Joshua Bennett
Jesus Calling is a devotional book written by Sarah Young. The book is written in the first person from the perspective of Jesus Christ and contains a year's worth of reflections on the Christian faith. The book has sold over 15 million copies and has a large following, particularly among Christians on social media. However, the book has also sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that it is dangerous for Christians to believe that hearing words directly from Jesus is a normal experience. The book has also been criticised for its unusual language and potential similarities to Mormon scripture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Sarah Young |
| Genre | Devotional book |
| Number of Copies Sold | Over 15 million |
| Concerns | The book is voiced in the same way as Joseph Smith in Mormon scripture |
| The author credits God as the source for the devotional messages | |
| The book teaches that hearing words directly from Jesus is the normal Christian experience | |
| The book is considered dangerous for Catholics | |
| The book contains New Age concepts | |
| The book contains unusual language | |
| The book is considered controversial |
Explore related products
$8.59 $16.99
$16.56 $26.99
$13.58 $19.99
$10.99 $19.99
What You'll Learn
- Jesus Calling is a devotional book written by Sarah Young
- The book contains one year's worth of reflections on the Christian faith
- The book is voiced in the first person as Jesus Christ
- The author credits God as the source of the devotional messages
- The book has been criticised for promoting automatic writing
Jesus Calling is a devotional book written by Sarah Young
The book has received criticism for its controversial nature, with some arguing that it is dangerous for readers, especially those from an ex-Mormon background. Critics have pointed out the book's similarity in tone and content to Mormon scripture and Joseph Smith's Doctrine & Covenants. The book has also been criticised for its endorsement of automatic writing as a means of receiving messages from God, which some consider an occult practice.
Despite the criticism, Jesus Calling has a large following, with many readers finding it a source of daily hope and a way to develop a closer relationship with Jesus. The book has spawned a magazine, Jesus Calling Magazine, and a follow-up book, Jesus Always.
Young has stated that she wrote the book after desiring to hear from God outside of the Bible. She describes her process of writing in prayer journals as one-way communication and yearned for a more direct dialogue with God. Young has emphasised her reverence for the Bible and her intention to make her writings consistent with Biblical truth.
Dungeons & Dragons: Catholic-Friendly or Evil?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$10.65 $19.99
The book contains one year's worth of reflections on the Christian faith
The book "Jesus Calling", written by Sarah Young, is a devotional book containing one year's worth of short reflections on the Christian faith. It is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking directly to the reader, with the intent of providing a deeper experience of Jesus' presence and peace. Young claims that the messages in the book are revelations that she received from God during her quiet times of prayer and devotion. She describes this process as "listening with pen in hand", which has drawn comparisons to the occult practice of automatic writing.
The book has been controversial, particularly among Catholics and ex-Mormons. Critics argue that it is dangerous to portray hearing words directly from Jesus as the normal Christian experience and that the book's use of New Age phraseology and theological errors could lead to possible deception. However, "Jesus Calling" has also received many positive reviews, with some readers finding it encouraging, therapeutic, and life-changing. It has sold over 30 million copies, with some attributing its mass-market appeal to its comforting and familiar tone.
"Jesus Calling" is part of a book line by Sarah Young, which also includes Jesus Calling Magazine and other devotional books such as "Jesus Listens". Young is known for her commitment to helping people connect with Jesus and the Bible through her writings. She holds degrees in counseling and biblical studies, as well as a postgraduate degree from a Presbyterian seminary.
Overall, "Jesus Calling" is a popular devotional book that offers readers a year's worth of reflections on the Christian faith. While it has sparked controversy, it has also resonated with many readers who appreciate its message of peace and encouragement.
The Vatican: Unveiling Secrets and Scandals
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The book is voiced in the first person as Jesus Christ
The book "Jesus' Calling", written by Sarah Young, is a devotional book containing one year's worth of short reflections on the Christian faith. The author describes the book as being written by two anonymous "listeners" who practised waiting quietly in God's presence, recording the messages they received from Him. Young claims that she received these devotions from Jesus Christ in a similar way to the anonymous authors of the book "God Calling". The book is voiced in the first person as Jesus Christ, which has been a point of controversy. Some have argued that it is Biblical fiction, while others have claimed that it is non-fiction, which has led to concerns about the book's theological implications.
The author, Sarah Young, has stated that she wanted to hear from God outside of the Bible and that she yearned to hear what God had to say to her personally. In the book's introduction, Young describes her desire to receive messages from God during her times of communion with Him. She acknowledges that the Bible is the ultimate source of God's word but expresses a desire for a more personal connection. This has led to concerns about the book elevating personal revelation above the Scriptures, which could be a dangerous precedent to set for readers.
