So Much More: An Invitation To Christian Spirituality

By Debra Rienstra

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787968870
• ISBN13: 9780787968878
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass Inc Pub
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

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.

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.

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

Beautiful writing

I got hooked on Debra Rienstra's writing after I read her first book GREAT WITH CHILD. Now she takes on a complicated and substantive topic, and succeeds with grace and candor. Not only does she write eloquent and lucid prose, she is so knowledgeable on so many areas of Chrisitan Spirituality. This is great reading for anyone who wants to go deeper into his or her faith.

A Wonderful introduction to Christianity

Debra Rienstra has written a wonderful book that both simplifies the nature of a complex faith and, at the same time, invites us to live in the mystery and complexity of it with her. With a clear and personal writing style she tackles not just the easier-to-explain parts of Christianity but also give clear and compelling insights into the nature of the Trinity, the importance of Christian community and even the problem of pain. Filled with anecdotes and stories from her own life, the lives of friends and from literature, this book is a joy to read and a fine summary of her faith. She writes from her particular theological viewpoint but does it in a way that honors other Christian traditions and faith communities. This is a great book for new Christians but also for those of us who want new insights into a faith that we've held for years.