Undone

A Modern Rendering of John Donne's Devotions

By: Philip Yancey

Narrated by: Philip Yancey, Simon Vance

As the world entered the long night of 2020, Philip Yancey turned to John Donne's Devotions, a nearly 400-year-old manuscript, for guidance. In it, he found a trustworthy companion for living through a global pandemic—or any other crisis. As Yancey says, "Nothing had prepared me for Donne's raw account of confrontations with God."

By faithfully and poetically rendering Donne's 17th century prose into 21st century vernacular, Yancey opens up this classic work to a new generation. He presents these Job-like meditations on sickness and suffering, alongside his own reflections, in a series of 30 readings that examine the frailty of the human heart, the goodness and sovereignty of God, and the eternal hope of the Resurrection.

©2023 Philip Yancey (P)2023 Oasis Audio

Do you have a dormant faith?

I really loved this book. I especially loved the actual book with narration by Simon Vance - the narration by Philip Yancey, while heartfelt and meaningful, is less than stellar (maybe because he isn't an audiobook narrator?). Regardless, the sentiments expressed are profound and will touch your soul if you have ever been a believer in an omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent God. And also if you have doubted. I highly recommend it.

Undone... read during a Bible study of Job. Oh my heart <3

As a person who has long felt a keen kindredship with Philip Yancey, I somehow - in God's perfect timing - just discovered Undone. Because I also am reliably moved and edified by John Donne, and his generational cohorts like John Bunyan, buying Undone was a no-brainer. It came to my attention just as I was nearing the end of leading a ladies' six-week whirlwind deep-dive into Job. What a display of Providence!

It also came on the heels of recovery from health issues of my own. I was reading it this week in the waiting room for a ct scan. I relate to far too many touchpoints in his biographical details, and am on his heels...barely two years younger. My beloved b-in-law has ALS - and mighty faith! What a gift this book was for me in God's perfect timing on so many levels.

I don't know how a young person who has lived a life of ease and safety and love would feel about Undone, but it was manna to me from the Lord. I will read it again right away so it can sink deeper. I thank the Lord for the sufferings He has given - Holy "meat tenderizer" on my heart. And on Yancey's, too, I think.

This book evokes the sympathies in what was my constant heart cry as my young, healthy, strong, Godly husband lay in a sudden coma.
From The Diary Of An old Soul by George MacDonald -
"But Thou art making me, I thank Thee, Sire.
What thou hast done and doest Thou know'st well,
And I will help Thee: Gently in Thy Fire
I will lie burning; on Thy Potter's Wheel
I will lie patiently, though my brain should reel;
Thy grace shall be enough the grief to quell,
And growing strength perfect through weakness dire."