Becoming Dallas Willard
The Formation of a Philosopher, Teacher, and Christ Follower
by Gary W. Moon
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Pub Date Mar 27 2018 | Archive Date Apr 03 2018
InterVarsity Press | IVP Formatio
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Description
Dallas Willard was a personal mentor and inspiration to hundreds of pastors, philosophers, and average churchgoers. His presence and ideas rippled through the lives of many prominent leaders and authors, such as John Ortberg, Richard Foster, James Bryan Smith, Paula Huston, and J. P. Moreland. As a result of these relationships and the books he wrote, he fundamentally altered the way tens of thousands of Christians have understood and experienced the spiritual life.
Whether great or small, everyone who met Dallas was impressed by his personal attention, his calm confidence, his wisdom, and his profound sense of the spiritual. But he was not always the man who lived on a different plane of reality than so many of the rest of us. He was someone who had to learn to be a husband, a parent, a teacher, a Christ follower.
The journey was not an easy one. He absorbed some of the harshest and most unfair blows life can land. His mother died when he was two, and after his father remarried he was exiled from his stepmother’s home. Growing up in Depression-era, rural Missouri and educated in a one-room schoolhouse, he knew poverty, deprivation, anxiety, self-doubt, and depression. Though the pews he sat in during his early years were not offering much by way of love and mercy, Dallas, instead of turning away, kept looking for the company of a living, present, and personal God.
In Gary W. Moon’s candid and inspiring biography, we read how Willard became the person who mentored and partnered with his young pastor, Richard Foster, to inspire some of the most influential books on spirituality of the last generation. We see how his love of learning took him on to Baylor, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Southern California, where he became a beloved professor and one of the most versatile members of the philosophy department.
The life of Dallas Willard deserves attention because he became a person who himself experienced authentic transformation of life and character. Dallas Willard not only taught about spiritual disciplines, he became a different person because of them. He became a grounded person, a spiritually alive person as he put them into practice, finding God, as he often said, "at the end of his rope." Here is a life that gives us all hope.
Advance Praise
"I knew Dallas Willard very well. He supervised my dissertation at USC, and upon graduation in 1985, he and Jane seemed to adopt my wife and me as their children. Those who did not know Dallas in person can get a good sense of him from his lectures and writings. But what has been a gnawing omission is the details of his life made available to the public—until now. Gary Moon's incredible book Becoming Dallas Willard fills this void and more. It is a first-rate, accurate, honest, and timely biography that is riveting. If you enjoy Dallas's lectures and writings, you need to read this book. I am so thankful to Gary for doing such a careful and painstakingly accurate treatment of the life of the greatest man I ever met."
-J. P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; author of Love Your God With all Your Mind
"I will treasure this book for the rest of my life because Dallas is truly present in it."
-Aaron Preston, associate professor of philosophy, Valparaiso University
"This is the best book I've read in a while—no exaggeration! I heartily recommend it, but with a warning wrapped in a prayer: get ready to weep, both in empathy for your friend's suffering and in gratitude for the beautiful life God fashioned through it. The eyes are the window of the soul. Jesus' ancient followers remind us that tears are a gift that cleans the window and allows light to flood the inner self. I'm a little brighter inside for having read this book. My prayer is that our Father may grant you the same gift through these pages."
-Daniel Napier, associate professor of theology, Austin Graduate School of Theology
"Gary Moon has provided a detailed and intimate depiction of the life of Dallas Willard from his inauspicious beginnings in rural Missouri to his full stature as a philosophical and spiritual thinker of extraordinary intelligence, wisdom, and clarity. In addition to sharing numerous and often heart-rending stories of Dallas's accomplishments, setbacks, and defining experiences, Moon describes the development of Willard's philosophical and religious thought and how it informed, and was informed by, his experiences and actions. What emerges is a well-rounded description of a man whose humility, immense knowledge, commitment to truth, and dedication to the well-being of others left those whose lives he touched forever improved. This is the story of a good man, and we are indebted to Gary Moon for telling it."
