I love a new book as much as the next person. We need fresh perspectives on today’s issues. That said, I love old books more. Older books have a way of speaking into contemporary situations without the presuppositions of contemporary authors (and readers). That’s not to say authors from previous generations don’t have their own presuppositions (every one does) it just means they perhaps don’t share the same blind spots as us. Consequently, they may actually be able to help us see our own blind spots.
Over the next few months, I’m planning to dip into some old books in order to share some fresh truths. The first one is from the late David Watson. For those who may not know, David Watson was the vicar of St. Michael le Belfrey York; he was a key player in the Charismatic Renewal movement within the Anglican Church during the 1960s-80s; he was also a highly respected international evangelist. For more on David Watson, check out Tom Marshall’s piece on him here.
Here is today’s fresh truth from an old book. In David’s classic book Discipleship he warns of the dangers of spiritual asthma.
For about sixteen years I have suffered from asthma. Fellow-sufferers will know what a crippling condition this can be. When you are gasping for breath you are literally fighting for life. You cannot talk, walk, work or do anything.
The church in many parts of the world today is in a chronic asthmatic condition. A century ago, Edwin Hatch wrote the hymn:
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Fill me with life anew;
That I may love what Thou dost love And do what Thou wouldst do.That is a prayer we need to pray with all our heart today: that the breath of God’s Spirit might bring new life to the whole church and to every Christian.
David Watson, Discipleship, 1981, p94.
David’s book Discipleship is available here, I highly recommend it.
Rev John James 