Setting the Spiritual Clock

"A generous, inviting spirit fills this book of devotions on the liturgical year. . . . A major goal of the book is to set Christians free from the encroaching dominance of timekeeping determined by secular, consumerist, or nationalistic festivals. The author seeks instead to draw people who have never considered the liturgical year--or have even resisted it--to see how it celebrates and proclaims Jesus Christ. Yet Metzger's intention throughout is dialogue, not sectarianism. . . . The great energy of the book, however, is given to seeing Jesus Christ shine forth at every turn in the year . . . , the author did not set out to write a liturgical handbook nor to recommend a lectionary. What he did do in making the liturgical year more widely and graciously available is quite brilliant."

--Worship (Gordon W. Lathrop)



"Paul Louis Metzger has once again demonstrated an amicable and coherent way that evangelical fervor can be married to Catholic timekeeping. Setting the Spiritual Clock is a handbook to a liturgical life receptive to profoundly ecumenical insights. Christian unity seems much more palpable in the light of its lucid but simple provocations."

--Peter J. Casarella, Duke Divinity School



"A delightful walk through the entire Christian year. At once devotional and practical, this book is a useful guide for pastors, worship leaders, and faithful Christians of all traditions. Warmly recommended!"

--Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University



"Paul Louis Metzger makes the theoretical case for the ecclesial year as a central element in spiritual formation and offers a series of meditations and practical resources for renewing the Christian narrative in community. May this book enrich churches in recovering the vital gift of the liturgical year!"

--Peter Robinson, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto



"This is a gem of a book. A gem because it is rare: part devotion, part reflective essay, a combination of deep biblical and theological wisdom, wise conversation partners, and cultural engagement. And also a gem because its content deserves to be mined and treasured as we seek to follow Jesus in this complex cultural and political moment. Constructively building on other recent efforts to retrieve the liturgical calendar as a part of the re-formation of our Christian imaginations, faithful engagement with this book will surely help its readers orient their lives around the Son in this secular, pluralistic age."

--Kristen Deede Johnson, Western Theological Seminary



"We need to reset our clocks to Jesus' time, and Paul Louis Metzger's book helps us to do just that. Filled with wise meditations throughout the Christian year, this book is a sure guide for Christian pastors, churches, and families."

--Joel Scandrett, Trinity School for Ministry



"Setting the Spiritual Clock masterfully guides readers to discern the transformative presence of Christ's Easter glory breaking through the 'secular eclipse' in the post-Christendom era. Metzger offers a timely response redeeming Christian narratives in a culturally meaningful way."

--David Sang-Ehil Han, Pentecostal Theological Seminary