Scot,
How is this book different from Ortberg’s “The Life You’ve Always Wanted”? And would you recommend one over the other?

That one was about the disciplines; this one about the topics mentioned.

I’m currently working through Wright’s book. I agree that it should be read before Ortberg. Wright’s work is valuable. He provides a thoughtful biblical/theological framework which is often missed by other “how-to” authors. This one by Ortberg doesn’t intrigued me only because it appears (judging from what you say about it) to be found in many other readings. That said, Wright may leave some left wondering, “but how?!!”

Hmm…I’m reading all three, too! Taking my time with Wright & Peterson. Ortberg is his usual self: funny, thoughtful, biblical, insightful, fun to read. I’m reading it in my devotions.

I went to the Monvee website and it all seems like too much of a marketing thing to me.

I recently heard Ortburg present on his new book, and what he said was helpful.
Monvee was also introduced, and I am less enthused by it. The marketing materials called it “the future of spiritual formation,” which came across as a little arrogant to me. If I understand correctly, it custom tailors a spiritual formation program for you from a 5 minute on-line survey, and I wonder how effective that could be. I also wondered how we managed to form ourselves spiritually before the internet age. Perhaps some will find it helpful. I hope so. But I think it may offer more than it can deliver, and at a fairly steep price for many Christians.

Philip, it said “the future of spiritual formation?” Wow. That is so disturbing. The way many of these books and programs get marketed i find really offensive and, dare i say, worldly. I am really fatigued at how these things get packaged and marketed. To the extent that over the last few years i simply ignore the mainstream stuff that comes out of Christian publishing houses. Probably to my detriment. But i really find the false claims and overstatements and guarantees for “a completely fulfilling marriage, family, church etc” to be misleading.
Forgive the rant but sometimes you just gotta rant!

I’m a big fan of Ortberg.
Barb and Philip,
I looked at the Monvee web site and had the same impression.

Thanks for the review Scott. I also found John’s book to be as helpful and winsome as all of his past works have been. My comment to others would be to separate Ortberg’s book from the association to Monvee that the publisher has tried so hard to forge. While I do wish there was more exploration of the formation of individuals as part of a community (Scot, our conversations about this subject continue to guide and shape my thinking on spiritual formation), I found the book very helpful. So far I have not been too impressed with Monvee. I evaluated an early beta version, and while I think there have been improvements since then, I still don’t think I’m sold. But Ortberg’s book and message stand apart from Monvee as a helpful guide to practical spiritual formation. Also, if you want to get a decent taste of what the book’s about you can hear a message from John on the subject here: http://j.mp/b50Ett.
One other comment – John has said in the past that his books are “Dallas Willard for Dummies,” and this book is no exception. After a reference early on in the book to Willard’s latest, “Knowing Christ Today” I decided to read that book before finishing Ortberg. If you’re looking to add another book to your list, I’d recommend it as well.

I totally think that Monvee is messed up! Sick of people trying to make Christianity into a business to make the almighty dollar! It is deffinately a sign of the times. This Emerging church movement, is all about entertaining people, and becoming culturally relevant. The Bible is Relevant to all ages, and people. God doesn’t need us inventing new methods, all these programs, books, videos, come on people wake up. When did this all become so complicated? I think it’s when we stopped making the Bible the priority in our churches, and started marketing ourselves. It’s not about us, so why is it always centered around us, and not God. Just preach the Bible , God will take care of the rest. It’s that simple.