The MIDWRC Annual Book Award Program was created in 2015 to help place an enduring emphasis on the intellectual legacy of Dallas Willard by recognizing original work that shares his vision that invisible things such as soul, spirit, and the Kingdom of God are part of reality and can be known via experiential interaction.
The 2023 book award went to Michael Stewart Robb, for his The Kingdom Among Us: The Gospel According to Dallas Willard (Fortress Press, 2022).
Michael’s book was selected from a field of nineteen nominated books by a panel of three judges for its original and insightful presentation of the main teachings of Willard’s “gospel of life in the Kingdom.” One judge described it as “the best commentary BY FAR I have ever seen on the work of Dallas Willard.” It is, as another commenter described it, “the first book-length systematic treatment of Dallas Willard’s theology.”
This series features Michael’s conversations with a philosopher, theologian, psychologist, and minister as they discuss his book.
The symposium begins with an introductory conversation between Michael Stewart Robb and Michael Di Fuccia of the Martin Institute, after which, we are joined by Mike Austin, Foundation Professor of Philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University, to unpack Dallas Willard’s philosophy. In their dialogue, they discuss Willard’s views on free-will and determinism, the relationship between divine and human agency, and God’s foreknowledge.
Continuing with the theme of hearing more from MIDWC Annual Book Award winners, you will also want to read Mark Nelson’s lightening round interview with Dr. Robert Emmons, winner of the inaugural 2015 Dallas Willard Research Center Book Award. His book: Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier” (Houghton-Mifflin, 2007)! Mark Nelson (Ph.D., Notre Dame) is a professor at Westmont College and directs the Dallas Willard Research Center.