“One of the best things about this rich devotional resource is the way Muller has utilized resources from Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and Native American spirituality to evoke the pungent aroma of Sabbath.”[1]
A sanitized version of the above book, titled “Sabbath: Being, having, and doing enough,” is featured in The Lutheran, July 2011. [2]
Writing for a Lutheran audience, Muller uses only Biblical references. Wink, wink.
He is careful not to let “church folk” catch on that he is serving up PC Pietism: the “aroma” but not the reality of the gospel of Jesus Christ and him crucified.
His PC Pietism is a bunch of “shoulds” – all law, of course. You should listen, you should light a candle, you should be still, you should be quiet, you should center yourself, and – you should buy his books.
The “aroma” disguises a “syncretistic” spirituality; Muller, a therapist, minister, community advocate, consultant, public speaker, and author, long ago moved away from the meat and bones of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The real spiritual status of the Christian is defined by what Christ has done, outside of us, in spite of us – not by our efforts and feelings. Therefore we have true certainty and freedom.
But some would lead us astray…(2 Peter 2:1-2).
[1] Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat reviewing Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest by Wayne Muller (New York; Bantam, 1999). Review available at www.spiritualityandpractice.com.
[2] Pages 20-24, plus study guide.