Stephen, a book reviewer who hopes to combine Biblical truth with God-honoring imagination,
To all the readers of a little hardback that was the Christian bestseller of 2010, and with hopes that these will see that I seek to support a real and true relationship with Jesus Christ,
Grace and peace to you! Yet might I honestly ask some questions about this book?
In her introduction to Jesus Calling, author Sarah Young says she knows these devotionals do not equal Scripture’s importance. Nevertheless, she writes “as” Jesus, in the first person, and doesn’t even attempt to find in the more-sure Word a precedent to seek God’s words that way.
Instead her reasons seem to be: doing this is what she needed and it helped. It works for me, so a) it’s right, b) it’ll also work for you. Did I read that wrong?
While sharing her life story of learning, church-planting work and counseling, Young admits, “I knew that God communicated with me through the Bible, but I yearned for more.” That seems to imply she’s already read the Bible, been there, done that, and knows everything that’s in it, and is therefore ready to move on to something better. For her, that superior method includes “waiting quietly in God’s Presence, pencils and papers in hand, recording the messages they received from Him,” as once did two anonymous authors of another book called God Calling.
But does the actual Word from God recommend doing this? Why does Young seem to expect “the Presence” (her term) to speak new words? Scripture says the Holy Spirit’s job is to show us Christ and His Word, sufficient for our needs (1 Timothy 3: 16-27). Why desire more?
In Ephesians 1, the apostle Paul’s loving letter to a new church, he prays for them: not that they would find new wisdom, but that they would have “the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints” (verse 18), through Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus, open their eyes to the amazing salvation and spiritual riches You’ve already given them!
Young does credit the Bible as “the only inerrant Word of God,” but after explaining how her wish for more led her to “listen” for other “personal messages” and “directives” from God. But why not focus on the Word? “My writings must be consistent with that unchanging standard,” she says, and thank God for that. But why write messages “from Jesus” at all, for ourselves or for others? I know I haven’t mastered the Bible in a 101 course and am now ready for more! But even if Young had mastered Scripture, why does she ignore the Bible’s Gospel narrative — the holy God sent His Son to save sinners? That actually weakens His love and promises.
“My writings must be consistent with that unchanging standard.” Are they? Might we test this book in love, the same way we do any preacher or writer who claims to speak for God?
An allegory
Allegories are helpful. This one breaks down only because Jesus is real. Otherwise, consider:
My darling, you may have heard such different accounts of me so as puzzle you exceedingly. But though I am absent you today, my heart ever returns to think of you and anticipate greatly when we will reunite. Permanent happiness shall be ours, with passions (that) were stronger than our virtue. And now as I plan to return from London in a fortnight, know that my love remains with you. You may not know how this began; neither did I, for I cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. … I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun. Do contemplate my return and think of me in return, for it is our quiet times together I treasure the most.
Very truly yours,
Your Mr. Darcy
Photo illustration by yours truly
This could be the next great literary success: Mr. Darcy Calling, with daily devotions “from” Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy himself, brooding and mysterious, owner of Pemberly, hero of Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. In fact, quotes from Pride and Prejudice itself — the parts where Mr. Darcy was talking — are in the above letter as I “listened” to him, to relay his thoughts to you, gentle reader. My past experience with Pride and Prejudice allows me to know what Mr. Darcy wants and what he’s daily thinking about: you, and how much he desires your company.
Yes, Pride and Prejudice is the only source for learning what Mr. Darcy did and said, and what we know about him from his creator, the actual author, and what is also mysterious about him. But don’t you feel like you want to know more than that? Like you want his actual Presence?
… Just a few little issues that all those nitpicky Austen book purists will take with my approach:
- Pride and Prejudice was not intended to be read this way. Even assuming Mr. Darcy were a real person, the only sure record we have of his doings is the novel itself!
- The italicized quotes do not place what he said in the rightful contexts.
- Mr. Darcy’s dialogue takes place in completely different settings than a Letter to You, Gentle Reader. Sometimes he was talking with Elizabeth Bennet, his actual love!
- Pride and Prejudice is not meant to be read piecemeal. It has an overarching storyline.
- Elizabeth Bennet is nowhere in the 365 “devotions.” Her role, and Mr. Darcy’s courtship of and eventual marriage to her, is integral to the story. You can’t just hijack a real-life person (again, imagine he’s real) and “listen” for new messages from him to another.
