The Deeply Formed Life

July 6, 2020
Villodas, lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, debuts with an engaging exploration of how to form a deeper union with Christ. Explaining how Christians are constantly at risk of being made shallow by their material desires due to “the value system of a world that determines worth based on accomplishments, possessions, efficiency, intellectual acumen, and gifts,” Villodas recommends a deeply rooted life “marked by new rhythms, contemplative presence, and interior awareness, which results in lives that work for reconciliation, justice, and peace, while seeing the sacredness of all life.” The five values Villodas focuses on—unplugging from hectic life, achieving emotional health, integrating sexuality and spirituality, pursuing racial justice, and spreading the gospel—are explored through prayer suggestions and examples from scripture of the “deeply formed practices of contemplative rhythms” in the lives of Moses, John the Baptist, and Jesus. These concepts become most tangible in Villodas’s detailing of discussions he’s had with congregants about racial injustice and racial disparities, and the seven “habits” for change he learned as a result—remembering history, listening with concentration, lamenting, praying for reconciliation, practicing racial self-examination, renouncing whiteness, and repenting. Christians looking to bring more intention and emotion into their religious life will love this.

October 1, 2020

Villodas, of Brooklyn-based New Life Fellowship, writes a book that is meant for Christians who wish to go one step further in their faith. Based on decades of experience as a pastor, this debut guide is predicated on five values that are not always easy defined or discussed: contemplative rhythms, racial reconciliation, self-examination, sexual wholeness, and mission. Villodas seeks to bring these often intertwining and overlapping subjects to the forefront of believers who may be questioning their own personal values. The author's experience working at a multigenerational, multiethnic church informs his writing throughout, including specific examples on how church leaders can work toward racial healing. Villodas is a gifted writer whose practical examples show signs of being a talented orator as well. There is much here that nonbelievers can take away profitably, including sections on how our beliefs have been shaped by our family of origin, along with how it would serve all of us to become more thoughtful listeners. Notably, the chapter that deals with self-searching and examination seems particularly apt in the COVID-19 era. VERDICT Villodas's message will resonate especially with Christian readers who enjoy writers like Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo. Highly recommended.--David Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia

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