-Walter Hopp, associate professor of philosophy, Boston University
"An exceptional thinker and person whose work and example had a profound influence on so many, Dallas Willard was one of the truly wise men I have known. Gary Moon has written an engaging biography of this philosopher, university professor, and religious thinker who, though an ordinary man of the people, had an extraordinary impact. Moon weaves together the intriguing details of Willard's life, career, ideas, and writings to present an engaging portrait of a philosopher who made a real difference in our understanding of our times, in the lives of his students, for his many readers, and especially for those of us who were fortunate enough to know and work with him."
-Brendan Sweetman, department of philosophy, Rockhurst University
"The Willard wit and charm appear on nearly every page of this edifying book. Those who knew Dallas well will learn more besides, much of it truly captivating. Gary Moon manages to weave what is anecdotally interesting with what is spiritually compelling, and the whole thing is layered with philosophical richness without which there would be no Dallas Willard. "
-R. Douglas Geivett, professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
"I think many people will surprised, encouraged and, yes, pained by Dallas's journey. Still, this is a story that will prolong his important legacy."
-Keith Matthews, Azusa Pacific University
"Only a man of Gary Moon's astute perspective, intellectual acumen, and spiritual insight could write a biography that accomplishes what most don't. Becoming Dallas Willard combines Dallas's ordinary but compelling life events with a thoughtful grasp of Willard's intellectual journey through spirituality, philosophy, and psychology. This is a rare accomplishment for a biographer, but reading this story has a third benefit beyond knowledge and understanding, which is the ability to change us as readers. Moon's words can move us so deeply that we are not just reading a book, but participating in our own personal transformation. This is an amazing biography for a time such as ours."
-Roy M. Carlisle, acquisitions director at Independent Institute
"'Dallas was a wonderfully disruptive presence in the world,' may be the best description of the man whose theology has helped all of us understand and experience God and his kingdom in clear, hopeful, and magnificent ways. But Dallas's humanity was, to me, as strong a draw to him as his mind. Gary has managed to capture both the brilliance and the brokenness of Dallas, and I think the weaving of those two threads together is what God used to shape this most unique and winsome of men. This story is ministering to some of the most broken and wounded parts of my soul."
-Nancy Ortberg, CEO of Transforming the Bay with Christ
"C. S. Lewis once wrote, 'no possible degree of holiness or heroism which has ever been recorded of the greatest saints is beyond what He [God] is determined to produce in every one of us in the end.' In Becoming Dallas Willard, Dr. Gary Moon presents in narrative a developing portrait of a modern saint, a man who both believed and lived the sober truth that real change is possible for all of us. Gratefully, Gary does not write a hagiographic account of one great man's life that awakens desire to become a truly good person but frustrates us with no idea of what to do. I intend to reread what Dallas wrote. His thoughts just might light the path to where I long to go."
-Larry Crabb, psychologist, author, When God’s Ways Make No Sense
"Thank you for this beautiful look at one of my heroes. I remember many events where Dallas was speaking and I always left feeling that I had been in the presence of a true spiritual wise man. I will read this book again and again."
-Ken Medema, concert and performing artist
"Dallas Willard has had an immense influence on many Christians in our time. His writings would also benefit the lives of many who are not yet familiar with his thought. Gary Moon's winsome telling of Willard's life and thought will deepen the appreciation of those who already know his work and will provide an insightful introduction to those who do not. In this well-written book, Dallas Willard's academic and spiritual legacy lives on."
-Tremper Longman III, distinguished scholar of biblical studies, Westmont College
“'Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.' This was the life of Dallas Willard. And yet, as nice as it is to know of these rare luminaries, such a light-filled life can seem unreachable for the rest of us. In Becoming Dallas Willard, Gary Moon helps us see that who Dallas became was not always who he was. It is encouraging to know that he, too, had a long way to go. Reading this biography has made Dallas's writings on spiritual formation all the more relevant and believable. If you have found Dallas's other books to be helpful in your spiritual life, reading this biography will round out the story and drive those points home. If you haven't read Dallas's other books, this biography is the perfect place to begin. Chances are that meeting Dallas in the pages of this biography will start you on the journey of a lifetime."
