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Review: A Theology of the Ordinary

A Theology of the Ordinary book cover on blue background

Since Christmas is nearing and it's a busy season, I thought a small book (only 68 pages) would be nice to share about. A Theology of the Ordinary by Julie Canlis was a book that ended up being surprising in different ways, with a lot packed into a short volume.

Book Synopsis

Julie Canlis is an award-winning author who has turned her attention to the ordinary. With the surge of books and blogs celebrating the ordinary, she lays a theological foundation for this celebration based upon the Father's blessing of ordinary life, the Son's incarnation in ordinary life, and the Spirit's re-creation of ordinary life.

First, turning her attention to American revivalist roots, she explores how this has seeped into evangelicalism's DNA, pushing ordinary life in Christ to the margins. Then, she begins by turning to the Father's blessing of ordinary life in creation, and the way in which temple-language mimics creation-language, revealing all of the world to be God's temple and, therefore, holy. This is contrasted with the prevailing Gnostic counter-story of a "super" spirituality that transcends ordinary creation.

The Son's incarnation into ordinary life is seen as the supreme blessing upon all of creation. Following the Son's "ordinary" life and the stages through which he passed, the "Seven Days of Re-creation" are seen as pivotal for redemption. This is contrasted with the prevailing Docetist counter-story which seeks to undermine Christ's true humanity, and its setting in ordinary life.

Finally, the Spirit's work of re-creation reveals the hallowed contours of our ordinary life. Working through the Spirit's activity in creation, the new creation, and the church, it is shown that the Spirit works not despite materiality but in it. This is contrasted with the lingering Platonic counter-story that eschews materiality for a higher "spiritual" plane.

The Introduction and chapters of Father, Son, and Spirit have questions at the end of each chapter, making this ideal for theologically-minded small groups.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first received this book. I was a little concerned that it could delve into mysticism or a type of contemplative spirituality that I don't practice, but what a relief that this book did not turn out to be that at all. Instead, it was firmly grounded in a systematic Trinitarian theology, and not only that, did an excellent job of refuting some of the common heresies that seek to minimize the divinity and roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This succinct tome encapsulates the beauty of the Trinity while confronting dangerous teachings head on—some of which are still pervasive in the church and the world around how God is perceived or taught about today. I was impressed that this apologetic defense was all conducted while exploring what it looks like to live an ordinary but Christian life.

Though I hadn't heard of this author before, I was amazed at the volume and quality of information packed into each section and how it clearly conveyed the Gospel message. Taking readers from a background of church history to an explanation of why having the right theology matters in practicing the Christian faith to a space for reflection, I found A Theology of the Ordinary to be a book that can be read again and again in thinking through the theological truths about our triune God. Am I ever grateful that I took the opportunity to read this; it is a short investment of time into lasting and eternal thoughts of how our ordinary lives can reflect and worship God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📖
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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