The Divine Conspiracy

Absolutely incredible book. Caused me to obtain the print copies of all 3 in this series (1. Hearing God, 2. The Spirit of the Disciplines, 3. The Divine Conspiracy) so that I could study them more closely, as well as MP3 copies of the other two. All are good; this is the best. He has since written others, BTW, which I've also obtained.

Willard is a philosophy professor, very intelligent, and a very clear writer. Unlike other Christian philosphers I've read, though, he does not soft-peddle Christianity or Christ. He actually shows how the Church in general has softened much New Testament truth. He is teaching nothing new here ("new", with regard to Christianty, is generally synonymous with "distorted"); he goes back to the Word itself, attempting to look at it with no bias, no preconceived notions except that it is true.

In my group of favorite authors, he has joined A.W.Tozer and C.S.Lewis; that is heady company indeed. I cannot recommend his (or their) works highly enough.

If you are a Richard Foster fan ("Celebration of Discipline"), you should understand that Foster considers Willard his mentor. Foster's first pastorate was at a small church that Willard attended; Willard's influence was very strong.

I have read and now listened to this book probably a dozen times total, with plans for more... And I read or listen to good authorship/critique all the time. It is not uncommon for me to look at the vast amount of things on my iPod, from Public Radio to Comedy to LOST episodes, and just be like, ehhh... 'Why not plug into the mother of all ideas...' that Christ is reigning right now and that might I connect into it and benefit (a la "The Divine Conspiracy"). This to say, what Dallas achieves in this book is extraordinary -- I say this having been a lifetime Christian, but not until this book having the right framework for actually following Jesus in all of his brilliance, care, and ability. If you know about Dallas Willard, you know that he has been Professor at a top mainstream university (Univ. So. California) for 30+ years. He's no cultural Christian. He has applied immense thought, careful debate, and great humility when it comes to considering Jesus Christ and what it means to follow him. This book is an outflow of this. I know of no other living author like Dallas. Why not sit with this book and let your universe be opened a little wider? You won't be disappointed. NOTE: The book may seem a bit oblique until the 3rd or 4th Chapter. But trust me, worth every sentence and it comes together more than handsomely by later chapters. Again, I listen to this audiobook over and over. Why am I typing this? I should be listening to it right now and trust me talking about it like this is causing a deep Pavlovian response. See, the ideas are big enough where you actually hear them in greater clarity the more you repeat them. Excited? You should be. Good has entered the world with vision, intention, and means to overcome *all* evil. And you are a key part. Do the deed. Get it here or somehow, even if from the library. Blessings.

This book is, hands down, the best book I have ever purchased from Audible. It is deep and scholarly and yet very accessible. I have both the audio version and a hard-cover version.

Reading the hard-cover version takes effort, but the narrator (Thomas Penny) does an absolute masterful job of helping the reader fully grasp what the author intended to convey.

I have another Dallas Willard book that is narrated by Willard himself. For my money Penny is well worth, well, every penny. He really brings this remarkable book to life.

It is not an understatement for me to say that this is a book I have been searching for much of my life. It answers many of the deep, nagging questions that have painfully vexed me for some time. I am now learning to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from my Master. The Holy Spirit has used this book in an amazing way. I am deeply grateful.

Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness for they will be filled.

I can say that this book was so powerful and so timely for me. I tried reading it about 7 years ago and I wasn't in the right place personally; however, now was the right time and this was the right book. Jesus Christ is the center of this book and the following of Christ and truly being His disciples is the thrust. I think the writing is accessible enough for most people. When I was listening I was able to engage the material even as Willard is a Philosophy professor and writer. I am still meditating and unpacking the impact of this book on my life and the rest of my life. I am talking to and following Jesus in much bigger ways. I am also trying to teach others to go and do likewise.

This book is, hands down, the best book I have ever purchased from Audible. It is deep and scholarly and yet very accessible. I have both the audio version and a hard-cover version.

Reading the hard-cover version takes effort, but the narrator (Thomas Penny) does an absolute masterful job of helping the reader fully grasp what the author intended to convey.

I have another Dallas Willard book that is narrated by Willard himself. For my money Penny is well worth, well, every penny. He really brings this remarkable book to life.

It is not an understatement for me to say that this is a book I have been searching for much of my life. It answers many of the deep, nagging questions that have painfully vexed me for some time. I am now learning to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from my Master. The Holy Spirit has used this book in an amazing way. I am deeply grateful.

Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness for they will be filled.

I've bought a lot of audio books, but this is one of the very best. Great content..well written, logical and fascinating. Narration is excellent.. listening is a pleasure. Highly recommended.. loved it and will listen often. Thanks

The book primarily discusses the Sermon on the Mount and its implications for daily Christian living. It tries to bring more out of the sermon than many would see. It is good in this. If you are a young Christian, it will help a great amount.

The author brings out many non-obvious points. I like the way he integrates the whole sermon into one flow of thoughts. Normally many folks see it is many separate sayings. The concept of one flow of thoughts is very good.

Narration made the authors style seem very dogmatic. I am not certain that this is the authors personal style, but it may be.

No

no just for the study factor

i guess Beautiful Outlaw. due to the excellence of presenting Christ so Truely

chpt. 13 to the finish

i was , truely, moved from start to finish

looking forward to some more D WILLARD

While others may have enjoyed this book I was disappointed. I did not find Dallas Willard fascinating or logical. If you are a believer he will speak to you. If you are a seeker you may be very disappointed.

This is a Wonderfull book! The best breakdown on the sermon on the mount ever!