The Cultivated Life: From Ceaseless Striving to Receiving Joy - Softcover

  • 3.91 out of 5 stars
    112 ratings by Goodreads
9780830835980: The Cultivated Life: From Ceaseless Striving to Receiving Joy

Synopsis

  • Dallas Willard Center 2016 Book and Research Award Finalist
  • Hearts Minds Bookstore's Best Books of 2015, Spirituality and the Devotional Life
"This is a book written specifically for those of us who are assigned the task of developing an imagination for living the Christian faith with insight and skill in and for a society that is disconnected from the biblical revelation and the Jesus incarnation," writes Eugene Peterson in the foreword of The Cultivated Life. "But it is equally useful for all of us who are committed to following Jesus with our families and coworkers and neighbors." Sociology professor and spiritual director Susan Phillips walks us through the "circus" of our cultural landscape to invite us into a cultivated life of spirituality. If we want to accept the invitation to return to the garden, then we must face down the temptation to live life as spectators of the circus that plays on around us. We want to be rooted and grounded in Christ, but are pushed toward constant work, alternating between performance and spectacle. Cultivation requires a kind of attentiveness that is countercultural to our age of distraction. These pages unfold the spiritual practices that can lead us into a new and delightful way of living. Are you ready to leave the circus?

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author

Susan S. Phillips (PhD, University of California, Berkeley) is executive director and professor of sociology and Christianity at New College Berkeley. She is a sociologist and trained spiritual director. Phillips is the author of several books, including Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction. In addition to lecturing internationally and leading retreats for churches and organizations, Phillips also teaches at Regent College in Vancouver, Canada, and Fuller Theological Seminary.

Peterson, now retired, was for many years James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. In addition to his widely acclaimed paraphrase of the Bible, The Message (NavPress), he has written many other books.

Review

"The book is a helpful resource for an adult education class. The appendix, in particular, is a hands-on resource for the how-to of developing these navigational tools. I could see this book being used at my own church in an eight-week study on Christian practices with the goal of helping folks in my community navigate their way into the garden while living in the circus. Thank you, Susan Phillips, for such a practical and fresh look at ancient practices." (Emily Berman D'Andrea, The Presbyterian Outlook, August 31, 2015)

"Susan Phillips, a noted sociologist, not only challenges us to 'leave the circus' of fast-paced mainstream culture, she offers a compelling vision of how we can begin to embody the rich joy and attentiveness of Jesus." (Relevant Magazine, July/August 2015)

"Phillips' academic exploration of cultivating Christian spirituality is told through great stories and vivid word pictures of life in a circus versus a garden atmosphere. She concludes each chapter with a reflective study and provides extensive guidelines for practicing contemplative living, Sabbath living, lectio divina, finding a spiritual director, and cultivating friendship." (Donna Watson, CBA Retailers + Resources, July 2015)

"We all struggle in the circuslike culture of contemporary society, which often causes difficulties in attention and healthy attachment in the midst of yearning for the spiritual life. Susan Phillips provides us with ways to cultivate the contemplative life by examining spiritual practices within the Christian tradition such as spiritual direction, lectio divina, listening and friendship. I believe the author's use of stories― stories that have emerged from her practice of attentive listening―will affect readers deeply." (Jung Eun Sophia Park, assistant professor of religious studies and philosophy, Holy Names University)

"Susan Phillips's The Cultivated Life is a remarkable work on so many levels. Her insightful and sophisticated analysis is able to synthesize both the theoretical and practical in profound and compelling ways. Her skills as a creative theologian and biblical interpreter, a wise and insightful spiritual director, and one grounded in the common-sense particularities and complexities of human experience and history makes her work an extraordinary contribution in so many arenas of pastoral and theological practice. The breadth of her sources and insights―from literature, psychology, philosophy, theology, ecumenical and religious history, and personal history, among others―make this a must-read for scholars, students and practitioners alike. Phillips's style is accessible, engaging and invitational. . . . I recommend Susan Phillips's book with great enthusiasm for all audiences―for all who are searching." (James A. Donahue, president, Saint Mary's College of California)

"The Cultivated Life reads like the cool evening breeze at the end of a blazing hot day in the desert. . . . It is also a prophetic clarion call―a warning to a generation trapped in the meaningless rat-race of twenty-first-century existence, suffocated by the demands of addictive consumerism, obsessed with the lifeless toys of modernity, while the breath of heaven who is only a prayer away eagerly waits to share with us the real joys of living. This book is a timely gift to the community of faith to be treasured and shared. More than that, this is essential survival reading for every true pilgrim seeking after the pearl of great price." (Ivan Satyavrata, senior pastor, Assembly of God Church, Kolkata, India)

"The Cultivated Life is filled with gifts of a generous, transparent spirit. Reading this insightful book and reflecting on its profound questions invite us to taste the life Susan Phillips lives. . . . When I reached the end of The Cultivated Life I returned to the beginning to soak in the words, insights and prayers that arose. Thank you, Susan, for giving us a glimpse of wholeness by offering gifts of spiritual direction through your writing." (Jeannette A. Bakke, author of Holy Invitations)

