John Ortberg

I really did not like this book much at all. There were a couple of redeeming chapters, particularly the one about the discipline of celebration, taking time to celebrate God's blessings in our lives. Aside from those couple of bright spots, though, I found it to be extremely "seeker-sensitive" (whatever that means) and self-help oriented. When I think about spiritual disciplines, the first thing that comes to my mind is a proper intake of the Word of God, but Ortberg spends little time show more discussing this and only about halfway through the book.

Theologically, I had several problems with the book. Ortberg seems to operate under the assumption that God is just begging and waiting for people to respond to him. He even uses Moses and the burning bush to illustrate that, his point being that, just as Moses could have walked by and ignored God, we too can ignore God and just keep going about our lives our own way. I believe in a sovereign God and that it was always God's plan to uses Moses. He sprinkles this type of thinking throughout.

Finally, my biggest concern was the chapter on hearing from God. He seems to hold to the charismatic belief that we should try to train ourselves to hear the "still small voice" from God. I won't go into an argument against that. If you are charismatic, then you'll probably love the book. Regardless, he mentions at the very end of that particular chapter that there are dangers in attempting to hear God in this way... but then he just walks off and leaves the door wide open.

If you are truly looking for a book on spiritual disciplines, then I would highly recommend Donald S. Whitney's book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. I would liken Whitney's work to a fine cut gem, in the same way that Ortberg's would be a dirt clod. show less

Thoughtful writing on a topic that isn't new, but does need to be brought back into church minds every so often. The theme is, as Jesus taught, that 'eternity' isn't just what happens after we die, but here and now, in God's kingdom.

I have always liked John Ortberg's style; he uses anecdotes from his family life as examples, plenty of Scriptural backing for his thoughts, and a clear way of writing. When he uses long words such as 'purgation' he explains what he means (getting rid of show more unnecessary baggage).

As with most Christian books this is a reminder rather than anything radical (the subtitle notwithstanding) but well worth pondering on. Recommended.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2023/05/eternity-is-now-by-john-ortberg.htm... show less

This is an excellent, clearly written book looking at different aspects of connection, communication and (in the broadest sense of the word) intimacy.

Ortberg writes in an engaging manner, peppering his teaching with anecdotes, many of them against himself. Whereas I struggle to read more than a couple of pages at a time with some authors, I read a chapter of this every day for a fortnight. Pausing was in order to process and think about the contents, not because of my mind wandering.

While show more there isn't anything new as such, there are many points made in ways that struck me afresh. I particularly appreciated comments about love languages, and the way that in each interaction with anyone else, we can choose to respond positively or negatively, moving towards or away from that person in ways that can mount up over time.

The intended audience is Christian; there are many Biblical references, and Ortberg gives examples from Jesus' life of his ideal way of relating to those around him. But much of the content could be of relevance to anyone wanting better communication, and closer relationships.

Highly recommended. show less

I found this book very helpful. Written with humour, honesty, and wit; this book engages and wrestles with the deep questions of life. It doesn't pretend to have all the answers to these questions but does unashamedly assert that the most satisfying way of living with them is found in following Jesus. With an author who is not afraid to tell stories against himself there is a humility and wisdom to this book that I found liberating. Ortberg argues that faith and doubt are not necessarily show more opposed, but that doubt, rightfully understood, can allow faith space to grow. Having said that, he also acknowledges that doubt can go bad, and shows how it can lead to unhealthy scepticism and cynicism. Further, he argues that faith can also go bad if it is understood to require dogmatism and certainty. I am frustrated in writing this, because I feel that I am not doing the book good service. Go and read it, he writes about it better than I can! show less