Jessica Biber
Staff Writer
For those seeking to rediscover Christianity as a lifestyle, and not just as a mental pursuit – “Pilgrim Heart: The Way of Jesus in Every Day Life” clears the perfect trail. The book examines the power of spiritual disciplines practiced by Jesus and his early followers but forgotten in today’s culture.
The author is Pepperdine Provost Darryl Tippens. He has dedicated more than two decades to researching and teaching this topic. His journey involves time as the chair of the Division of Language and Literature at Oklahoma Christian University and as an English professor at Abilene Christian University. He now serves at Pepperdine as provost and chief academic officer.
Tippens decided to turn 20 years of essays and class discussions into a book at the beckoning of his editor and students. “The material always got a good reception,” Tippens said. “Eventually I realized that I was dealing with subjects that were concrete, that were relevant, and that were needed.”
The greatest underlying theme of “Pilgrim Heart” is that Christianity is embodied, meaning it is a faith that is practiced and nurtured through physical actions as much as intellectual ones. Tippens believes that in today’s culture, much of spirituality has become a purely mental pursuit. Tippens explained how many people are eager to philosophize with Jesus but neglect to obey his simple call of, “Follow me.” “Pilgrim Heart” responds to Jesus’ command by showing readers that they can follow with their minds, but they must also follow with their bodies in the same habits and disciplines Jesus practiced.
This requires a way of thinking different from those preached by a multitude of other religions. Gnosticism, a belief that arose almost 2000 years ago and continues to emerge in some circles today, maintains that the body is a roadblock on the path to enlightenment. “Gnosticism is the idea that you’ll be saved through secret knowledge,” Tippens said. “But Jesus didn’t come to say, ‘Here is a secret message.’ Instead, he said, ‘I am going to give you a way of life.’”
The “way of life” discussed in “Pilgrim Heart” involves imitating the daily life of Jesus. Instead of writing on the well-known spiritual disciplines such as prayer and worship, Tippens tried to think more broadly. He soon realized that nearly everything could be turned into a spiritual discipline. Specifically, he covers rituals that Jesus practiced such as sharing meals with others, music, hospitality, honesty, storytelling, creating and making time for Sabbath.
Tippens has seen the fruits of practicing such disciplines in his own life. He finds peace in situations that would have normally caused stress, such as long lines in traffic or at the grocery store. Instead of worrying about time, he views the opportunity as a “mini-Sabbath.” “You can’t delve into a subject like this without being changed by it.” Tippens said. “As time goes on the more convinced I become that I need what I am writing about.”
Aware of the various backgrounds of his readers, Tippens drew upon a variety of sources. He filled the pages with anecdotes from his own life and quotes from other great thinkers and writers. Tippens relied upon not only theological material but also on books and essays revered throughout the ages.
The book has received favorable feedback from people of many different walks of life. One woman reportedly sent Tippens a letter thanking him for a part in the book that addressed not spending so much time sending perfect emails. The woman can now spend an adequate amount of time responding via email, and then move on to spend more time doing important things. Such a small change has brought an added amount of serenity to her day.
Tippens remains curious about how young adults will respond. Perhaps he answered his own question when he said, “Christ met a human need… The need has not changed.” Young adults across the nation are seeking concrete ways to fill their need of turning a genuine faith into a genuine lifestyle. The “Pilgrim Heart” masterfully offers them a way to do so.
12-12-2006