Renewal as a Way of Life: A Guidebook for Spiritual Growth by Dr. Richard Lovelace

by Richard F. Lovelace

Book by Lovelace, Richard F.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Spirituality, Christian Living

Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 1985

About the author

Not to be confused with Richard Lovelace, the English seventeenth century poet.

Reviews

[Annie Riggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5) What a useful book! It would be a great one to use for teaching, or for leading a small group. It’s a book that strengthens our understanding of the “Kingdom of God” in a way that equips us to build it.

[South Asia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overview
In his book, Renewal As a Way of Life, Dr. Richard Lovelace teaches us about the importance of spiritual renewal and how a Christian can and should have dynamic change in their life. Dr. Lovelace starts out with showing us that we have created a self-centered religion and how Christianity is about God and Him being the center of our lives. He then shows us that we need to find our worth in who God sees us to be. We then are compelled to love God and love others. The middle of the book talks about the three “dynamics of spiritual death,” which are the flesh, the world, and the devil. He writes about the realities of these evils and how they are bent on winning our souls. In the last third of the book, Dr. Lovelace talks about Christ as the victor, and both individual and corporate renewal in our life. Focusing on the Messianic victory, he counters the issues of spiritual death, with the power we have in Christ. He then shows how we are renewed through justification, sanctification, the Holy Spirit’s work, and Christ’s authority. He brings the book to a powerful finish in the final chapter by concluding with the need for corporate spiritual renewal. He looks at the importance (and current lack) of mission, prayer, community, and theological integration in the spiritual renewal of the church in this present day. This last chapter brings home the important role that others have in our spiritual growth. It is not an option, it is a must, and Dr. Lovelace makes that abundantly clear.

Critique
The first two chapters were filled with great quotes and set up a great foundation for the rest of the book. I would say that the reading is a bit slower, but would encourage any reader to continue, because the book gets better with each chapter. The chapters on the flesh, the world, and the devil were insightful. I thought the strength of the book was it’s final three chapters, talking about the victory we have, yet the battle we are in and how we shall live. The last chapter was excellent and a must read for all Christians. Dr. Lovelace insightfully shows us some components of corporate renewal as well as critiquing the church’s weaknesses. He shows how it is absolutely necessary for corporate renewal in our life and this can be a great blessing to the church and the world.

Application
This book really confirmed and encouraged some basic principles of renewal such as prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. It really brought light to the importance of spiritual renewal corporately. I have been convicted of my denominationalism and the importance of an ecumenical view of the church, specifically in the renewal of the community. This will help as I hope to be church planting in another culture and I will greatly need the help of any and all Christians for the gospel to be a great light in a dark place.

Best Quote

“But the goal of authentic spirituality is a life which escapes from the closed circle of spiritual self-indulgence, or even self-improvement, to become absorbed in the love God and other persons. (Pg. 18)

[Kerry Buttram · Rating 5 out of 5]

26 September 2016

I have just re-read this excellent work by Richard Lovelace. It is an abbreviated version of his classic The Dynamics of Spiritual Life, a much longer work which I also heartily recommend. This book, written several years later, benefits from his further reflection on the themes of "Dynamics." Renewal as a Way of Life is designed to be used in small groups and has very helpful discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

[Tyler Recker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came highly recommended and I see why.

It seemed to develop a pattern where I would have to plough through the beginnings of chapters and then get to sections that were particularly helpful and insightful.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovelace retreads a lot of ground he covers in the bigger book "Dynamics of the Spiritual Life." He also includes many great insights as he developed his thinking on evangelical spiritual theology. I would say pastors should start with Dynamics in order to get a strong foundation in this important topic. Then they should work through this shorter book with key leaders as they try to implement Lovelace's proposed model into their ministries. By the way Lovelace's model is simply a system of Scriptural teaching on Spirituality, it is inherently ecumenical, and not even slightly pragmatic. It is very much worth your time!!

[Jonathan Song · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on understanding Spiritual Renewal from both causes (World, Flesh, Devil) to Individual Solutions (Justification, Sanctification, Indwelling of the Spirit, and Authority over Sin) to Corporate Solutions (Prayer, Mission, Community, Theological Integration). Written 33 years ago, it's hard not to see every social issue he points out to the climate of today, and yet speaks to the truth of the Gospel in a way neither simplistic nor theoretical. Definitely using this in all my adult spiritual formation classes and as a reference to my own renewal when the wells run dry.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Tim Keller recommends a book, you buy it. When that book is really thick, you look for the abridged version haha. This is that book. An intro to the oft mentioned Dynamics of Spiritual Life. Very helpful and approachable.

[Joshua Reitano · Rating 4 out of 5]

This distillation of Lovelace's magnum opus on revival and renewal is a helpful introduction to pietistic dimension of the life of the church.

[Todd Weyandt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great information but super dense to get through.

[HCC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but if your are interested just make the investment to read Dynamics of Spiritual Life. This distillation just can’t capture the depth of that great book.

[Rebecca Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is one I’ll come back to

[Brian Whited · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a guide to spiritual formation. He starts out by describing true Christianity as ushering in the kingdom of God. His goal is to get Christians, especially those in the areas where nominalism has set in, to live their lives fully devoted to God. He presents his main vision in the first section of the book. In the second section he describes barriers that are at work against the Christian, ie the flesh, the world, and the devil. In the last section he describes techniques that are helpful for the Christian to succeed in ushering in the kingdom of God. His main techniques are to focus on justification, sanctification, the Holy Spirit, and authority in the conflict.

This book does an excellent job describing the interaction between God and humans in ushering in the kingdom of God. Lovelace's analysis on the barriers in the Christian walk were also very good, as well as his guide to spiritual formation in the latter chapters. Lovelace seems to be a very humble man that wants to see Christians join together and bring about worldwide change for God.

Quote
“Even so, our every goal and action should anticipate this God-centered world. Everything we are and do should point to this coming realm and model it before the rest of the world. Christians should build straight houses in the midst of a world where crooked people are building crooked homes. They should run straight businesses, and vote for straight government, in a world where these structures are misshapen by human sin. Their lives should appear to the world as centers of divine righteousness, peace, and joy.” p. 59