The Year Of Small Things: Radical Faith For The Rest of Us by Sarah Arthur and Erin F. Wasinger is written for all Christians, particularly those seeking ways to incorporate liturgical and monastic practices into their modern living. Caution is needed, however, as the book needs to be interpreted in light of Scripture, or it may come across as merely an injunction to do more good works.

The subject is new monasticism, or to put it more simply, how two families sought to incorporate the spiritual practices of simplicity, hospitality, sustainability, reconciliation, social justice and more into their everyday lives without living in a desert or monastery.

The key insight of the book is that all of life can be lived as a spiritual practice that matters to God. Things like simplicity, hospitality, sustainability, reconciliation, and even social justice can be a part of one's life regardless of the season one is in.

It would have been good to see more of an emphasis on a relationship with Jesus Christ, rather than just clarification as to how outward spiritual practices can be incorporated into modern living. The authors come from a United Methodist background and, as such, their concept of prayer began as a recitation of liturgy, then slowly progressed to actually talking to God in their own words. It was good to see this progression, but the transformation it brought about in their individual relationships with God wasn't clearly emphasized.

While Arthur and Wasinger’s story of seeking to incorporate spiritual practices into their everyday lives was inspiring, too often it came across as an unbalanced focus on doing good works, and created pressure to follow the same new monastic pattern that they laid out for themselves. The authors do point out, however, that people are saved by God’s grace, not their good works.

Overall, I recommend this book for Christians who are interested in adding new monastic practices or spiritual disciplines to their lives, but caution that the reader interpret it in the light of scripture.

The two authors take turns sharing their experience with new monasticism. I thought the concept of this book was interesting, but then the book didn't hold my interest.

This duo, along with their husbands and families, attempts to live a tenet of "new monasticism," or radical faith, every month for a year, based on their current suburban parent circumstances. It's a very interesting read, and definitely inspiring to see the devotion with which they embark on the project. A lot of the practices (sharing your budget with friends, letting strangers live in your home) are probably too out-there for most people, but reading about their adventures will definitely make you stop and think about how you live out the gospel. 4/5 stars.

The Year of Small Things

Radical Faith for the Rest of Us



by Sarah Arthur and Erin F. Wasinger

Baker Academic & Brazos Press

Brazos Press



Christian

Pub Date 31 Jan 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of The Year of Small Things through the publisher and Netgalley:

After three years in an Urban Christian Community, Sarah and Tom Arthur were appointed to a Suburban Church.

In this book they talk about Convental Friendships, friendships that start with God at the center. The importance of good Solid Christians friendships is also highlighted. Hospitality and the place that played throughout the history of Christianity to modern day.

I give The Year Of Small Things five out of five stars.

Happy Reading.