Just before I read this book I was warned that it was rather heavy going, and the author himself agrees with this assessment when he states in the introduction that it is a bit of a mental workout. Whatever you do, don’t let that stop you from reading this book because it is well worth any and all effort. Willard does not apologise for making us concentrate a little, and neither should he. In Dallas Willard, the Christian faith is gifted with a clear thinker who is not only able to intelligently dialogue with some of the dominant modern philosophies that are opposed to Christian thought, but also to challenge them to the core.
Willard sets out to do exactly this in ‘Knowing Christ Today,’ by throwing down the gauntlet to those in both the secular and religious spheres who assert that it is not possible to know Christian truths. The core thesis of ‘Knowing Christ Today’ is that it IS possible for knowledge and faith to support each other, and indeed that rational and reasoned knowledge of Christ and what Christ proclaimed is essential for healthy, balanced faith. Willard argues that the “standard of knowledge is truth and proper evidence” and he then leads his readers through various proofs for God’s existence; the resurrection of Christ, God’s continued involvement in daily life and then the logical possibility of vibrant spiritual practice centred on an “interactive life with Christ.”
Each chapter deals with compelling questions such as, "What is real?" "Who is good? and "How does one become good?" Willard writes with keen understanding and compelling conviction, and here his skills as a professor at the University of Southern California's School of Philosophy, as well as his own wide reading of various theologians, sociologists and philosophers are clearly evident. Each chapter ends with helpful questions which could easily be used in Bible studies or small groups.
I wholeheartedly recommend reading this book, but don’t just take my word for it, rather hear what some well known Christian thinkers have to say about it:
"The Knowledge of Faith" may not be an easy read, but it is a must read. It is for your life.” (Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline).
“This is clear, lucid thinking about what matters most, as is desperately needed today. Only Dallas Willard could have written this, but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need to read it.” (John Ortberg, pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, author of The Life You've Always Wanted).
“A spiritual defense of the proposition that faith and reason are not contradictory.” Peter L. Berger, Director of the Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs, Boston University).