Soul Keeping

Soul Keeping follows author John Ortberg's relationship with his mentor Dallas Willard and their conversations about caring for the human soul. Through personal stories and theological insights, Ortberg documents his journey to understand what the soul is and why it matters. The book explores practical ways to nurture and protect the soul in modern life, drawing from both ancient wisdom and contemporary research. Ortberg examines how factors like hurry, media consumption, and materialism affect the soul's wellbeing. Traditional spiritual disciplines and practices are presented alongside real-world applications and examples from Ortberg's pastoral experience. The narrative alternates between teaching segments and personal reflections about his own spiritual formation. At its core, Soul Keeping is a meditation on human wholeness and the integration of mind, body, and spirit in an age of fragmentation. The book suggests that soul care is not just a religious concern but a fundamental human need that shapes all aspects of life and relationships.

Readers describe Soul Keeping as a practical guide to spiritual health that balances theological concepts with real-world application. Many found Ortberg's personal stories about his mentor Dallas Willard compelling and relatable. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex spiritual concepts - Practical exercises for soul care - Personal anecdotes that illustrate key points - The focus on daily habits over quick fixes Common criticisms: - Some sections feel repetitive - A few readers found the writing style too casual - Several wanted more biblical references - The mentor relationship focus doesn't resonate with everyone Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (900+ ratings) Christianity Today Readers: 4.5/5 Notable reader comment: "This book helped me understand why I felt spiritually exhausted and gave me concrete steps to restore my inner life." - Amazon reviewer Several readers mentioned re-reading the book multiple times and using it as a reference for spiritual formation.

The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg A guide to spiritual disciplines that transform the soul through practices like prayer, meditation, and solitude.

Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard An examination of spiritual formation and the process of reshaping one's inner character through intentional practices.

The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen A meditation on spiritual healing through the lens of Rembrandt's painting and the biblical parable of the prodigal son.

Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson An integration of neuroscience and spiritual formation that explores how relationships and brain chemistry connect to spiritual growth.

Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton A roadmap for developing spiritual practices that nurture the soul and deepen one's connection with God.

🔹 The book was deeply influenced by Dallas Willard, a philosopher and spiritual mentor to John Ortberg, who spent thousands of hours in conversation with the author before his death in 2013. 🔹 John Ortberg served as teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, one of America's most influential megachurches, before writing this book. 🔹 The concept of "soul" discussed in the book draws from ancient Greek philosophies, particularly Aristotle's idea of the soul as the essence that organizes and guides the entire person. 🔹 The author describes the soul as a "bass note" in an orchestra - while other aspects of life may rise and fall, the soul provides the underlying foundation that holds everything together. 🔹 Each chapter of the book closes with a specific practice called a "Soul Keeper," designed to help readers implement the principles discussed and nurture their spiritual well-being.