Last week, I began a series featuring brief reviews of books by authors who are women. I wanted to spotlight the quality works in theology, biblical studies, and practical theology that I’ve read recently. The books this week, by Jen Wilkin, are companion volumes and actually hit all three genres.
None Like Him and In His Image introduce readers to the attributes of God. None Like Him focuses on the incommunicable attributes, those which God does not share with his creatures. In His Image focuses on the communicable attributes, which we are able to share with God to some extent. While exhaustive treatments are available in various systematic theologies or other more academic treatments, these volumes offer sound and engaging introductions for the average person. They should be a primary discipleship resource for readers new to exploring the depth and riches of what Scripture teaches us about God.
I noted a key take-away from In His Image when I wrote about it over at Christ and Pop Culture. In my work with students, primarily late high school and early college, I find they are more focused on what God wants them to do, rather than who he wants them to be. The former is certainly a valid concern, but I generally point out that the places in Scripture that talk about God’s will for your life have to do with character rather than college, spouse, or job choices. Those are still important, but growing in Christ is of first importance.
As Wilkin puts it in In His Image:
If we focus on our actions without addressing our hearts, we may end up merely as better behaved lovers of self. Think about it. What good is it for me to choose the right job if I’m still consumed with selfishness? What good is it for me to choose the right home or spouse if I’m still eaten up with covetousness? What does it profit me to make the right choice if I’m still the wrong person? A lost person can make “good choices.” But only a person indwelt by the Holy Spirit can make a good choice for the purpose of glorifying God. (13–14)
With this starting point, I might recommend reading this book first, even though the other was published prior. I read them in the order you see pictured (left to right). But, I had a well established background in the attributes of God from systematic theology classes and various readings. For most people, I think it would be helpful to read about who God is calling us to be first, and then ask some deeper questions about what God is like and how we can worship him in Spirit and in truth.
Also, speaking of pictures, don’t be thrown by the cover art. Personally, I like it, but I can see how it might make it seem like the books are written for women. While some of the opening chapter illustrations may feel more relatable to another woman, the intended audience seems to be anyone who wants to know God more. In addition, there’s a warmth in the tone and writing that you don’t usually find in other books, especially the academic ones. I think that is a huge plus, and makes it more relatable to anyone, regardless of gender, and probably makes the book more suited for some of my students than something written by seminary prof. Nothing against seminary profs, by the way. Just noting that they are not often writing for a general audience. There is a gentleness and kindness to Wilkin’s style and tone that shines through, and I think that makes these books much more accessible.
In all, I would really recommend these books. Buy them both, it’s only like $20. Read them with a friend that wants to study theology but is intimidated by books that could also be doorstops. Read them in a group, use the discussion questions at the end of each chapter to press into the material and grow in community. There is no one quite like our God, but you can grow in his image. Let Jen Wilkin’s books help you along the way.