- The “quotes” give lip-service to the original book, but are useless and even contradictory additions. For example, Mr. Darcy does not endorse passions stronger than virtue.
And if I have let errors slip into this open letter’s Pride and Prejudice portion, such as minor plot disparities, or misspelling Elizabeth Bennet’s last name with two Ts instead of one (which I haven’t) — why should those trifling oversights get in the way of having a Personal Relationship with Mr. Darcy, or my own qualification to speak on his behalf?
Seriously, I hope no one who respects Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice would decry these six critical questions as ignoring a need to have a “personal relationship” with Mr. Darcy. Why? Because this “Darcy” is made-up, based on partly remembered quotes from the book. It gives lip-service to the book, such as the character’s name and origins and some traits, but the very existence of this product implicitly says: Austen just didn’t say enough to help. Now it’s my turn.
How might Jesus feel to hear His wonderful Word so dismissed? Moreover, can one say he or she wants a personal relationship with Christ, and then decide not to listen to what we know He said — or, even with good intentions, listen to someone else who wasn’t listening?
On Friday: how does Jesus Calling consider the complete and in-context promises of Scripture?
[...] Part 1 is on YeHaveHeard, and part 2 will be up this Friday morning. Here are some bits from both, starting with a reminder from Ephesians — perfectly timed thanks to Paul Valentine’s sermon last week, based on the actual Bible. In Ephesians 1, the apostle Paul’s loving letter to a new church, he prays for them: not that they would find new wisdom, but that they would have “the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints” (verse 18), through Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus, open their eyes to the amazing salvation and spiritual riches You’ve already given them! [...]
Thank you for this insightful book review. I especially like the creative invention, Mr. Darcy Calling. I received Jesus Calling as a gift. The giver enthusiastically told me how much this devotional had blessed her life. I also heard other women talk about how much they liked Jesus Calling. I tried reading it, but found it difficult to believe Jesus was speaking to me. It is not a “rhema” word.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, ESV).
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Timothy Stone, E. Stephen Burnett. E. Stephen Burnett said: Letter to "Jesus Calling" readers: do we treat other books as it does the Bible? On #YeHaveHeard: http://bit.ly/fLuw0B [...]
[...] I’ve reviewed Jesus Calling in part 1 and (as of Friday morning) part 2. Yet here, let’s explore a related matter: the book author’s [...]
[...] from part 1: a review, with careful questions, of Sarah Young’s bestselling Jesus [...]
Oh Stephen, I came over here from Speculative Faith to see more of your commentary, and your Mr. Darcy letter is wickedly awful (I mean that as a compliment). My greatest despair is that your suggestions will be read by publishers and this book will actually be written; with the current Austen craze, I believe like you it would sell very well.
I do have a quibble, though: the common stereotype that Mr. Darcy “broods” is largely a result of the various film adaptions and not supported by the book, much like the misconception that Jesus was always meek and gentle. I think one of the reasons so many fans believe Darcy is a “brooder” and portray him in fiction as just-this-side-of-emo stems from their dependence on the films and the fandom surrounding this idea, rather than actually reading the original text or taking the time to seriously study what Austen had to say. In your contemplation of Bible Mary Sues (which sounds like a great series), you might consider that this same problem is often true in theological problems that crop up in Christian fiction and nonfiction alike: people starstruck and in love with their idea of Jesus, without pursuing contemplation, study, and instruction to lay a foundation for their beliefs.
I can’t comment on the specific book you’re discussing, not having read it, but it sounds like we’re wrestling with the problem Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians when he says “Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.” (NIV) It’s quite alright when one first accepts Christ to not have everything figured out; I hardly think the thief on the cross, for example, had time to join a bible study before he was accepted into Paradise. However, as believers, we should attempt to grow past mere infatuation in our relationship with Jesus. As ministers of the Gospel, we should always seek to lead as God’s servant, humble in our knowledge of His authority, sure of what He has promised but respectful of our finite ability to understand Him. As Paul continues in 1 Corinthians, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (NIV)
But honestly, Stephen, you must read some Austen fanfiction now that you’ve (somewhat) attempted it yourself. I think you’ll find your little Mr. Darcy impression was hardly the worst of the things this poor man has been appropriated for.
