God First Loved Us: The Challenge of Accepting Unconditional Love

By Antony F. Campbell

Freed by love We "know" that God loves us, but if we were to be at all times consciously aware of this unconditional love, to accept it, and to act upon it, says the author, we would find our lives utterly transformed. An entire shift in attitude would be demanded. Accepting God's unconditional love eliminates fear of judgment and hell, as well as eliminates emotional distance from God. This in turn demands a new motivation for "being good," motivation that comes purely from within. At once challenging and liberating, God First Loved Us leads to an inevitable change in our faith. The book revises our understanding of such matters as original sin, the kingdom of God, and Jesus' incarnation, death, and resurrection. It sheds new light on human fear, limitation, and suffering. The book also shows how God's unconditional love leads naturally to the search for social justice. The final chapter is a meditation on Christ's passion from the varying points of view of the people present. Beautifully written and deeply moving, this book is inspirational reading for all times of the year but has extra meaning during Lent. It's a perfect choice for anyone wounded by life or in some way alienated from the church. It's a provocative title for adult ed classes, and a prayerful title for seasonal or ongoing small faith groups. In addition, it's a powerful resource and personal treasure for clergy and religious, preachers, spiritual directors, retreat directors, chaplains, and religious educators. +

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809139774
• ISBN13: 9780809139774
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Paulist Press
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Another masterpiece!

Antony Campbell provides another excellent book on spirituality!! He is not easy to read without some advanced preparation in Religious Studies; but his books are always written beautifully and provide a great deal to reflect on and absorb. The vendor's service was good - book was in good shape and mail service was prompt.

Can you accept yourself as loved passionately?

Campbell argues that truly accepting God's unconditional love is not an easy proposition. The centrality of God's love demands a radical shift in our understanding of self and others. Do you accept yourself as lovable -- as deeply, passionately, and unconditionally loved by God? If not, why not? Is obedience a condition of being loved by God or a consequence of being loved by God? God is perfect in every way. If we, though flawed, can love unconditionally, should we expect any less of God? If we, though sinful, can see the good in others, even when they are at their worse, should we expect any less of God? God's love is so great that no human language can express it fully. Only the incarnation and cross of Christ say it best! It is time that this great truth color our theology and our lives in a radical way. This book is a good start.