This first book in English from Korean-American pastor and prolific author Kang (Oriental Mission Church in Los Angeles
) presents 52 reflections on spiritual growth. “Most of us long for transformation but are afraid to change,” he writes, focusing on the deepening of the interior journey. Kang identifies with both his Asian and American roots, and his emphasis on balance and harmony reflects Eastern spiritualities interwoven with his orthodox, biblical evangelicalism. He focuses on simple metaphors and stories from both the Old and New Testaments; themes include silence, solitude, waiting, the wilderness, fruitfulness and self-giving as well as care of the soul. Kang gently urges “character before success, integrity before popularity, maturity before growth and service to others before accomplishment in your own life.” He is direct in his countercultural insistence that ”worldly wealth isn't true wealth; external success should never be our aim.” Rather than providing practical advice on spiritual disciplines, this book leans more toward devotional reading. While some of his observations are vague, Kang's sensible wisdom and quiet emphasis on depth over superficiality on the path toward change make this book a refreshing return to themes of classic Christian spirituality. Richard J. Foster (Celebration of Discipline
) provides the foreword. (Nov.)
