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thechadow's review against another edition
3.0
The quality of the message is fantastic, but the writing is pretty unorganized.
adamrshields's review against another edition
4.0
Summary: An exploration of Kenosis, voluntary self-emptying, a renunciation of my will in favor of God's.
Kenosis has a long history. Biblically it is rooted in Philippians 2 with Jesus 'giving up' his divine being and 'adopting' a human form. The language has always been challenging because it is inadequate to represent what is going on fully. Jesus did not cease to be divine when he became human. And the adoption metaphor has weaknesses because there is history with its use as a means of denying that Jesus was entirely God, or that he was created not eternal. But despite the inadequacy of the language around Kenosis, the concepts underneath it, are important. Jesus' prayer, 'not my will, but yours be done' was not a denial of his divinity but the fulfillment of it. If Jesus could empty himself of his will in a biblically appropriate way, then we, as fully created, should also think about how we appropriately give up our own will.
Part of the problem of discussing Kenosis isn't just the inadequacy of the language, but the history of abuse. Kenosis has been used to justify abuse and oppression throughout Christian history. It has been used to tell slaves to submit to masters, or to perpetuate economic or cultural inequity. It has been used to support gnostic leaning beliefs around the sinfulness of the body or patriachal attitudes toward women. It has been used to deny people the rights of justice in regard to sexual and others forms of abuse inside the church.
It is in part because of this misuse of the concept that I am reluctant to read white males talk about Kenosis, and why despite a bit of reluctance to initially pick up The Way Up Is Down, it is important that this book is written by a Puerto Rican woman. As I have said frequently, I am midway through my training to become a Spiritual Director. The literature of spiritual direction and spiritual formation is overwhelmingly from a White male perspective. Most of my non-assigned reading has been an attempt to make up for the weaknesses of my assigned reading. Marlena Graves is a pastor and professor of spiritual formation. She is not a spiritual director as far as I am aware (it is not explicitly mentioned in the book that I remember), but the type of spiritual wisdom that is throughout the book is in that vein.
The history of Christianity is replete with language that invokes Kenosis. Christianity's spiritual writers are continually talking about "offering ourselves out of love for God, others and creation" and the tension of "[not wanting] to do what God calls us to do." Marlena Graves' quote from Stephen Freeman, an Eastern Orthodox priest, gets at this as well:
The history of Christianity is covered to show that resistance to Kenosis isn't new. But also that we have particular problems with giving up our will in our current individualistic, consumeristic, utilitarian, power-rich, world. The problems of showing, not just talking about or praying for, tangible justice is important. And engaging those who have previously called us toward service and visible justice can help remind us of why that is important. In a discussion of Frederick Douglass, Graves says:
Much of the book is about the way that spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, repentance, attention to the oppressed, remembering the shortness of life (memento mori), etc, are essential to the Christian life and the tension of Kenosis. Like many books of spiritual wisdom, the importance of the book is not in its originality, but in its calling the reader back to the historical wisdom of the church that has always affirmed. We do, however, need to continually process how these historic beliefs and practices related to the modern world and so well written books like this will always be required to refocus us back again to the issues of first importance.
Kenosis has a long history. Biblically it is rooted in Philippians 2 with Jesus 'giving up' his divine being and 'adopting' a human form. The language has always been challenging because it is inadequate to represent what is going on fully. Jesus did not cease to be divine when he became human. And the adoption metaphor has weaknesses because there is history with its use as a means of denying that Jesus was entirely God, or that he was created not eternal. But despite the inadequacy of the language around Kenosis, the concepts underneath it, are important. Jesus' prayer, 'not my will, but yours be done' was not a denial of his divinity but the fulfillment of it. If Jesus could empty himself of his will in a biblically appropriate way, then we, as fully created, should also think about how we appropriately give up our own will.
Part of the problem of discussing Kenosis isn't just the inadequacy of the language, but the history of abuse. Kenosis has been used to justify abuse and oppression throughout Christian history. It has been used to tell slaves to submit to masters, or to perpetuate economic or cultural inequity. It has been used to support gnostic leaning beliefs around the sinfulness of the body or patriachal attitudes toward women. It has been used to deny people the rights of justice in regard to sexual and others forms of abuse inside the church.