-Steve L. Porter, professor of theology and philosophy, Biola University, editor, Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, PhD student of Dallas Willard (USC 2003)
"If you are reading this book to learn more about Dallas Willard, you will be richly rewarded with an intimate portrait of a brilliant, complex, wounded, and generous man. Even better, through Dallas you will learn more about Jesus of Nazareth and how to have a life of loving interaction with him here and now. Through faithful research and sensitive interviews, Gary Moon fittingly honors Dallas while supremely exalting Jesus. Dallas would want it no other way."
-Sandra D. Wilson, spiritual director, retired family therapist and seminary professor, author of Released from Shame and Into Abba's Arms
"The main reason I took with absolute seriousness the disruptive ideas that Dallas taught about God and God's kingdom was that he obviously lived in these realities himself. The good news he shared was credible because of his own overwhelmingly radiant life. Dallas lived in the house of his own proclamation. Now, in this labor of love, Gary Moon has given us a believable glimpse into how Dallas became the person he was. By describing Dallas's slow and gradual journey of inner transformation within the crucible of his own challenging and sometimes painful life circumstances, this biography communicates the wonderful good news that real change is possible for each one of us. I believe that this book will light up a deep and intense longing in many hearts to live more faithfully as apprentices of Christ in the kingdom of God."
-Trevor Hudson, Methodist minister in South Africa, senior fellow, Dallas Willard Center and Martin Institute, lecturer, Renovaré Institute for Spiritual Formation
"Gary Moon offers a fascinating depiction of the life of Dallas Willard in this wonderful biography. As a psychologist, I have always been interested in exactly how we develop in the ways that we do. Becoming Dallas Willard gives us deep insights into the formation of this man who would become a spiritual light for many Christians. Dallas's searingly difficult childhood produced aching losses that clearly come through these pages. This biography offers a glimpse into its subject's life that honors the realism of Dallas's philosophical identity. Not skipping over the foibles and failures, we see Dallas's early fundamentalist ideas contrasting with his inner experience. We understand the contributions of his revivalist upbringing and its impact on his marriage, parenting, work, and experience with God. Yet through all of the pain, all of the resulting challenges, all of the deep relationships he experienced, Dallas Willard's life shines most with a vibrant joy of being with God. It is an extraordinary book exegeting the life of an extraordinary man."
-C. Jeffrey Terrell, dean, College of Education and Human Services, professor of counseling psychology, John Brown University
"I only heard Dallas Willard speak once, many years ago. I was in the audience at the invitation of my friend Gary Moon as Dallas gave twelve precisely timed ten-minute talks. As I listened, I was overwhelmed with two things: the insightful truth that Dallas spoke about spiritual formation, and the simple and disarming way in which he spoke it. When I met Dallas after the sessions, I was overwhelmed with two other things: the humility that Dallas exhibited, and the joy that oozed out of him. In this marvelous book, Gary has helped me understand more fully what made Dallas tick. Gary, a master storyteller, provides many deep insights into Dallas's thinking and life for people who 'sit at the grown-up table.' But for those of us who 'sit at the kid’s table,' Gary puts the food where we can reach it. This book leads me closer to Jesus, the one who transformed Dallas and reminded him again and again over the years: 'I'm here. I see you. I've got you.'"
-Curt Cloninger, storyteller
"What a gift it's been to read the biography of Dallas! It feels like getting to know him better and receiving more of God's gifting through him. The depth of thought and reflection and your mastery of not only Dallas's life but also the explanation of concepts from theology and psychology and philosophy are amazing. It's clear, powerful, compelling, and moving both for folks who knew Dallas and many who will meet him through this book."
-John Ortberg, pastor, Menlo Church, author, Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You
"One of the most astonishing things about Dallas Willard was how his speaking, teaching, and writing seemed so effortless. But, as this official biography so beautifully chronicles, 'Dallas Willard had to become Dallas Willard,' the beloved man whose words and ways have uniquely touched a whole generation. Here, through hard and often heartbreaking times, one can see God structuring Dallas's character and life. This book presents the powerful message that there is hope for each of us, because God's kingdom is here for the taking—if we want it."
