Prior, Kenneth. The Way of Holiness: The Study in Christian Growth. InterVarsity Press, 1982
The book functions as a systematic overview of the Christian’s journey from salvation (justification) to glorification. With pastoral care, Prior engages the reader in a study of the way life works through the operation of the Holy Spirit. The Christian life is far from a mechanical model, but a dynamic model that undergoes various stages. The author leads the reader towards the goal of holiness. Holiness is not an immediate status achieved, but a status worked out by the Christian.
While providing a few helpful illustrations (33 & 95), a useful overview of the work of the Spirit, a valid critique of perfectionism, the author, in the reviewer’s estimation, fails the consistency test. Though the author discusses quietism and pietism (130) and offers helpful refutations of both models, Prior seems to fall into one category or another throughout the book. Perhaps he was seeking to avoid both extremes, but the language used throughout implies a variation of pietism and quietism inherent in his discussion of holiness. Simply put, the author does not distance himself enough from those categories. Quoting Keswick authors on two separate occasions, he seems to downplay the redemption of Christ’s work in the world after his Ascension. He treats passages that have a particular first-century context as universal for all times and all places. While Paul says the devil was the god of this age, can we make that statement universal in light of Jesus’ enthronement. Such language may imply a form of despair with this world’s status and plunge the Christian into forms of quietism or pietism precisely what the author wants the reader to avoid.
Prior does offer some helpful advice, especially for young Christians in their walk. His language of “strangling our sin with whatever is good and beautiful” (160) is helpful, and his use of Owen in discussing the “positive graces” (160) for weakening sin is also fruitful. But there was still a lack of helpful, detailed practical advice for a new Christian. The intention of the book was to provide a systematic overview, but even within a systematic treatment more practical advice should be provided. For instance, we know sin needs to be mortified, but how can it be mortified once we succumb to its powers again and again? What is the role of the community in helping us mortify such sins that have entangled us?
Pastoral theology needs to account for how holiness works. Christians need not, as Prior observes, fall into the camp of living by faith or living by our efforts. We are called to live by faith and work out our salvation. The Spirit provides us with every tool needed to live holy lives. Those who struggle to grow in holiness need to be often reminded that God’s grace is sufficient, and that sin has lost its power over the saint.
Pastors need to take Prior’s admonitions and find ways to communicate this journey of holiness with parishioners. When pastors meet with young folks, they need to ask piercing questions about their journey. Are particular sins stemming from our three-fold enemy—the world, the flesh, and the devil—consuming us? Are we losing our trust in Christ’s work through his Spirit? Mortification is no easy task In the individual’s journey, working out our salvation must join faith in the One who has defeated the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Best Quote: “Christian experience is not necessarily the same thing as the experience of some Christians!”
