Becoming Real: Christ's Call to Authenic Living

By Steven James

Book Overview

Most of us live in a state of unreality, afraid to show our true self. But deep inside, like the renowned Velveteen Rabbit, we long to become real. Weary of masking true struggles, most of us long for... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582294291
• ISBN13: 9781582294292
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Howard Books
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

WOW! THIS IS THE REAL DEAL...

I recently got to meet Steven James when he came to hold a couple of seminars at our Church. It was the weekend of Palm Sunday. Being married to a member of our children's ministry staff, I got to go to Dinner with him the night before. To be honest, till I looked at his website the week prior to his appearance at our Church, I'd never heard of the guy before. I was intruiged by what I saw and heard at the seminars. Too often "Christian" speakers and authors strike me as speakers ansd authors who are called "Christian" only because their target audience happens to be Christians. This guy appeared genuine. I was further impressed by the fact that Steven also agreed to teach our Kindergartners-3rd Graders their Large Group lesson for all 4 weekend services. What blew me away though, was when we were at dinner and he mentioned that he'd been reading mainly medieval mystics lately. (This was largely encountered by blank looks--something I have grown used to.) No longer did I think that I was the lone Christ-follower on the planet who crossed the borders of what are generally two seperate camps--evangelical Christianity and those who appreciate and find lessons in Christianity's past. So... To make a long story slightly less long, I picked up a copy of Becoming Real. The book is much like the man: well-informed and creative in its communication. I was shocked that any Christian publishing house would allow a book of such depth to be put out on it label. This is a book that not only talks about God and the life he intends for us all, but one that seeks to engage us in that life. It is not hyperbole for me to say that this is amongst the best Christian books I have ever read. It is on my short-list of the best books I have ever read--period. My one slight critique of this book is that it follows the recent tradition in "Christian Living" books of quoting every source under the sun to try and back up its points. I think Steven James has a book here that would be able to stand up on its own authority. Too bad he didn't let it... All the same, I cannot recommend "Becoming Real: Christ's Call To Authentic Living" highly enough. Get a copy today.

Like Walking in a Park with a Friend...

Some books on spiritual formation read like seminary lectures, others like inspirational speeches, others like feel-good fluff, others like mystical musings. Interestingly enough, very few come across as REAL, as if you were hanging out with a warm, honest, wise, REAL friend. That is what Steven James does in this book. He approaches spiritual formation not as the all-knowing instructor, or the inspirational pep talker, but as a friend, a fellow pilgrim, who shares both his life in engaging anecdotes, the Scripture in biblical exposition, and his wisdom through carefully crafted words. I really enjoyed this book; a fine read.

A book of deep conviction to be savored

I've always enjoyed Steven's writing. This book in particular struck a chord, and by the first chapter, I was already finding myself in deep reflection over my own life. I found his thoughts to be very insightful, and already have had an impact on my life and my marraige. His use of personal stories helped to not only lighten the mood of the book, but also drive home his points. This is the type of book to read slowly, thoughtfully, and to savor. It will definately be finding its way onto my shopping list for my friends and family.

Authentic to the Core

When it comes to getting to the heart of the matter, making the tough decisions, choosing to be obedient, or letting it slide-we all have choices to make. And in the end our decision to respond to Christ or not plays a significant part in how fully we live life, or the quality of interaction we have with people. Steven does a great job of making the point that regardless of how we feel about authentic living, it is a choice that can have phenomenal impact on not just ourselves, but others for eternity. Take his challenge to heart and really start living! Mark Reimschisel, Executive Director, Bible Mission International, Inc.

Using stories to encourage a deeper relationship w/ Christ

Steven James does use a lot of personal anecdotes in his book, but he also uses these same sorts of anecdotes in his other stories and at speaking engagements. The personal touch actually makes me want to hear more of what he has to say as frequently authors are not "real" and only write what they wish was so. My mother picked up my copy of this book and enjoyed it so much that I ordered her one. She is a young Christian and when she received her copy, she said that she cried because it has been a very long time that a book besides the Bible itself really spoke to her soul like this one. James does a fine job of using stories and Scripture to lead the reader into a more revealing relationship with Christ.