So Much More and the Joyful Pursuit of Jesus

books:

	• So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality Debra Rienstra Jossey-Bass, 2005 - 288 pages average customer review:based on 9 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

grappling with the mystery

So Much More is the kind of thoughtful, poetic, and complex response to Christianity that so many of us desire. Rather than giving answers to life's most challenging questions, Rienstra invites us, as the title suggests, to enter into the ambiguity and complexity of an authentic faith and then sit down and stay awhile. She does this with wit, beauty and grace, all of which make this book a delight to read.

Learning the Language of Faith

Debra Rienstra presents a clear and engaging introduction to the Christian faith, equally helpful to the person raised in the church, who has perhaps heard but never explored the familiar "language" of the faith, and for the new Christian, for whom the language is unfamiliar. She combines theology with experience, engaging the reader's head as well as the heart, to help give the reader both a greater understanding of the faith, and a context in which to put their experience.

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A Practical Explanation of Christianity

Don't let the first chapter of this book fool you. Although that first chapter is highly philosophical and deep, the remaining nine chapters are a very good and practical explanation of the aspects of Christianity. The author is extremely honest and vulnerable, with a great sense of humor, which is very refreshing in this age of serious experts everywhere.
Our small group has benefitted immensely from this book even though we are all coming from varied backgrounds and levels of Christian knowledge. I would also recommend this book for extra reading after the Alpha Series Classes that many churches hold.

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Clear, relevant, beautifully written

Debra Reinstra's book is a true accomplishment. She unwraps familar, and sometimes less familiar doctrines of Christianity and serves them up section by sweet section, in language that clarifies, refreshes, probes, and ultimately inspires. And while her scholarship and brilliance is always apparent, she never shows off; she never condescends; she is one of us laboring to live faithfully before the Lord. More (though more is hardly needed)she does not shrink from hard questions: what is worship? How do we find and create true community? How is it possible to "pray without ceasing" in our overly-busy lives? Why does God allow so much human suffering?
There is indeed "so much more" in this book that will deepen the faith, hope and belief of those who already believe. For those searching out the claims of Christ, I know of no other book more clear, relevant and beautifully written than this one.

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So Much More and the Joyful Pursuit of Jesus

Debra Rienstra's book, So Much More, left me feeling drawn to Jesus, and drawn in by Jesus. Using startlingly crisp images and subtle humor, Rienstra deftly named longings within me, for connection to the divine, for perspective on suffering, and for intimacy with others. While avoiding 'quick fixes' in the search to satisfy those longings, Rienstra gently pointed me toward the mysteries at the heart of the Christian faith: incarnation, Trinity, cross, resurrection, as truths with transformative power. I especially appreciated her clear-eyed approach to the spiritual disciplines. While acknowledging the resistances within us, she called us to persevere in the basics of prayer, Bible study, service, and fellowship, for the sake of the life God brings us as we enter into them. Read more at:
www.somuchmorethebook.com

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reviews: page 1, 2

What are the mysteries at the heart of Christian faith? Why do they matter? How can they transform our lives? Debra Rienstra answers these questions and many more in her evocative exploration of Christian life and faith. So Much More is a gesture of welcoming friendship for people who are new or newly returned to Christianity?those who are searching, lurking, longing, or learning. Anyone who wishes to understand Christianity better will welcome this genuine, heartfelt account of basic Christian beliefs and practices. Readers will find fresh explorations of Christianity?s foundational themes, such as incarnation, grace, suffering, and hope. Throughout this encouraging and passionate book, Debra Rienstra connects ancient articles of faith to contemporary concerns: our longing for transcendence, our desire for integrity, and our hope for intimacy with God.

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