Room for Nuance The Donald Whitney Interview
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Sep 30, 2025 In this engaging conversation, Donald Whitney, a Professor of Biblical Spirituality and author, shares insights from his rich spiritual journey. He discusses his transition from a troubled pastorate to academia and the creation of the field of biblical spirituality. Whitney emphasizes the power of praying the Bible and recounts the influences behind his landmark work, 'Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.' He also touches on the emotional challenges of leaving pastoral ministry, the growth of spirituality programs, and cautions against non-gospel spiritual sources.
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Lifelong Daily Bible Reading
- Donald Whitney grew up in a small Arkansas church where daily Bible reading was expected for all ages.
- He has no memory of not reading the Bible every day, and his father modeled constant Scripture intake.
Called From Law To Preaching
- Whitney felt called to preach during law school and shifted to Southwestern Seminary after one year of law.
- He pastored multiple churches, including 15 years in suburban Chicago before moving into academia.
Hard Early Pastoral Season
- Early pastoral work nearly destroyed Whitney and his wife with stress, hospitalizations, and surgeries.
- His father advised him not to resign until he had another place to go, which helped him continue and later flourish.
