Death by Living, by N.D. Wilson (giveaway)

I had no idea that N.D. Wilson was releasing another non-fiction book. When offered a chance to review it, I leapt upon the opportunity. Death by Living arrived and I instantly devoured it.

I enjoyed it, with a few exceptions, and walked away with appreciation for it in the end. I'm glad to have read it. I find it very easy to identify with the Wilsons in general and although N.D. has a more flippant, journalistic style than his father (a fact I'm not overly fond of), I still agree (mostly) with his theology and I like the way he, too, makes me stop and consider what I believe and how that effects the way I live life. Ultimately I think that's what I appreciate about the Wilsons - they put my brain to work and challenge my presuppositions.

If you are unaware, they are also hugely controversial for two primary reasons:

1.) Their theology. If you want to look up debate about the Federal Vision then you will find a whole host of people up in arms (and some even understand the finer points). (Note: I am not sharing my position on this. I am merely pointing out one of the big issues with Wilson's theology. There are more, of course, and you are welcome to nitpick your favorites but this is a big one that garners a lot of attention.)

2.) The Wilsons collectively enjoy satire and it shows in their writing/speaking style. Some might say that they are an overly sarcastic lot and I wouldn't agree but to explain why would take a much longer blog post. I think it does make them confusing when they don't need to be, yet at the same time I understand their reasoning.

The thing of it is, I could write up a much longer explanation as to why I read this book (or any of their others) and then bothered to like it but that's not the point of this post and I've already spent more time than I meant to talking about it. The bottom line is: I like the Wilsons (both father, son, mother and daughters) and have my reasons for doing so. I recognize the fact that a lot of people want to debate whether or not I should like them but I'm just not interested in the discussion. The reason I'm not interested is buried in many books, articles, blog posts and real life experience of having attended Wilson's church, plus conversations with our current pastor and elders. No, I do not agree with the Wilsons 100% but I agree with enough and find great value in Doug Wilson's teaching that I will go on picking up Wilson (family) books and gleaning from them. I invite you to disagree with me (I can't make you stop!) and I can recognize and respect the fact that you might find my liking the Wilsons to be a grave error on my part. I'm deciding that it's ok (with me) if you don't like it if I like them.

Ok, now on to the book itself (finally). Death by Living is essential the mental-ramblings-with-a-purpose of N.D. Wilson. In all fairness, as I told Jonathan upon the conclusion of the read, if this book had been written by, say, Donald Miller, I rather would have despised it. N.D. Wilson's non-fiction is halting, rambling and somewhat chaotic. From the read I'm supposed to know more about his personal thoughts on life and living while having ascertained truths for myself. It's the "diary idea" that I don't like in Miller but since I agree more with Wilson's theology I'll be tolerant. Which might be a little hypocritical except I really don't think Miller and I are compatible at all, theologically speaking.

The idea of Death by Living is to communicate the truth that we are all in the process of dying. Some of us are closer to it than others but it is coming to all. How we live this life matters and we should be thinking in light of eternity. Moments here on earth are just moments and they are definitely meant to be enjoyed. We should absolutely "go big" when it comes to celebrating life, friendships, love, new business ventures, a well-cooked meal, etc., but we need to recognize that all of these good things are mere glimpses of what's to come and should all point us to Christ. In this book Wilson relates various experiences that he has had that have pointed out to him that we are but for a moment but God is eternal and the only way to truly live life is in hot pursuit for the things of God and, obviously, God Himself.

Now this is not a message that has never been presented before by many other people. Why read this particular book over another? Well, perhaps it is a style preference. I like Wilson so I read it just like I will be buying the latest Steven Curtis Chapman album because I appreciate the sounds SCC makes and the truths he communicates in his music. Wilson answers the question of why you might consider this book in the following paragraph:

"Here, in this painting, in these (hopefully) creative meditations, you will see the same sky and the same sun, the same story of struggle, of fall and grace, of descent and ascent, of death and resurrection. The same God. The same gifts. If He's not tired of it, why should I be? If His brush is still in His hand, if His words still roll, what can I do but stick my tongue out of the corner of my mouth and diligently (but pitifully) rip Him off? What can I do but meditate on His meditations?" (Introduction: Hello Again, page xii)

In other words, as Wilson learns more about God and applies the Bible to his own life, the more he feels the need to express his thoughts. This book is an attempt to create beauty and live life loud.

Loud is a good adjective for N.D. Wilson, based on impressions and observations (i.e., paying attention to the things he writes about himself and the things he says about himself). He is a man full of energy who wants his life to be fully spent for his family and his God. He wants to tell stories that communicate truth, yes, and also that entertain and feed his children's souls and those of others. He wants to live out his Christianity and this book is a further attempt at doing so.

In the reading of it I was encouraged to think more Big Picture and that's a good encouragement for me. It's very easy for me to be wrapped up in miniature moments. My kids won't nap = life is over. The laundry pile is high = life is monotonous. I'm tired = I will never be well-rested again. Ever. Moments tend to drag me down but if I stop fixating on what is going wrong I can see everything that God is building and doing in my life and in my family and take heart. When my vision is focused on God, my attitude about life in general changes. Little irritations begin to fade away. I have more energy to spare than I originally thought. In short, I move forward and am far more productive for the glory of God.

Drink your wine. Laugh from your gut. Burden your moments with thankfulness. Be as empty as you can be when that clock winds down. Spend your life. And if time is a river, may you leave a wake. (The (Blessed) Lash of Time, page 117)

I walked away from this read encouraged and convicted. And if you think you might be the same, then I am happy to tell you that Thomas Nelson has offered to give away one copy of Death by Living to one of you. Would you care to win a copy? Simply leave a comment below including a valid e-mail address. This contest will be open through Tuesday, September 3rd.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. The winner, as selected by random.org, is #5 -OBCL HORN. Congrats!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson who sent a copy of this book my direction in exchange for sharing my honest opinion. I have received no additional compensation for this post.