It is in part because of this misuse of the concept that I am reluctant to read white males talk about Kenosis, and why despite a bit of reluctance to initially pick up The Way Up Is Down, it is important that this book is written by a Puerto Rican woman. As I have said frequently, I am midway through my training to become a Spiritual Director. The literature of spiritual direction and spiritual formation is overwhelmingly from a White male perspective. Most of my non-assigned reading has been an attempt to make up for the weaknesses of my assigned reading. Marlena Graves is a pastor and professor of spiritual formation. She is not a spiritual director as far as I am aware (it is not explicitly mentioned in the book that I remember), but the type of spiritual wisdom that is throughout the book is in that vein.
The history of Christianity is replete with language that invokes Kenosis. Christianity's spiritual writers are continually talking about "offering ourselves out of love for God, others and creation" and the tension of "[not wanting] to do what God calls us to do." Marlena Graves' quote from Stephen Freeman, an Eastern Orthodox priest, gets at this as well:
If we are to be transformed 'from one degree of glory to another' then it it is toward the 'glory' of the crucified, self-emptying Christ that we are beign transformed...[F]or there is no other kind of life revealed to us in Christ."
The history of Christianity is covered to show that resistance to Kenosis isn't new. But also that we have particular problems with giving up our will in our current individualistic, consumeristic, utilitarian, power-rich, world. The problems of showing, not just talking about or praying for, tangible justice is important. And engaging those who have previously called us toward service and visible justice can help remind us of why that is important. In a discussion of Frederick Douglass, Graves says:
"Christianity lived out in mental abstraction, in our heads alone, isn't Christianity. Douglass nailed it when he declared, "I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ; I therefore hate the corrupt, slave-holding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial and hypocritical Christianity of this land. Indeed, I can see no reason but the most deceitful one for calling the religion of this land Christianity."
Much of the book is about the way that spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, repentance, attention to the oppressed, remembering the shortness of life (memento mori), etc, are essential to the Christian life and the tension of Kenosis. Like many books of spiritual wisdom, the importance of the book is not in its originality, but in its calling the reader back to the historical wisdom of the church that has always affirmed. We do, however, need to continually process how these historic beliefs and practices related to the modern world and so well written books like this will always be required to refocus us back again to the issues of first importance.
michaelwaustin's review against another edition
5.0
This is an excellent book. At a time when too many Christians are overly concerned about their "rights," Marlena Graves points us to the self-emptying life of Jesus Christ as our model and exemplar. I highlighted many passages, and plan to go back through and reflect on them more deeply, and see how they can lead me to change my mind and my actions. This is readable, but it also has depth. It is challenging, in the right ways. This is one that you shouldn't miss!
oliviagold's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. This book was so good. Convicting and moving and challenging my faith in all the best ways.
jeremiahrice's review against another edition
5.0
Written with the compassion and boldness of a friend discussing dreams and goals over coffee in a quaint community shop, Marlena spoke reminders of trust and grace to my heart. A breath of fresh air in a time of life transition, Marlena showed me that I do not need to feel anxious about the unknowns of following Jesus — pouring myself out on behalf of others is what it means to live greatly, not my achievements, promotions, or salary. With a focus on spiritual disciplines, Marlena calls Christ-followers to walk near to Jesus — denying our lust for power and prestige — as we pour our lives out in “kenosis.”
nicoletwalters's review against another edition
5.0
Marlena Graves is a prophetic voice for the church today. She weaves her life experience, insightful theology, the voice of an activist, and a depth of diverse voices of the saints of the ages in this challenging book that is needed for our times. In a culture that teaches us to pull ourselves up and climb over anyone it takes in the process, Graves shows us the radical gospel that asks us to forget ourselves and serve others. She delivers the message of self-emptying with both passion and conviction and gentleness and grace.
mbwojci's review against another edition
4.0
Good self-death book written by a woman POC, so very different than others I’ve read. More narratively driven, less concerned with driving heady theological concepts. Emotive.
Edifying & enjoyable! Recommended if you’re looking for something in this vein.
Edifying & enjoyable! Recommended if you’re looking for something in this vein.
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