Review: Abundant Simplicity - Jan Johnson

Abundant Simplicity: Discovery the Unhurried Rhythms of Grace
Jan Johnson
InterVarsity Press, 2011

Reviewed by Kevin Book-Satterlee


Simplicity is a notable component in clearing space for God. In the age of constantly changing technology, increasing number of cable channels, options for virtual entertainment and the shear ease of mobility, complication has become the standard. Generations of advancement shaped the philosophy that said simplicity was base. Generations of prophets have been trying to affirm that claim, but recognize that God is the base and our relationship with him is everything. Books on simplicity have become vogue in the Christian publishing world, or the publishing world in general for that matter. People are finding life too complicated and need to consume and buy more and more books about simplicity to find the simple life. Yet Jan Johnson’s book, Abundant Simplicity: Discovering the Unhurried Rhythms of Grace is worth the read.

Johnson’s writing is simple yet eloquent. The book is not longer than it needs to be, it is not cluttered with passages of spiritual masters just to prove that she’s read them (though her ability to weave their stories into her chapters with one liners makes it obvious to the reader that she has not only read them, but communes with them); it is not packed with ostentatious claims of her mastery nor pretentious humility about not being a master that tends to come with other spiritual books. It is just simple.

Also unlike many books about spirituality, Abundant Simplicity is decidedly Christian. I am a fan of drawing in the spiritual practices that God has imprinted upon us yet others have claimed while Christians have forgotten. Yet, too often these books become pluralistic and relativistic that they go beyond recognizing the good of non-Christian spirituality to appropriating it as Christian spirituality. Johnson’s book does not fall into this category. It clearly has a purpose, to create space for a relationship with Jesus.

One of the most important aspects of Johnson’s approach to simplicity is the intentionality in becoming simple. Carving out intentional space for simplicity means carving out intentional space for God, which in turn will carve out more and more space for simplicity. Intentionality breeds the unintentional perpetuation of simplicity and a deepened relationship with God. It is almost comical as to how easy and uncomplicated it is. Intentionality is so important to Johnson’s work, I would title the next edition, The Art of Spiritual Intentionality: Discovering the Unhurried Rhythms of Grace in Abundant Simplicity.

Her book is great for those just beginning their relationship with Christ or for those who’ve been walking with Jesus for decades. It is not academic, but practical. It is not whimsical, but reasonable. Johnson’s only expectation is the desire to simplify to create space for God. She recognizes the plurality of approaches and provides options that begin to stir intentionality, not form a ritual of spirituality. Her’s is an easy read that can take hours or months. What I noticed in my own life was beginning to question small practices, taking intentional time to see if what I am doing or thinking is complicating or simplifying my relationship with God and my relationship with others. Nothing particular stands out as formative advice or crucial piece of spiritual wisdom lacking in other books, but Johnson’s clear writing prodded me into examining life.

Abundant Simplicity has a place on the bookshelf among the giants like Interior Castle, Celebration of Discipline, Renovation of the Heart, Contemplation and others. It would make a great gift or great book study for groups. As cheesy as it sounds, Johnson’s book is so simple it is one of the few you will need on simplicity to begin to eliminate complication and carve out space for God.