Any author who bases his/her book on the inspiration of God Calling and not the Pauline epistles should be examined, researched, and questioned thoroughly. Thanks for the Austin allegory!
Amen Pinky! And another AMEN to Mr. Burnett! I saw a post by a friend on FB saying how excited she was about this devotional so as my manner is to prove all things (hey wait, this is something God actually does tell us to do) I read the intro and the first few days which is all they reveal for free but that was enough and all I needed to see to once again recognize yet something else God detests and Satan loves! She said something about the thees and the thous (basically making the King James sound boring and much more difficult to understand than 6th grade English, which is the reading level it is written in) Yet another thing Satan delights in. Outside of the cross of Christ and trusting in his death and blood as the all sufficient payment for our sins, burial, resurrection (1 Cor 15 1-4) (Eph 1-13,14) it is impossible to please him, period. Not even a hint of that or anything concerning biblical salvation in that piece of garbage and though God knows them that are his I stand in doubt that this woman has been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the World because God knew who would place their trust in him as he knows the beginning from the end and an unsaved person probably wouldn’t dishonor her Savior like that. Yea, like she’s been there, done that, but needs something more. The Word of God is inexhaustable (sp) and anything in it, even Leviticus is more inspiring than that pack of lies. We don’t need anything designed, even if it is an inspiring piece if literature or movie, to spark our interest or bring us closer to God. God is capable all on his own to draw hearts to himself. That would be 1. The preaching of the Cross 2. His Holy Word. Now he can and does use all sorts of things and events to catch our attention, His ways are not our ways so I can’t judge on such matters but this book would do just the opposite. You just can’t get any more intimate with God than being flesh of his flesh and bone of his bones and being blessed with all spiritual blessings and completely forgiven of ALL your sins without any works of the law attached. And to top it off she is a Calvinist! More modern or “relevant” title would be Reformed Theology, or Covenant Theology, which demands righteous living and suggests that if one derails from that way of life than they were never saved to begin with. This would explain why I saw “Soverign” used about 3 times in just a couple of pages. Soverign Grace also suggests that those who were chosen before the foundation of the world were handpicked by God and that freewill of man to choose God is not possible. So he predestins some to go to Heaven and some to go to Hell. This is heresy and it is invading the churches, seminaries, and bookstores. Sorry I didn’t mean to go on this long but this book and others like it sickens me to the core!!! So I guess God manifesting himself in the flesh to dwell on this earth with wicked and fithy mankind all so he could be hated, spit on, humiliated, whipped, beaten to a bloody pulp, and nailed to a cross just isn’t even worth a mention. Guess thats old school religion. The God of the bible who loved us and gave his life for us so we could be saved has been replaced by another Jesus and another gospel. Let them be accursed! (Galations) Thank you for letting me share:)
I don’t know who you are Sister Shelly Walls but you’re awesome!!! The entire time I was reading your post, I was nodding and saying amens. Thank you for that no-nonsense explanation of how wrong this heresy of “Jesus Calling” just is. I just hope more people come to this realization. Unfortunately, radio stations like K-Love (which I had a ton of respect for prior to this) are now touting this book as the next great piece of literature. It actually makes me feel sick to my stomach. Anyway, thank you for calling it like it is: BIBLICALLY!
Praise the LORD for your discernment and clarity of expressing EXACTLY my sentiments regarding Jesus Calling, the KJV, CALVINiSTIC heresy, and the state of the church today. May GOD Bless you And give you a HUGE pulpit and the anointing to speakin the power of the Holy Spirit, causing your hearers to know “this has the ring of TRUTH!! Thank you! Connie
Shelly, thanks for your comment. I agree with you on a lot of your criticisms, as you might agree. Moreover, I have some more thoughts about your reply, though I can’t devote a lot of time to them now (being on vacation!). That being said, I do have this question:
How do you know? She doesn’t sound like one — or act like one — and even then, many people might claim “Calvinism” or Reformed theology and not be one (just as some claim to be “Christian” and are nothing of the sort).
Might want to do some more reading about that.
Informed Reformed Christians (whom I hope you’ve been discussing with and/or reading) instead say that all people are doomed to Hell and spiritually dead because of their own free-will fault. They can make free decisions, but quite naturally they can’t/won’t choose to be something they are not, because of their deeper desires — their sinful nature — to ignore God, to hate God, to use God for other means, or to do even good things for sinful motivations.
