Abide and Go
Missional Theosis in the Gospel of John (Didsbury Lectures)
Michael J. Gorman
BOOK REVIEW

A exploration of spiritual intimacy and mission emerges powerfully in Abide and Go: Missional Theosis in the Gospel of John. Michael J. Gorman invites you on a gripping journey through the profound mysteries encapsulated in the Gospel of John, transforming your understanding of the relationship between divine presence and human purpose. This work is not just an academic treatise; it is a clarion call for every Christian to consider the weight of their missional life.
With each page, Gorman lays bare the interplay between abiding in Christ and the call to go out into the world. He expertly emphasizes how the concept of theosis-becoming one with the divine-thrives in the fabric of the Gospel's teachings. This isn't merely theological jargon; it's the lifeblood of a faith that seeks to embody love and challenge the status quo. Think about the implications: when you truly abide in Christ, your life shifts. The mundane transforms into the extraordinary. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement becomes a testament to a greater reality-your existence echoes the divine.
Readers from various backgrounds have provided a swirl of reactions to Gorman's insights. While some laud the book's depth and accessibility, pointing to its perfect blend of scholarly rigor and a pastoral heart, others challenge its interpretative lens, claiming it stretches certain doctrines too far. Nonetheless, these varied perspectives reveal the book's potency in stimulating thought and debate, underscoring its relevance in contemporary discourse about faith and mission.
What resonates most powerfully, however, is how Gorman connects this theological exploration to real-world implications. He addresses a church often criticized for being insular. By advocating for a missional ethos grounded in abiding love, he pushes us to step beyond comfort zones. He asks you-not just readers in pews, but all believers-to dare to live out their convictions in a world longing for authenticity.
Reflect on the remarkable transformational potential of this message. In a culture that often celebrates individualism, the essence of Gorman's work disrupts by suggesting that true fulfillment is found not in hoarding grace but in sharing it. Your faith becomes a beacon of hope, illuminating the lives around you, inviting others to not only see but also experience the grace of God through action and love.
Dare to question. How has your understanding of community and mission evolved? Have you truly embraced the call to abide and then go? As Gorman presents, the journey of faith is one of dynamic movement-a rhythm of receiving and giving that keeps the heart of the Gospel beating vibrantly in our society.
Ultimately, Abide and Go is more than a book-it's an invitation to engage with the life-altering power of divinity manifesting through humanity. The essence of existence is not merely to contemplate divine things but to manifest divine love in tangible ways. As you delve into Gorman's profound insights, you will undoubtedly find yourself challenged, stirred, and inspired to embark on a path that reconciles personal faith with communal responsibility, reminding you that you are not just called to abide, but to go and change the world. 🌍✨️
📖 Abide and Go: Missional Theosis in the Gospel of John (Didsbury Lectures)
✍ by Michael J. Gorman
🧾 256 pages
2018
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