"Susan Phillips tells great stories and uses vivid word pictures. Her contrast between circus and garden reveals deep truths about the overstimulation in our daily lives and Jesus' invitation to cultivate a restful and focused life rooted in him. Cultivation implies habits and discipline, and Susan winsomely invites us into new patterns of living. A garden implies lush green leaves and fruitful bounty, and Susan guides our paths into joy and rest. Come into the garden with Jesus and journey into abundant life." (Lynne M. Baab, author of The Power of Listening and Sabbath Keeping)

"The most basic human question in daily living is not so much 'what?' but 'how?' Just check the magazine covers in the check-out line. Articles promise to tell us how to lose weight, how to get rich, how to be sexy. But what if you've lived enough to know that life is about more than health, wealth and a good time? This is a book for people who are interested in the how of a life that's really life. Would that it could be front-and-center in every check-out line." (Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, author of Strangers at My Door)

"Susan Phillips can write this book because she lives it. For three decades and more, I have observed the choices she makes to cultivate life and this has been the hallmark of her story. This book is a deep and magnanimous invitation to live in such a way that the flourishing for which we are made can become our experience. Let the grounded welcome she extends and encourages lead us through the circus towards life itself." (Mark Labberton, president of Fuller Theological Seminary)

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

  • PublisherIVP
  • Publication date2015
  • ISBN 10 0830835989
  • ISBN 13 9780830835980
  • BindingPaperback
  • Number of pages256
  • Rating
    • 3.91 out of 5 stars
      112 ratings by Goodreads

Buy Used

Condition: Good
Item in good condition. Textbooks... Learn more about this copy

Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.

Destination, rates & speeds

Add to basket

Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace

Stock Image

Phillips, Susan S.
Published by IVP Books, 2015
ISBN 10: 0830835989 ISBN 13: 9780830835980
Used Softcover

Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Condition: Good. Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00047544520

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 6.26
Convert currency
Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 3 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Phillips, Susan S.
Published by IVP, 2015
ISBN 10: 0830835989 ISBN 13: 9780830835980
Used Softcover

Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Condition: As New. Like New condition. A near perfect copy that may have very minor cosmetic defects. Seller Inventory # W06K-00687

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 6.89
Convert currency
Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Phillips, Susan S.
Published by IVP Formatio, 2015
ISBN 10: 0830835989 ISBN 13: 9780830835980
Used Paperback

Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.71. Seller Inventory # G0830835989I3N00

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 7.65
Convert currency
Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Phillips, Susan S.
Published by IVP Books, 2015
ISBN 10: 0830835989 ISBN 13: 9780830835980
Used Paperback

Seller: HPB-Emerald, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_373914588

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 4.00
Convert currency
Shipping: US$ 3.75
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Phillips, Susan S.; Peterson, Eugene H.
Published by IVP, 2015
ISBN 10: 0830835989 ISBN 13: 9780830835980
Used Softcover

Seller: Irish Booksellers, Portland, ME, U.S.A.

Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars 4-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Condition: Good. SHIPS FROM USA. Used books have different signs of use and do not include supplemental materials such as CDs, Dvds, Access Codes, charts or any other extra material. All used books might have various degrees of writing, highliting and wear and tear and possibly be an ex-library with the usual stickers and stamps. Dust Jackets are not guaranteed and when still present, they will have various degrees of tear and damage. All images are Stock Photos, not of the actual item. book. Seller Inventory # 14-0830835989-G

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 8.08
Convert currency
Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Phillips, Susan S.; Peterson, Eugene H.
Published by IVP, 2015
ISBN 10: 0830835989 ISBN 13: 9780830835980
Used Softcover

Seller: Book Deals, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Condition: Good. Good condition. This is the average used book, that has all pages or leaves present, but may include writing. Book may be ex-library with stamps and stickers. 0.55. Seller Inventory # 353-0830835989-gdd

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 10.88
Convert currency
Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Phillips, Susan S.; Peterson, Eugene H.
Published by IVP, 2015
ISBN 10: 0830835989 ISBN 13: 9780830835980
New Softcover

Seller: Books Unplugged, Amherst, NY, U.S.A.

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Condition: New. Buy with confidence! Book is in new, never-used condition 0.55. Seller Inventory # bk0830835989xvz189zvxnew

Contact seller

Buy New

US$ 17.62
Convert currency
Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Phillips, Susan S.; Peterson, Eugene H.
Published by IVP, 2015
ISBN 10: 0830835989 ISBN 13: 9780830835980
New Softcover

Seller: Book Deals, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published 0.55. Seller Inventory # 353-0830835989-new

Contact seller

Buy New

US$ 17.62
Convert currency
Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Seller Image

Phillips, Susan S.; Peterson, Eugene H. (FRW)
Published by IVP, 2015
ISBN 10: 0830835989 ISBN 13: 9780830835980
New Softcover

Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 23792084-n

Contact seller

Buy New

US$ 15.01
Convert currency
Shipping: US$ 2.64
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 5 available

Add to basket

Seller Image

Phillips, Susan S.
Published by IVP Books 5/22/2015, 2015
ISBN 10: 0830835989 ISBN 13: 9780830835980
New Paperback or Softback

Seller: BargainBookStores, Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A.

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Paperback or Softback. Condition: New. The Cultivated Life: From Ceaseless Striving to Receiving Joy 0.68. Book. Seller Inventory # BBS-9780830835980

Contact seller

Buy New

US$ 17.74
Convert currency
Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 5 available

Add to basket

There are 26 more copies of this book

View all search results for this book