The thing that strikes me about A.J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta, co-authors for "Slow Theology: Eight Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World," is that they're slow and steady.

These are not showboating theologians. These are not attention-seekers. There's really not a page of excess contained within the relatively quick read that is "Slow Theology." (NOTE: I say "quick read" primarily directing it toward theology nerds who devour anything and everything theology).

Swoboda and Gupta are refreshing in that there are no real "quick takes" here or theological lightning strikes. Instead, "Slow Theology" leans into a deeper faith found in a gentler, more patient and, yes, slower way of leaning into our Christian faith by utilizing these eight practices not in a legalistic way but in a life-giving way.

"Slow Theology" is less prescriptive and more facilitating of deep faith in the busyness that has become our lives. I can't help but think this is an intentional approach to writing "Slow Theology." In a world of high-volume disagreements and knee-jerk Christianity, "Slow Theology" leans into eight practices capable of transforming and protecting our faith against cultural challenges and techno-impulses.

While I will admit I didn't necessarily resonate with every conclusion made here, I did resonate with these practices encouraging a more patient life of prayer and Bible study, a gentler pace for faith formation, an encouragement against rapid-fire decison-making and drive-thru faith practices and, for me most refreshingly, tackling our spiritual difficulties directly rather than kicking them on down the road.

Some of the conclusions, for example those around social media, feel a tad "easy" to me and more based in stereotype than personal experience. However, these are minor quibbles for a book that provides for a more soothing Christian life and more fulfilling and meaningful connection.

"Slow Theology" is ideal for personal devotional time, small groups and, in my opinion, young adult groups making that transition from childhood faith practices to adulthood faith practices. Even when I didn't agree, I found these ideas worthy of contemplation and valuable to my own life of faith.