This is a though provoking book, with concepts that I could agree with as well as a few where I could not and not a few that were original for me. It was well organized into four sections (truth, goodness, beauty and community aka transcendentals), that at times seemed a bit overly constrained or forced, but the language was clear and accessible to all audiences, although it obviously targets christians within the protestant tradition. Each part was further divided into three (3) chapters that covered: biblical antecedences with fairly orthodox interpretations; analysis of historical and/or philosophical influences; and a brief bio of an exemplar (saint) that lived out the ideal. The latter also includes a brief breakout of practical advice for how the read may live out that same concept). I found each of the thirds to be the most interesting where the analysis was more hit or miss … although it was mostly solid.

I like how Alex Sosler bring us to another new level of spiritual formation by borrowing wisdom from ancient church history. He weave it with theological and devotional practice that will help us to shape our holiness in truth, beauty, goodness in a community. I hope many will learn from this book and be a blessing for others.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(4.5)

In a world obsessed with novelty, Alex Sosler calls Christians to rediscover the "transcendentals" of truth, goodness, beauty, and community. Through church history, theology, and devotional practice, Sosler offers a heritage-rich guide to spiritual formation, featuring biblical insights and historical exemplars like Augustine and Bonhoeffer. Ideal for students and adult education alike.

A very unique spin of explaining spiritual formation. Because he included both historical background and figures for each section, this guide reads more as an explanation to how these practices developed. I personally was hopeful it would focus on how to practice or develop spiritual formation, but I’m pleasantly surprised at how much I simply gleamed from the history. I don’t need to know the historical significance of prayer to pray, but my prayer life was greatly strengthened as I gained appreciation for its development. Same goes for other spiritual practices.

I also really enjoyed the four historical figures Sosler chose. I was briefly familiar with each, but reading how they were impacted by these disciplines simply highlighted how we are always being spiritually formed. All the more reason to be intentional about it. He even referenced T-Swift 💁🏻‍♀️

Thank you @readbakerbooks @netgalley for the eARC #netgalley

Perfect for you if you like:
Historical church background
Biographical histories
How historical exemplars have been formed
Unique overviews of spiritual formation

Similar to:
You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith
The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas
The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard

Reflecting the recent interest in spiritual life and formation, Sosler adds to the new collection of "what and how to" books on spiritual formation. This one gets a gold stamp from those interested in history and the reasons for existing spiritual disciplines and practices.

You can read these chapters as devotionals, instructional 1-2-3s (one after the other or in random order), or for the pure enjoyment of diving into the history of Christian living.

Recommended for practitioners, young and old disciples of Jesus, and spiritual directors.