Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation

by Brian D. Russell

Overview

Astonished by the Word recaptures an ancient way of engaging with Scripture that takes you beyond knowledge to whole-life transformation and a greater love of God and neighbor.

Using the Idolatherapy tool - an experiential method that combines biblical studies with spiritual direction and contemplative practice - you will learn how to move from reading the text to allowing Scripture to read you, changing you from the inside out.

Discover how reading the Bible can bring you inner healing, help you understand yourself and God better, and become a more loving person as you walk through the world.

Astonished by the Word is a blueprint for:

 Approaching Scripture with fresh eyes and ears

 Understanding who God is and how Scripture is authoritative in today's modern world

 Identifying and overcoming your biases and blocks when approaching the text

 Finding inner healing and transformation through your reading of Scripture

 Learning how to integrate powerful ancient practices like Centering Prayer and Lectio

Divina into your Bible reading

 Growing in love of God and neighbor by reading the Bible

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781953495747
Publisher:	Invite Press
Publication date:	08/15/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	206
File size:	397 KB

About the Author

Brian D. Russell, Ph.D, is an award-winning teacher, speaker, and spiritual coach. He serves as Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is an in-demand coach for spiritually minded leaders (www.brianrussellphd.com) and curates a dynamic group coaching program for pastors ( www.deepdivespirituality.com).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part One: How Scripture Works in Our Lives

Chapter One: Inspiration, Attention, and Astonishment

Chapter Two: Our Conscious Neglect of Scripture

Chapter Three: Inspiration, Human and Divine

Chapter Four: The Wesleyan Quadrilateral and Our Blind Spots

Chapter Five: The Transcendence of God and Why It Matters for Understanding the Bible

Chapter Six: Psalm 19--the Witness of Creation and "God Who Speaks"

Chapter Seven: Scripture as a Two-Edged Sword

Part Two: Opening Ourselves Fully to God's Word

Chapter Eight: Idolatherapy

Chapter Nine: The Danger of Disordered Desires

Chapter Ten: W[hole]ness and Scripture

Chapter Eleven: Interpretation as Conversion

Chapter Twelve: The Shema as a Guide for Living the Word

Part Three: Drinking from the Well

Chapter Thirteen: Contemplative Reading--Strategies for Preparing the Heart for Even More of God

Chapter Fourteen: New Questions and a Mindset for Transformation

Chapter Fifteen: Sabbath and Work

Chapter Sixteen: Is God on My Side? Reading Joshua 5:13-15

Chapter Seventeen: How to Pray the Psalms of Vengeance with Integrity

Chapter Eighteen: Skin in the Game

Conclusion: Take Up and Read