Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual formation is the process of becoming Christ-like
Christian spiritual formation is the redemptive process of forming the inner human world so that it takes on the character of the inner being of Christ himself.
Holistic transformation. Spiritual formation involves the entire person - thoughts, emotions, will, and actions. It's not just about outward behavior, but a deep inner change that reflects Christ's character. This process is ongoing and requires intentional effort and God's grace.
Beyond religious activities. While practices like Bible study and prayer are important, they alone don't guarantee transformation. True spiritual formation goes deeper, affecting one's worldview, motivations, and core identity. It's about becoming a new creation in Christ, not just modifying behavior.
- Key aspects of spiritual formation:
- Renewing the mind (Romans 12:2)
- Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Growing in love for God and others
- Developing spiritual discernment
- Aligning one's will with God's purposes
2. Discipleship requires obedience and active engagement
As disciples (literally students) of Jesus, our goal is to learn to be like him.
Beyond belief. Discipleship is not just about believing in Jesus, but actively following Him and learning His ways. It involves a commitment to obey Christ's teachings and apply them in daily life. This requires effort, intentionality, and a willingness to be changed.
Practical steps. Becoming a disciple involves concrete actions and practices. It's not passive or automatic, but requires deliberate choices to align one's life with Christ's teachings. This might involve:
- Regular study of Jesus' teachings and life
- Practicing spiritual disciplines (prayer, fasting, service)
- Engaging in Christian community for accountability and support
- Applying biblical principles to decision-making and lifestyle choices
- Sharing faith with others and participating in Christ's mission
3. The soul is the core of human personality and needs restoration
The soul is that entity within a person that integrates all of the components of his or her life into their life, one life.
Central importance. The soul is not just a religious concept, but the core of human identity and personality. It's the integrating center that brings coherence to thoughts, emotions, and actions. Understanding and nurturing the soul is crucial for holistic well-being and spiritual growth.
Need for healing. Due to sin and brokenness, the human soul often becomes fragmented and disordered. Spiritual formation involves the restoration and realignment of the soul with God's intentions. This process includes:
- Recognizing the reality and dignity of the soul
- Addressing areas of woundedness or dysfunction
- Cultivating virtues and godly character
- Aligning one's will with God's purposes
- Developing a deep, experiential relationship with God
4. Spiritual disciplines are essential for growth and transformation
Spiritual disciplines are activities in our power that we engage in to enable us to do what we cannot do by direct effort.
Tools for growth. Spiritual disciplines are not ends in themselves, but means to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and Christ-like character. They create space for God's transforming work in our lives. Common disciplines include:
- Prayer and meditation
- Fasting
- Study of Scripture
- Solitude and silence
- Service and acts of compassion
- Worship and celebration
- Confession and accountability
Intentional practice. Disciplines require consistent effort and often feel uncomfortable at first. They are like spiritual exercises that strengthen our "spiritual muscles." The goal is not perfection, but progress in becoming more like Christ.
- Benefits of spiritual disciplines:
- Increased awareness of God's presence
- Greater self-control and emotional stability
- Deeper insight into Scripture and God's will
- Improved ability to resist temptation
- Growth in love, joy, and other fruits of the Spirit
5. Solitude and silence are foundational practices for spiritual development
Solitude and silence are primary means for correcting the distortions of our embodied social existence.
Countercultural practices. In a world of constant noise and distraction, solitude and silence are radical disciplines that help us reconnect with God and our true selves. They create space for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.
Practical application. Incorporating solitude and silence into one's life doesn't require becoming a hermit. It can involve:
- Setting aside regular times for quiet reflection and prayer
- Periodic retreats or "technology fasts"
- Creating moments of stillness throughout the day
- Practicing mindful awareness of God's presence
- Learning to listen deeply to God and others
Benefits of solitude and silence:
- Reduced anxiety and mental clutter
- Increased self-awareness and emotional regulation
- Enhanced ability to hear God's voice
- Greater clarity of purpose and priorities
- Deeper capacity for empathy and compassion
6. Jesus exemplified logical thinking and intelligent discourse
We need to understand that Jesus is a thinker, that this is not a dirty word but an essential work, and that his other attributes do not preclude thought, but only ensure that he is certainly the greatest thinker of the human race.
Intellectual engagement. Jesus wasn't just a spiritual teacher, but a master of logic and reasoning. His teachings and debates demonstrate keen intelligence and the ability to engage complex ideas. This challenges the false dichotomy between faith and intellect.