-Greg Jesson, writer and speaker
"Years ago, it was suggested to me that a great way to learn key teachings from St. Augustine would be to read a biography, where the sweeping yet nuanced ideas he wrote about could be understood in the context of the story—his life—from which they emerged. It helped! I find the same experience reading Gary Moon's comprehensive, instructive, and intimate biography of Dallas Willard. World-changing ideas and refreshing, freeing insights are set in the context of the tragically beautiful story—Dallas's life—from which they emerged. Whether you are familiar with Dallas's teaching or just beginning a journey of discovery, you will come to understand and appreciate more deeply the arc of his reason, passion, humility, and service."
-Mindy Caliguire, author, speaker, founder of Soul Care
"The web of Dallas Willard's life is a highly complex, wondrous, and redemptive story woven from the strands of God's providence: family, friends, colleagues, events, institutions, ministry, teaching, writing, choices, pain, grief, healing, deep faith, and love. How difficult and maybe all but impossible task it is for a biographer to untangle and explain the story of any image-bearer's life, much less a giant in the land such as Dallas Willard. But Gary Moon does this in a kind, discerning, and wise manner. We can now know Dallas Willard much better—and be enriched and encouraged in the knowing—because his close friend Gary Moon has researched and written so clearly."
-Christopher Hall, president, Renovaré
"You’ll enjoy the intriguing story behind a man who lived in the kingdom of God here and now. Drawn skillfully from a variety of resources, Becoming Dallas Willard shows us how Dallas thought carefully, lived authentically, and loved well."
-Jan Johnson, coauthor with Dallas Willard of Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice, Hearing God Through the Year, and Study Guide to the Divine Conspiracy
"Gary Moon has put his heart and soul into this project—researching, writing, and carefully crafting what has become a quite remarkable book. . . . The result is a fascinating perspective on a big man who will continue to cast a long shadow over the church and its people for many years to come."
-James Catford, chair of Renovaré Britain and Ireland, and former publisher at HarperCollins
"I am straining for the words to convey my deep gratitude for both a life so well lived and a story so well told. I cannot recommend this paradigm-shifting, page-turning, potentially life-altering biography highly enough. Take, read, and be changed."
-Carolyn Arends, recording artist, author, and Renovaré Director of Education
"Dallas Willard was one of the greatest philosophical and theological minds of our time. His teaching and work has had a profound impact on my life and many others. I am grateful for the insights contained in this biography. It allows us to learn not just from the writings and teachings of Dallas Willard, but also from his own life journey."
-John Kasich, Governor of Ohio
"If we are fortunate, once in our lifetime a human supernova presence streaks across our mental and emotional horizon, and the intensity of this light changes us forever. Dallas Willard was such a supernova for me. . . . Dallas’s brilliance, as important as it is, is far from the whole story. He possessed in his person a spiritual formation into Christlikeness that was simply astonishing. . . . The deepest, most fundamental reason for studying the life of another person is so we can learn to live our lives more fully, more truly, more authentically. This is why Becoming Dallas Willard is a genuinely important book."
-Richard J. Foster, from the foreword
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780830846108 |
| PRICE | $50.00 (USD) |
Links
Featured Reviews
Alex P, Reviewer
It is comforting, somehow, to understand that your personal heroes are also human, that they struggle in their own ways. It brings special meaning to the human experiences of ordinary life, and gives us hope that we, somehow, may do something more significant than we realize.
Such is the story of Dallas Willard. Certainly a giant in the world of modern Christian theology, his book, "The Divine Conspiracy" is among my favorites. It's like a steak dinner, carefully tasted and digested. It was somewhat startling to me to discover that this magnum opus about the Kingdom of Heaven came from the pen of a man who struggled with feeling inferior, even encountering difficulty in finding his place in the world.
