James Catford — A Serious Call to a Beautiful Life
James Catford, board chair at Renovaré and SPCK (UK’s largest Christian publisher), talks to Nathan about a wonderfully practical book with an austere title: William Law’s A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life.
James is facilitating the Renovaré Book Club starting in April 2021.
In the episode, you’ll hear Richard Foster and Dallas Willard introducing the book at the 1999 Renovaré International Conference.
Show Notes
[10:32] How has William Law’s book been helpful to you?
[12:45] How did the intersection of work and spiritual life play out for you?
[14:59] Did you find integration?
[20:53] In a culture that wouldn’t be drawn to the title, ironically there is grace in this.
[22:16] What are some of the considerations, culturally, that people should come at this book with?
[24:40] He presents the idea that everything is sacred. Where does beauty come in?
[26:36] How does Law’s view of holiness lend itself to engaging with beauty, or does it?
[29:15] In a sense this is a work that helps us move closer into being people who function well.
Resources
- A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life (this is the version being used for the Renovaré Book Club)
- O Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness
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James Catford
James Catford has spent his career at the intersection of publishing, leadership, and spiritual formation, working with many authors closely connected to Renovaré. He led the British Bible Society for fourteen years, founded the think tank Theos, and later chaired SPCK, the UK’s largest Christian publisher. He now serves as founding chair of the Center for Christianity and Public Life in Washington, D.C., and on the board of the Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Research Center at Westmont College. He is married to Sue, a former TV anchor and media executive.
Nathan Foster
Nathan Foster is an author and host of Life With God, a Renovaré Podcast. Formerly, he was an Associate Professor of social work and served as the Andrews Chair in Spiritual Formation at Spring Arbor University. He was also a licensed clinical social worker and certified addictions counselor. Nathan has published two books, including The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines.