A review by soundslikeashley
The Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of Jesus by Rich Villodas

4.0

This book was the best way to start my new year. Pastor Rich broke down practical ways to live in closer relationship to God including ways to pray, keep Sabbath, approach sexuality, approach justice and racial issues, as well as how to include our relationship with God in our work. His approach made me feel less alone in my sometimes lapsed prayer life and sometimes confusion about how it all works together.

I read and re-read the chapters on contemplative rhythms and missional work as those are the areas where I want to grow most in this phase of my life.

I do think that each of the chapters could essentially become more fully fleshed out books of their own because there's so much to dig into. I also wished that the book was written a little less academically and more conversationally, to get a better feel of Pastor Rich's personality. But overall, this book served its purpose of introducing specific areas and ways of living more deeply as a Christian instead of phoning it with the shallow and performative gimmicks that are rampant today.

I enjoyed the book immensely and will be referencing it regularly.