In Search of a Confident Faith: Overcoming Barriers to Trusting in God
"Faith has an expansive horizon. It is not merely about believing the right things. Instead, it inhabits every dimension of our personhood--how we think, how we behave, how we deal with our emotions and how we relate to others. We owe Moreland and Issler a great debt of gratitude for expanding the faith horizon in a way that will encourage many to actively grow their faith, their confidence in God." (David Neff, editor-in-chief, Christianity Today)"Moreland and Issler demonstrate how critical thinking and heartfelt religion go hand in hand, while encouraging God-confidence in the lives of Christians. Drawing upon their personal experiences as well as a lifetime of commitment to higher education, the authors model a spiritual balance too often neglected in understanding the dynamic relationship between Christian faith, hope and love." (Don Thorsen, professor of theology and chair of advanced studies, Haggard Graduate School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University)"In Search of a Confident Faithis a delightful exploration of developing one's trust in an ever-faithful God. Moreland and Issler offer candid glimpses into their personal faith walk and their struggle to find balance between 'head' faith and 'heart' faith. This book provides an important contribution toward understanding the development of personal confident faith in those traditions that tend to dichotomize head and heart in all religious matters, giving permission to both traditions to embrace the other. In addition to an eloquent articulation of faith which integrates intellect and affection, Issler and Moreland offer the reader practical suggestions for personal growth in God-confidence. A must-read for all those concerned with Christian spiritual formation!" (Lisa Milligan Long, assistant professor of Christian formation, Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee)"The volume is an invitation from Father God for his beloved children to live by faith, which the authors clarify through the termGod-confidence.J. P. Moreland and Klaus Issler, not only as distinguished scholars but also as 'credible witnesses' of God's supernatural activities among us, present a well-balanced treatment in guiding believers to grow in God-confidence through changes in their beliefs and daily practices." (Linda Pyun, associate dean for academic affairs, The King's College, Los Angeles)"Many books focus on either intellectual or emotional barriers to faith. What makes this one unique is the profound way it combines both. In addition to identifying and helping us remove barriers, it also includes many practical, positive strategies for building our God-confidence. As I read it, I found myself not only being informed, but also being inspired. Often I found myself praying, 'Lord, increase my faith.' I am confident you will too." (Stephen A. Seamands, professor of Christian doctrine, Asbury Theological Seminary)"We live in a world dominated by a kind of practical atheism. Some of us may vaguely believe in God or even trust Christ as our Savior, but still think and act as if God was not really present. We need a robust faith that sees beyond the moment and brings forth lives lived in the conscious presence of a God who is engaged with the world. J. P. Moreland and Klaus Issler call this God-confidence. Their counsel on how to move toward such a faith is biblically based, theologically and philosophically sound, and experientially confirmed. This is a book to grow on." (James W. Sire, author of The Universe Next Door and coauthor with Carl Peraino of Deepest Differences: A Christian-Atheist Dialogue)"Rich in story, here is a work that creatively unfolds the heart of faith as confidence in God, with helpful  implications for matters of doubt, prayer and guidance." (Bruce Demarest, professor of theology and spiritual formation, Denver Seminary, Denver, Colorado)"This book is warmly personal, readable, engaging and edifying, and will challenge readers spiritually as well as intellectually. The insights and testimonies deeply encouraged my own faith, provoking me to remember in a new way God's acts of kindness in my own life." (Craig Keener, professor of New Testament, Palmer Theological Seminary)