The Gift of Being Yourself

Written by Dr. David G. Benner

Review and brief theological evaluation by Ankit David—Pastor, New Life Community Fellowship, Hanna, AB.

What I appreciated most about this book is its simplicity. Benner does not present spiritual formation as a mystical journey reserved for monks or spiritual elites. Instead, he calls readers back to the foundational practices of the Christian faith. Spiritual growth, in his view, takes place as we intentionally spend time with God.

“The only hope for unmasking the falsity that resides at the core of our being is a radical encounter with truth.”

In my view, Benner’s approach is both biblically faithful and pastorally constructive. Many contemporary voices present spiritual formation as something complex, mystical, or dependent upon extraordinary experiences. Benner avoids these extremes. He consistently emphasizes that genuine transformation is rooted in a growing relationship with God and an honest awareness of oneself in His presence.

At the same time, it’s important to affirm that our pursuit of God is inherently supernatural. We do, in fact, experience God practically, tangibly, and by faith. Spiritual formation is therefore not merely a human endeavour; it is the transformative work of God’s Spirit within the believer,
renewing life from the inside out. While Benner rejects mystical excesses, he does not deny the reality of encountering God’s presence and power in lived experience.

Another strength of the book lies in its careful engagement with Scripture. Too often, authors become overly focused on advancing their argument and, in doing so, impose meanings onto biblical texts. They may resort to proof-texting, distort passages, or overlook original context. Benner avoids such interpretive weaknesses. His insights emerge from a disciplined and responsible reading of Scripture, which strengthens both the theological integrity and academic credibility of his work.

The book’s central emphasis is the inseparable relationship between knowing God and knowing oneself. Benner argues that a deeper knowledge of God leads to a clearer understanding of oneself. Likewise, honest self-awareness opens the individual more fully to God’s transforming work. His emphasis on the love of God as the foundation of personal renewal is particularly significant.

Overall, I find Benner’s call to basic Christian spirituality both refreshing and necessary. Practices such as prayer and living in God’s presence may appear simple, yet they remain the primary means through which God forms His people. These foundational disciplines should neither be neglected nor overcomplicated, but rather cherished, safeguarded, and faithfully practiced.

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