort to read.

I appreciated this book as it complimented all the other books I've read my Dallas Willard. His fresh view of the gospel has been transformational in my life.

As a keen reader of Willards work I found this book very enlightening in bringing out the underlying approach he takes in his work. However the 'technical' terminology used makes it somewhat difficult to read for someone like me with limited background in church history and theological study.