Practical implications. Recognizing Jesus as an intellectual role model encourages Christians to:
- Engage seriously with ideas and cultural issues
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Approach faith with both heart and mind
- Value education and lifelong learning
- Articulate beliefs with clarity and reason
Examples of Jesus' logical approach:
- Use of parables to illustrate complex truths
- Skilled debates with religious leaders
- Asking probing questions to stimulate thought
- Drawing logical conclusions from Scripture
- Exposing faulty reasoning in his opponents
7. Constant awareness of God's presence transforms daily life
Can I bring God back in my mind-flow every few seconds so that God shall always be in my mind as an after-image, shall always be one of the elements in every concept and percept?
Practicing the presence. The goal is to cultivate a continuous awareness of God's presence in every moment and activity. This isn't about constant verbal prayer, but a background consciousness of God's reality and involvement in one's life.
Practical strategies. Developing this awareness takes intentional effort and practice. Some approaches include:
- Using visual or auditory reminders throughout the day
- Associating routine activities with prayer or reflection
- Practicing "breath prayers" or short mental invocations
- Viewing all tasks, even mundane ones, as service to God
- Regular pauses for conscious reconnection with God
Benefits of constant God-awareness:
- Increased sense of peace and purpose
- Greater alignment of actions with God's will
- Reduced anxiety and self-centeredness
- Enhanced ability to see God at work in daily life
- Deepened sense of intimacy with God
8. Christian spirituality is distinct and transformative
The exclusiveness of Christian spirituality and spiritual formation lies simply in the life it is and brings.
Unique focus. While there are commonalities with other spiritual traditions, Christian spirituality is centered on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. This distinguishes it from mere self-improvement or generic spirituality.
Practical outcomes. Authentic Christian spirituality should lead to observable changes in character and behavior. These include:
- Growing love for God and others
- Increased fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Greater alignment with biblical values and ethics
- Desire for Christian community and service
- Deepening prayer life and spiritual disciplines
Distinctive elements of Christian spirituality:
- Emphasis on grace, not just personal effort
- Centrality of Christ's life, death, and resurrection
- Role of the Holy Spirit in transformation
- Importance of Scripture as God's revelation
- Eschatological hope and eternal perspective
9. Character development is central to spiritual growth
The quality of our souls will indelibly touch others for good or for ill.
Focus on inner transformation. True spiritual growth isn't just about outward actions or religious knowledge, but the development of Christ-like character. This involves the cultivation of virtues, emotional maturity, and a transformed will.
Ripple effect. Our character profoundly impacts those around us, often in ways we don't realize. As we grow in Christ-likeness, we become more effective witnesses and agents of positive change in the world.
Key aspects of character development:
- Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.)
- Developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Growing in integrity and authenticity
- Practicing forgiveness and reconciliation
- Nurturing humility and servant-heartedness
10. Integration of faith and intellect is crucial for Christian living
Once we learn that grace is not opposed to effort (action)—though it is opposed to earning (attitude)—the way is open for us to "work out" all that is involved in our salvation.
Holistic approach. Faith and reason are not enemies, but complementary aspects of a mature Christian life. Intellectual engagement strengthens faith, while faith provides a framework for understanding and applying knowledge.
Practical integration. Christians are called to love God with all their mind, not just their heart. This involves:
- Serious study of Scripture and theology
- Engaging with cultural and intellectual issues
- Developing critical thinking skills
- Applying Christian worldview to all areas of life
- Pursuing excellence in one's field of work or study
Benefits of faith-intellect integration:
- Deeper, more resilient faith
- Ability to engage effectively with skeptics and seekers
- Greater impact in one's profession or academic field
- Enhanced ability to discern truth and navigate complexity
- Richer, more holistic worship and spiritual life
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FAQ
What's The Great Omission about?
- Focus on Discipleship: The Great Omission by Dallas Willard emphasizes the critical role of discipleship in the Christian faith, highlighting a gap between professing faith and living it out.
- Addressing Disparity: Willard discusses the "Great Disparity" between Jesus's teachings and the behavior of many Christians, attributing this to a lack of true discipleship.
- Call to Action: The book urges readers to reclaim Jesus's essential teachings on discipleship, emphasizing spiritual formation and character development.
Why should I read The Great Omission?
- Deepen Your Faith: The book offers insights that challenge readers to reflect on their spiritual lives and deepen their understanding of discipleship.