Willard's story is one of humility and discipline, a reckoning of intellectualism and spirituality. There is no scandal here, no revelation of deep flaws which cast a seedy pallor. There is instead a man from the most humble of beginnings, coming to terms with his own belief and his deep desire to mentor future generations. There is an encouragement in reading his story that we may do great things if we should agree to walk with God in the paths where we are led.
Phil B, Educator
Overall, the book is interesting and informative. The biographer writes in a way that clearly trying to show the positives and accomplishments of Dallas Willard, but the feeling toward the end of the book is that this isn't a guy you would probably want to hang out with. Throughout the biography, Dallas doesn't end up coming alive as someone you could relate with. I should mention that some of the "mystic" leanings that Dallas ends up promoting aren't something that I am comfortable with. Perhaps this led to some negative vibes toward the end of the book. .
I've never completed a book by Willard (though I have started two), but I'm resolved now to at least give one book a chance.
Adam S, Reviewer
Summary: Spiritual maturity requires growth and formation.
I have been intentionally reading a number of Christian biographies over the past year or two. Christian biographies for me are about spiritual formation. I do want to know about the people I am reading about. The story is important. But I read good Christian biography/memoir to learn about spiritual formation.
Becoming Dallas Willard is exactly that type of biography. Dallas Willard helped to spark the modern Christian formation movement so it is not surprising that Gary Moon wrote a biography that was oriented toward tracing his spiritual formation. We are never finished with spiritual formation. Spiritual formation in some ways becomes more important as we age and mature spiritually because ending well and passing on the faith requires a level of humility and graciousness that invites those that are younger to the path of spiritual formation.
I have previously read three books by Dallas Willard. So I was roughly familiar with Willard’s writing but I did not know anything about his life other than his relationship to Richard Foster early in Foster’s pastoral career. Investing in others was a theme of Becoming Dallas Willard. I know Willard more through his intentional investment Richard Foster, John Ortberg, Jan Johnson, James Bryan Smith and others than I knew of him. Having read Becoming Dallas Willard I can see the influence that he had in the writings of these others that I have been more directly influenced by.
Willard had a fascinating life. The lives of earlier generations are often fascinating because they are so different from our own. Willard was a child of the late depression and early World War II days, roughly the age of my younger set of grandparents. He went to Tennessee Temple for his undergrad degree, where my grandmother’s brother was a long time professor. And I know many that went to either Baylor (his masters) or University of Wisconsin (his PhD in Philosophy), but no one that went to both. Despite the differences in generations and life experience, Willard’s life was not so different that I can’t relate to him.
As a 40 something work at home parent, I find Willard’s story encouraging. It is not that he was a late bloomer. He was not. He was director of the Philosophy Department at USC in his late 40s. But in his early 50s, the work he had done in different areas, his professional work in philosophy, bible teaching in his local church and community, and his own spiritual development started coming together in a new way. It was then that he started becoming a popular author in the area of Christian formation.
After having encouraged Richard Foster and his first book Celebration of Discipline, Foster gave away tapes of Willard’s bible teaching and encouraged publishers to seek out Willard. Willard was not seeking to be published by Christian press, but his faithfulness in small corners of the church led to his teaching spreading. Through Richard Foster, and his student James Bryan Smith, Willard’s teachings have spread widely, even though many may not actually know the name of Dallas Willard.
Becoming Dallas Willard does not fall into the trap of hagiography (glossing over the negatives to present only the idealized saint) but presents a whole, but flawed person. We are all flawed and limited because we are human. Our biggest strengths are often our biggest weaknesses. Becoming Dallas Willard does do what I want from a good biography, it gives me a good picture of the whole person, but also makes me want to read more by and about them. I have picked up several more of Willard’s books and I will read them differently because I have read Becoming Dallas Willard.
Paul M, Reviewer
The biography of an author should not only highlight the life and background of the writer, but provide an overview of the author's work in such a way that the reader is compelled to read it. Gary Moon has accomplished this in Becoming Dallas Willard: The Formation of a Philosopher, Teacher, and Christ Follower. I have read some of Willard's books over the years, some more than once. His writing is of such depth and richness that I can't help feeling like I'm missing out on some of the meaning and need to read it again. Moon brings together Willard's writing and teaching, highlighting themes and streams of thought. I appreciate the way he illuminates Willard's books.
