by Dallas Willard

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review by Bobby Murphy

HAS DALLAS WILLARD done it again?

Willard is a professor at the University of Southern California's School of Philosophy, a contributing member of Renovare, and, most importantly to me, a prolific writer. During the past 20 years, I've read and studied the works of scores of outstanding authors, many of whom have written what are considered classics. But in my view, Willard stands head-and-shoulders above them all. Cutting-edge books like The Divine Conspiracy, Renovation of the Heart, The Spirit of the Disciplines, and Hearing God's Voice have placed him in a category or class by himself. As a result, my expectations were sky-high when I bought his newest book, The Great Omission. I could scarcely contain myself as I began reading it, assuming that I would glean the same profundity of observation and insight from it that I have from literally all of his writings. I just knew that I wouldn't be disappointed—and wasn't. Willard has done it again.

The Great Omission, unlike his other books, is a compilation of articles Willard has written and addresses he has given over the years. Each article or address constitutes a chapter in the book, thus making each chapter an occasion-specific document. Occasion-specific documents gathered into book form often present problems with repetition and flow, but The Great Omission does not. Willard rarely repeats himself from chapter to chapter; the material in each one is exciting, fresh, and new. He is also able to establish a clearly discernible flow from one chapter to the next. Each builds on the one before in a logical and coherent way, avoiding the haphazardness of many compilations.

The Great Omission is a “must read.” Because my time is invaluable to me (like yours undoubtedly is to you), I am a discriminating reader. I am uncompromising in selecting books to read that are actually worth the time, energy, and attention I devote to them. I can safely say without reservation that The Great Omission is one of those.

As do all of Willard's books, this one speaks to our condition. It scratches where we itch. It addresses the subject matter that is nearest and dearest to anyone who thinks and cares deeply about his or her temporal and eternal destiny: discipleship. The book encompasses the most salient subtopics of discipleship including apprenticeship to Jesus, spiritual formation and the development of character, and the restoration of soul and mind.

Those subtopics, in fact, form three major divisions in the book. The first division (chapters 1-5) tackles the single most defining issue that individuals and the church today face: the biblical meaning of discipleship. In so doing it identifies the “great omission” of which Willard speaks: the exclusion of meaningful discipleship from the church's conversation, ministry, and life. The second division (chapters 6-11) explains in general terms the spiritual formation that naturally and inevitably accompanies such discipleship. It gives us a preliminary vision of the astonishing kind of people we can become as apprentices of Jesus. The third division (chapters 12-15) naturally follows from the first two. It is the “how-to” section of the book that introduces us to the means of discipleship and spiritual formation.

There is a fourth division (chapters 16-20) that contains the works of five friends of Jesus—historical figures who have contributed greatly to Willard's own apprenticeship to Jesus and who can contribute to ours as well. I found this last section unexpectedly informative, uplifting, and enjoyable.

But subject matter isn't enough. It is only valuable if it is communicated well, and Willard does just that in The Great Omission. Many who know cannot teach, but he isn't one of those. This book demonstrates two things about Willard. First, it demonstrates that his knowledge of discipleship in particular, and of the universe and life in it in general, is remarkably extensive. Second, he articulates that knowledge more profoundly, precisely, and cleverly than any author I've ever read.

As a result, this newest book of his is just “loaded” with life-changing insights, principles, and truths. I was absolutely taken, for instance, with his chapter on Jesus the logician. One cannot read it without recognizing that the smartness of Jesus matched his goodness; he is one to whom we should apprentice ourselves. I was equally captivated by Willard's treatment of conviction in the course of two different chapters. That treatment compelled me to rethink and reevaluate my own attitudes. I had a similar experience with his discourse on the “Sabbath rest.” I now understand—for the first time in my life—what the true meaning and God-intended effect of the Sabbath day commandment is. These are just samplings of the spectacular insights, principles, and truths that permeate The Great Omission from the very first page to the last.

But every prize has its price, and this book is no exception. The Great Omission requires of us what all of Willard's books do—high levels of concentration, reflection, and openness to truth. It is not the “easy read” that most Christians today are used to and want. But I can promise you this: Anyone who pays the price it exacts and tastes of its offerings will never be the same. It's a feast of truth that will nourish your mind, heart, and soul in personal and life-altering ways. So do yourself a favor and eagerly consume it all, from the very first word to the last. Bon appetit!

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