- Practical Guidance: Willard provides practical advice on living out Jesus's teachings, making it a valuable resource for spiritual growth.
- Addressing Modern Issues: It tackles contemporary issues within the church, offering relevance for Christians feeling disconnected from their faith.
What are the key takeaways of The Great Omission?
- Discipleship is Essential: True discipleship is crucial for a fulfilling Christian life, involving more than belief but following Jesus's teachings.
- Role of Spiritual Formation: Spiritual formation is vital for developing Christ-like character, with disciplines leading to transformation.
- The Great Commission: Willard reinterprets the Great Commission, emphasizing making disciples rather than just converts.
What are the best quotes from The Great Omission and what do they mean?
- "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.": Highlights the struggle between intentions and human weaknesses, underscoring the need for spiritual discipline.
- "Discipleship is not for super Christians.": Emphasizes that discipleship is a calling for all believers, encouraging everyone to become more like Christ.
- "The Great Omission is not obedience to Christ, but discipleship.": Captures the book's thesis that the church has overlooked discipleship, with true obedience flowing from it.
What is the Great Disparity mentioned in The Great Omission?
- Disparity Defined: Refers to the gap between Jesus's teachings and the behavior of many Christians, leading to disappointment within and outside the church.
- Causes of the Disparity: Arises from a misunderstanding of discipleship, with many identifying as believers without engaging in transformation.
- Addressing the Disparity: Calls for a return to Jesus's core teachings, essential for the church's health and mission effectiveness.
How does Dallas Willard define discipleship in The Great Omission?
- Discipleship as Apprenticeship: Defined as an apprenticeship to Jesus, involving learning and applying his teachings practically.
- Holistic Approach: Encompasses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—reflecting Christ's teachings in all life aspects.
- Active Engagement: Requires active commitment and engagement, being a dynamic process of growth and transformation.
What are the spiritual disciplines discussed in The Great Omission?
- Importance of Disciplines: Essential practices for spiritual formation, including prayer, fasting, solitude, and study.
- Training for Transformation: Viewed as exercises preparing believers to live out their faith practically, aligning heart and actions with Jesus's teachings.
- Community and Accountability: Emphasizes the role of community in practicing disciplines, enhancing growth and providing accountability.
How does The Great Omission address the concept of spiritual formation?
- Spiritual Formation Defined: The process of becoming more like Christ, involving internal transformation and external faith expression.
- Role of the Holy Spirit: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, guiding and transforming the believer's heart and actions.
- Integration of Life: Argues for integrating all life aspects, ensuring faith is lived out in every area.
What is the relationship between grace and spiritual formation in The Great Omission?
- Grace as Foundation: Grace empowers individuals to grow and change, relying on God's strength.
- Effort and Grace: While grace is unmerited, it requires active participation and commitment from the believer.
- Transformative Power: Grace transforms the believer's life, enabling them to live out Jesus's teachings.
How can I apply the teachings of The Great Omission in my life?
- Commit to Discipleship: Actively seek to learn from Jesus and apply his teachings, engaging in spiritual disciplines.
- Join a Community: Find a supportive community of believers for encouragement, accountability, and shared growth.
- Practice Spiritual Disciplines: Incorporate disciplines like prayer and scripture study into daily life to deepen your relationship with God.
How does The Great Omission address the issue of exclusivity in Christianity?
- Inclusiveness Rooted in Christ: Christianity is exclusive in its claims but inclusive in its call to love and serve all people.
- Comparison with Other Spiritualities: Challenges the notion of Christianity's unique exclusivity, encouraging honest comparison with other paths.
- Call for Open-Mindedness: Advocates for open-mindedness and love while remaining committed to faith.
What does Dallas Willard say about the importance of community in spiritual formation?
- Incorporation in a Body of Believers: Spiritual formation requires being part of a community, with others' gifts and support vital for growth.
- Mutual Support: The fruit and gifts of the Spirit work together within a community, enhancing formation.
- Role of Accountability: Accountability relationships help individuals stay committed to spiritual practices and growth.
Review Summary
The Great Omission by Dallas Willard receives mostly positive reviews for its insights on discipleship and spiritual formation. Readers appreciate Willard's emphasis on effort in grace and his call for Christians to become true apprentices of Jesus. Many find the book transformative and challenging. However, some criticize its repetitive nature due to being a compilation of essays and lectures. Despite this, readers value Willard's wisdom and practical approach to discipleship, with many considering it an excellent introduction to his work.
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