Divine Intervention
by Tony Jones
Published by NavPress
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Reviewed by Laura Hilton
Tony Jones has written a very easy-to-read, step-by-step manual on the practice of lectio divina (sacred reading). The book is clearly written, and the foreign or difficult concepts and terms are fully explained and often illustrated with concrete examples drawn from his own life. Jones has taken an esoteric subject and brought it down to earth. He provides a wonderfully lucid introduction.
Marketed as a children's book, Divine Intervention is more correctly graduate-level theology. The book is divided into four parts.
1. Introduction:
a. The point of Spiritual Disciplines
b. Ways we read the Bible
c. Why pray the Bible
d. Where did Lectio Divina come from
2. The Steps of Lectio Divina
a. Lectio
b. Meditatio
c. Oratio
d. Contemplatio
3. Experiencing Lectio Divina
a. A personal Lectio Divina with me
b. Lectio Divina with my small group
c. Lectio Divina in my church
d. Afterword
4. Exercises in Lectio Divina
Personally, I feel that the philosophy presented, while it is becoming increasingly popular in the world today, provides its adherents with an emotional high, while reducing the clear commands of Scripture to a footnote. It appears that proponents of this movement are not so concerned with an appropriate application of Scripture, as long as they can experience the same thoughts, feelings and emotions as the biblical audience. What God meant seems to take second place to what he actually said, and practical application of God's word can be substituted for by spiritual disciplines.
Divine Intervention is expertly written and presented in street-level practicality, making it ideal for small groups, lay people, and ministers alike. Notes and Bibliography is included, making additional studies easy.
Armchair Interviews says: Clearly written explanations make this easy to read.