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
During a career in commercial publishing, James worked with many of the authors most closely associated with Renovaré and he now chairs SPCK, the largest Christian publisher in the UK. After fourteen years leading the British Bible Society James also works with American Bible Society to support Christians in leadership around the world. He lives with his wife Sue in London.
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.