Perhaps you’ve been reading the wrong “Reformed” folks!
The more-informed Reformed folks (and I hope I’m among them) reject “double predestination.” God only predestines His own people, based on nothing they’ve done, but for His own incredible reasons and plan. Otherwise all people would be destined for Hell, thanks to their own rebellious rejection of Him.
Scripture references available upon request. But my main point is to reassure you, as a Reformed block myself who’s benefited from those books and authors (with whom I sometimes disagree myself!): Jesus Calling‘s author ain’t one of us. Whoever said she was?
My last comment was actually a response to Shelly–again, AMEN! I really loved the Mr. Darcy Calling, too. Very entertaining and astute. Thank you. Connie
Many of you sound like religious pharisees claiming to know a more biblical truth than the other. So wrapped up in theory and reform and pride that you have missed the HEART OF GOD. you have missed the SOVERIGNTY OF GOD. First of all, a Creator who sends his son to earth to live among us constantly reprimanding those who valued the law more than the state of thier heart which is what God looks at and then died for us, an atoning sacrifice just so we could one day live with him again obviously cares more about our hearts than our theories. Are you all so proud to think that GOD COULDN’T use this book, this style of writing to speak HIS TRUTH to people. She already has said her writing are not of equal importance of Scripture which should be the first reference you use in your walk/talk with the Lord. So OBVIOUSLY, if you feel in your spirit something contradicts scripture than YOU AND ONLY YOU are accountable before God so believe and respond to GOD between you and God – but dont rant about how she has presumed to be God and so writes as Him. Her intent, Her heart seems obviously to be to only HELP others going through similar struggles by writing what she feels God has spoken to her. We are all imperfect but God is not incapable of using our imperfections or her imperfections to speak HIS TRUTH to others. God alone is soverign and God alone can decide whether she had the wrong heart in writing Jesus Calling. Make sure what you write does not cause anyone to stumble in thier walk with the Lord, make sure it is uplifting and benefits those who listen. And make sure the log is out of your own eye before you haughtily “review” the speck in someone elses eye or book. Once again, Jesus came to have RELATIONSHIP NOT RELIGION – he wants your HEART not your perfect theory/behavior. For instance you will probably pick apart my grammar and punctuation before you listen to the heart of this message. you will have missed it again.
My sentiments exactly!
I am really impressed with your writing skills and
also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify
it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one today.
“…but don’t rant about how she presumes to be God and so writes as Him.”
Umm, what am I missing here — she writes the book in the first person as though Jesus is speaking. She absolutely presumes to be speaking for God (Jesus). And that is a very dangerous thing to do.
And why, precious Saints, would you spend time studying/reading what someone else says Jesus spoke, rather than reading Jesus’ Words in the Bible itself? We know that the Bible offers the protection of Truth. Outside the Bible is much deception, even satan masquerading as an angel of light. Be careful, and study (the Bible) to show thyself approved. God Bless us all and keep us in His Light.
And thanks, Steve, for this excellent post and helpful allegory! ~Brenda
I guess I have mixed emotions about this whole topic. I know many women—some of them who I believe are very Godly women—who read this devotional book daily and find comfort and help. They truly believe that God speaks to them through these words. I have had a problem with the first person aspect of the book, and though I have looked at it, I have not been able to bring myself to buy it and read it. I have seen postings nonstop on facebook, and I am left with the deep feeling (I hate to use that word feeling, but I can’t explain it otherwise) that I just can’t support this book.
What I do not like about this posting is the allegory about Mr. Darcy. I don’t think this allegory is at all comparable. You can’t take a fictional literary character and compare him to Jesus Christ, nor can you use a fictional novel and compare it to the only Living Book, the Bible. I understand what you were doing, and I totally agree that there is a unified story woven throughout the Bible that should never be taken out of context or by bits and pieces to prove whatever point you want to make. Neither should you make Jesus into whatever image you want him to be. He is who the Bible says he is. However, God uses the Bible to speak to us individually….after all it is living. We are supposed to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Somehow, for me at least, this allegory weakens the whole article. Through God’s word we can KNOW Jesus…not just know about him.
Brother Marty,
Thank you for your insight, both about the book itself and that allegory made. You sound like a no-nonsense disciple and obviously someone who has the spiritual gift of discernment. Praise be to our Father! God bless you and yours~