The use of the first person as Jesus Christ in the book "Jesus' Calling" is particularly notable as it mirrors the way Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, is believed to have received revelations from God. This similarity has been cited as a concern for Ex-Mormons, as it may blur the lines between Mormon scripture and Christian devotional literature. The familiarity of the voice and tone of the book may also be appealing to those with a background in Mormon culture, potentially influencing their religious beliefs and practices.
While some readers have expressed appreciation for the book's ability to bring them closer to Jesus, others have criticised its theological content. Some reviewers have pointed out the unusual language used by "Jesus" in the book, including "everyday Joe" language, strange word choices, unwarranted flattery, worldly clichés, repetitive phrases, and even disparaging comments. These aspects have been seen as an attempt by the author to present her own interpretations and ideas as direct messages from Jesus Christ, which could be misleading to readers.
The book's impact on the reader's experience and understanding of their faith is a significant point of discussion. While some readers have reported feeling deeply touched and inspired by the devotional messages, others have found the writing style and content off-putting. As a result, there are mixed reactions to the book, with some praising its positive influence on their spiritual lives, while others express caution or concern about its theological implications and accuracy.
The Catholic Religion and Islam: What's the Link?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The author credits God as the source of the devotional messages
The book "Jesus Calling", written by Sarah Young, is a phenomenon in modern Christian publishing. It has gained mass-market appeal and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews. However, the book has also sparked controversy, particularly among Catholics and ex-Mormons.
The author, Sarah Young, is a recipient of a post-graduate degree from a Presbyterian seminary and the wife of a missionary to Japan. Young desired a deeper experience of God's presence and was influenced by authors such as Catherine Marshall and Andrew Murray. Inspired by the book "God Calling", written by two anonymous "listeners", Young began to pursue a similar experience of receiving messages directly from God.
In "Jesus Calling", Young shares personal messages that she claims to have received from God during her times of prayer and meditation. She writes in the introduction: "I knew that God communicated with me through the Bible, but I yearned for more." This statement reflects her belief that while the Bible is inerrant and infallible, it is insufficient. As a result, she sought additional revelation and guidance directly from God.
The controversy surrounding the book arises from the method of "inspiration" Young used. Critics argue that the book was not written based on traditional Biblical interpretation but through a form of "automatic writing" or revelation, which is considered a dangerous spiritual practice. They assert that there is no indication in Scripture that God communicates with us in this way. Additionally, the book is written in the first person, as if Jesus Himself were speaking, which some find off-putting in a devotional context.
Despite these concerns, Young maintains that her writings are subservient to the Bible. She attributes the devotional messages in the book to God, believing that they were divinely inspired. Young's intent is to inspire and provide readers with a deeper experience of Jesus' presence and peace. While some may find her approach controversial, others may be deeply touched by her message of a personal relationship with God.
The Catholic Church's View on Child-Free Couples
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The book has been criticised for promoting automatic writing
The book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young is a phenomenon in modern Christian publishing. Its appeal can be seen across social media, with numerous memes and pull quotes from the book. The book is a collection of supposed revelations given to Young by God during her quiet times of prayer and devotion. It is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to Young. Young describes her inspiration for the book as coming from a booklet called "God Calling", written by two anonymous "listeners". Young discovered that she could experience the presence of God in the same way as the anonymous "listeners" in "God Calling". She decided to “listen” with a pen in hand, writing down whatever she “heard” in her mind.
Young's method of listening with a pen in hand is reminiscent of an occult practice called automatic writing, where a person empties their mind and waits for contact from the spirit world, which guides their hand while writing. This practice is considered an occult art, and some critics argue that Young's book promotes this practice. The book has been criticised for putting words into Jesus' mouth and claiming to speak for God, which is seen as a dangerous precedent to set. Critics argue that while Young admits that her work is different from God's Word, some readers may equate her devotions as Jesus' words to them personally. This conclusion is understandable, as Young tells the reader that the words are from God Himself.
In defence of the book, some argue that Young's intent was to inspire people and encourage believers. Young herself has stated that her writings are not inspired and that the Bible is the only infallible, inerrant Word of God. She clarifies that her writings were helping her grow closer to God. However, critics question whether her revelations from Jesus are partially inspired or not. The book has also been criticised for containing New Age phraseology and theological errors, with some arguing that it is a violation of 1 Cor. 4:6, which says not to exceed what is written.
Catholics: McCain-Kirkpatrick Swing Vote?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Jesus Calling is not a Catholic book. It is a devotional book written by Sarah Young, who is not Catholic. The book is considered controversial and has been criticised by Catholics for its encouragement of automatic writing as a means of hearing God.
Jesus Calling is a devotional book containing one year's worth of short reflections on the Christian faith. It is written in the voice of Jesus Christ and is based on messages that the author, Sarah Young, claims to have received directly from Jesus.
This is a matter of debate. Some people consider Jesus Calling to be biblical, while others argue that it is sub-biblical or even unbiblical. The book has been criticised for elevating personal revelations from God above the scriptures of the Bible.