As a professional philosopher, one of Willard's focuses is realism. Things we encounter are real, even things we can't see. This seeps into his Christian teaching, as he teaches the we can experience God and Jesus and the Kingdom, even though we can't see them. He once told a student, "Now when you pray, Jesus will walk right up to you and he will listen to you." It's a simple point, maybe an obvious one, but to me it's a revolutionary idea.
He did not shy away from the idea of visualization in prayer. This was a source of some resistance from Christians who thought his emphasis on visualization and other contemplative practices reeked of Eastern religions. He had a perfect answer when someone asked him about similarities of this practice with other world religions: "Just because Buddhists eat breakfast doesn't mean I'm not going to eat breakfast."
Regular guys like me can be encouraged that Willard was a regular guy, too. "The fact is Dallas was a real, sweaty, tobacco-spitting, occasionally cussing, often lusting, God-fearing Missouri farm boy." He was sometimes not a great student, even failing some college classes. He prefers paper plates to china, and always maintained a simple lifestyle. He always found time for his students, pastors he mentored, and others who sought counsel from him.
Dallas Willard exemplified and taught a life lived in communication and fellowship with God. He believed that "it is possible to live life 'with' God." Life with God is not just about salvation. When told of someone who "had accepted Jesus as his Savior," Willard responded, "Well, I hope that was good for him and leads him into accepting Jesus as his life." Being a Christian means life with Jesus, day in and day out.
If you know Dallas Willard and his writing, Becoming Dallas Willard is essential reading. If you don't, this is a great place to start to see how accessible and, at the same time, revolutionary his ideas are.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
Rachelle S, Reviewer
In all honesty I had trouble getting into this book at first. I think that is mostly my fault. It seems that I can't remember that there is a significant difference between a biography and a memoir. I like biographies, but I love memoirs and almost every time I start a biography I find myself vaguely disappointed until I reconcile myself to the genre.
However, once the author moved past the basic facts about Willard's family and childhood and started to really speak about the Dallas' development of thought and character I sincerely enjoyed the book. And while I appreciated knowing the childhood facts and understanding how they played a part in the formation of the man, it was the spiritual formation, the heart of "becoming" that really made this book one I'm glad that I read.
In one sense I'm of just an age that the concepts that seemed so radical to Dallas Willard (and Richard Foster as mentioned in the book) are concepts that I took for granted in my own spiritual formation. So in reading this biography it was enlightening to see how these ideas came to be introduced to the modern evangelical world through Willard's teaching and writing. Growing up as I did, comfortable in a number of different denominations, also made me deeply appreciative of how Willard sought to learn from the different expressions of faith.
While some of the context in the book, specifically the philosophical context, felt a bit over my head and not particularly engaging I did develop a deeper appreciation for the intellectual depth of thought that informed Willard's writing. This also led to a deeper appreciation of his work as his books, while deep and thoughtful, have never seemed "over my head" in intellect.
All in all, I would recommend "Becoming Dallas Willard." I would especially recommend it for those who aren't as familiar with Willard's books and teaching as it gives a very helpful overview of the contribution that Dallas made to the realm of understanding spiritual formation as well as giving a wise and thoughtful look at how modern culture perceives reality and how the reality of the Kingdom can be so easily overlooked or misunderstood.
Most of all I loved seeing how Dallas grew in his real and present interaction with the King and his Kingdom and hope that many others will find the sweetness of that reality as they reflect on how we become the men and women in Christ that we are meant to become.
I received a free digital galley of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Traci R, Reviewer
I didn't know about this Dallas Willard. Halfway through the book, I bought his book, The Spirit of the Disciplines and put a few others on my Amazon wish list. He was a philosopher who became convinced one could live in the presence of God all the time. He explored a variety of ancient spiritual practices to understand how this might be possible.
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