Earthen Vessels by Matthew Lee Anderson

Does your body really matter?  Does it matter too much?

This is how the back cover describes Earthen Vessels Why Our Bodies Matter to Our Faith

In this provocative book, Matthew Lee Anderson explores how our bodies interact with our faith. How have recent generations of Christians been shaped by the culture around us in this regard? What can we do to push back? Through a deeper understanding of our physical lives, God can bring the dry bones of our faith back to life.

As a Christian woman living in the 21st century I have struggled with much of what Anderson addresses here, and though he gives no pat answers or formulas he does provide much to ponder and pray about.  Are we shaping the world or allowing the world to shape us?

In a world striving to attain an impossible standard of beauty, I was moved by these words:

The power and the pattern for our bodies are those which we see in Jesus Christ.

We need bodies that ae shaped by the gospel within gospel-centered communities and trained by gospel-centered practices.

As I continue to learn what it means to abide in Christ I recognize in deeper and deeper ways that life is not about what I look like, or sound like, or feel like, but rather I am called to allow the life of Christ to manifest in me.  I believe there is much here that will help us with that quest.

I believe parts of this book require a second or even third reading.  If you are interested in maintaining your current mind frame, leave this book on the shelf.  If you are willing to allow the Lord to lead you into fresh revelation, I encourage you to dive in.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.