Seeing Beauty and Saying Beautifully

The Power of Poetic Effort in the Work of George Herbert, George Whitefield, and C. S. Lewis

By: John Piper

Narrated by: Bob Souer

Length: 4 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

Herbert - Whitefield - Lewis

In the sixth volume of the Swans Are Not Silent series, John Piper celebrates the importance of poetic effort by looking at three influential Christians whose words magnificently display a commitment to truth and a love of beauty. 

Examining the lives of George Herbert, George Whitefield, and C. S. Lewis, Piper helps us appreciate the importance of carefully crafted words by exploring how Christians can use them to testify to God's glory, wonder at his grace, and rejoice in his salvation. 

Whether exploring Herbert's moving poetry, Whitefield's dramatic preaching, or Lewis's imaginative writing, this book highlights the importance of Christ-exalting eloquence in our praise of God and proclamation of his gospel.

©2019 John Piper (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

What is in a person’s heart, that’s what comes out in their words.

Again, I am so thankful that this series was written. I have learnt so much, not only about spiritual disciplines that we need to live and grow in, but to witness this growth in our heroes of faith.

And it is indeed true. When we soak in the Word, we see His beauty and that beauty is expressed in our own daily words.

Thank to both author and narrator for this wonder series!

Edifying look into legendary Christian artists

A very edifying look into three legendary Christian artists' work for God. One, a humble poet, another a talented actor and third a man of stories and the fantastical.
It was very interesting to see each man's way of "seeing beautiful and seeing beautifully". They were so different, but still so alike.

As a Christian with a proclivity for aesthetic endeavours this was a very encouraging listen. Beauty is really a God glorifying goal in itself!

(the narration was pleasant as well!)

Enlightening and Inspiring

A great book! I have seen over the years how the arts have impacted John piper‘s life and preaching. He speaks with beauty and eloquence which has had many profound affects on my heart towards my creator. This book is a combination of great efforts, and great vision. I am so thankful for it.

always good

to learn about great writing contributors of faith. enjoyable listen. Good book John Piper.

Taste, See, Say!

John Piper, in his preaching, writing, poetry and insights into life are on the same line as those he references in this book. As always... seen and said BEAUTIFULLY by the Author!

Uplifting

I benefitted from the authors comments on the great writers. The narration was a little dry. Overall very pleasant.

beautiful book, beautiful words

beautiful words from God's mighty warriors sent to remind us of His Glory. amen

An Unexpected Journey

I chose this book because of the author and because I was seeking to find ways to recognize God in the world beyond the common ways. This book exceeded my expectations. I could listen to it again and again and be refreshed by the work of those, including John Piper, who illuminate the reality of God in ways that penetrate the heart and mind.

Interesting, sometimes fascinating

Seeing Beauty, Saying Beautifully is a call to meditate on God, on truth, on nature, on the mundane - to discover its meaning in such depth that we can convey that beauty and mystery and depth to another. Piper does this by examining the lives and work of three very different men whom God used in unexpectedly powerful ways because they had this personal habit of digging deep, pondering mysteries, seeking the beautiful and sublime and profound, then expressing it from the heart in ways that conveyed that beauty, that profound grasp to his hearer.

The examinations themselves were interesting in their diversity but dragged a bit, and I had to make myself get through to the next oasis, but the section on CS Lewis - though I was (or perhaps because I was) very familiar with his works and bio - delightful.

in the end, I'm glad I read it, and do recommend it for any seeker, any writer, and believer with any literary bent... or to anyone who just would like to have more impact when speaking of their faith. Basically, to all who hope to be ready to give the reason for tge hope that is in them.

An enlightening read

I liked this book. It was a bit slow in the beginning. You must have an appreciation for poetry and colorful language to really like it. It gave some background on Herbert, Whitfield and CS Lewis that I had never heard before. The narrator did a good job.

Wonderful book let down by the narration

Piper's introduction is an important contribution to discussions about the craft of preaching. He gives a thoroughly biblical framework from which to consider what he calls "poetic effort" which can be (should be?) applied in preaching and writing. It will encourage writers and preachers to see that their efforts to "say beautifully" for God's sake, are not simply showy froth for man's sake. He then follows with biographical snapshots of Herbert, Whitfield and Lewis, showing aspects of this poetic effort in their writings and how it contributed to the over all potency of their works. Highly recommended content.

I know it's subjective, but the narration was very disappointing. It's one of the most robotic performances I've heard of any audiobook. The irony that this book emphasises the power and importance of "saying beautifully" is not lost to the listener. Persevere for the sake of the content, but it would be fantastic to have a more dynamic, metered, impassioned re-recording.

praise God for his saints and servants

amazing men Of God empowered by his Holy Spirit anointed to re ealmchrist to the nations

John Piper is a biographer par excellence.

The content and narration are superb. Real food for thought. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Good stuff especially on Lewis

The portion on Lewis is great!! In a few paragraphs Piper explains his brilliance better than anyone.

Inappropriate title

I admire John Piper but listening to this seemed quite bizarre as it did not appear to be anything to do with the title. At the end he does try and explain the reason for the title but by then I had long ago lost the plot. I also have read these authors and greatly admire their works and so much of their essence seemed to be left out..