Being Truly Human: The Desert Way of Spiritual Formation

Synopsis: Our busy exterior may be a cover-up for an undernourished interior soul. Modern life is so packed with things to do that we have not learned to be truly human. It is difficult to nurture the spiritual life in a media-saturated world filled with relentless information ongoing activities material wants worrisome uncertainties and seductive addictions. Being Truly Human challenges readers to give space in their busy life for God to do the work of transformation in the inner self. It takes inspiration from the Desert Fathers of the fourth and fifth centuries whose directness simplicity and concreteness to lifes struggles provide a fresh perspective for modern saints. Like the desert saints modern Christians are challenged to begin a spiritual odyssey in the wilderness of their soul to become their true selves. To be truly human means the freedom to love in concrete acts of humility and hospitality acts which are truly lacking in our world today. The practice of solitude and silence will lead us to be indifferent to the crying needs of our false selves and to give God our undivided attention which is necessary for the spiritual formation of our true selves. Endorsements: In a world where spiritual vitality is measured by the number of church programs and activities Mark Mah has issued a much-needed call to all Christians to embark on the journey inward to discover the presence of God in the desert of the heart. Mah draws from both ancient and modern writers to give us a book that is at once deeply insightful and delightfully practical. --Simon Chan Trinity Theological College Author Biography: Mark Mah is a graduate of Regent College Vancouver. He teaches Church History and Spiritual Formation at Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary. He lives in Penang with his wife Joy.