Spiritual discernment is not limited to identifying doctrinal errors in a church setting. Facing a daily deluge of worldly philosophies promoted through secular media, it becomes essential to be able to separate error from truth, and Tim Challies argues that the ability is a discipline to be developed rather than a gift some Christians happen to possess.

He treats the biblical basis for discernment, the role of Scripture and the Spirit in it, the dangers on either side - credulity and suspicion - and the practical business of evaluating a book, a sermon or a movement. Challies writes clearly and without the sourness that often attends this subject. For readers who want to think carefully rather than simply react.