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God First Loved Us: The Challenge of Accepting Unconditional Love [Paperback]

Antony F., Sj Campbell (Author)
3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)

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Book Description

January 2001
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.


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Editorial Reviews

Review

A book of great wisdom, written simply, directly and humanly. -- Bernard J. Cooke

A book to keep closely at one's mind and hand." -- Rolf P. Knierim, Emeritus, Professor of Hebrew Bible, Claremont School of Theology, and Professor of Religion, Claremont Graduate University, California

A gem of a book . . . to be read over and over again. -- Robert Schreiter, Chicago Theological Union

A gem of a book, to be read over and over again. -- Robert Schreiter, Chicago Theological Union

A work of great wisdom simply written, speaking directly and humanly to its readers...learned and lucid, wise and human. -- New Zealand Catholic

One not to miss. -- The Catechist's Connection

Short and insightful, anecdotal and autobiographical, scripturally rooted and theologically reflective. -- Spiritual Life

The truth of this book, that God loves us unconditionally, remains a refrain long after one puts the book down -- Sr. Judy Vallimont, S.Sp.S., Ongoing Formation - CDM, University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, IL

This book is radical and inspiring, learned and lucid, wise and humane. -- Gerard W. Hughes, S.J.

About the Author

Antony F. Campbell, S.J., is a well-known Old Testament scholar and a professor at the Jesuit Theological College in Parkville, Australia. He is also the author of Sources of the Pentateuch and The Study Companion to Old Testament Literature.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Paulist Press (January 2001)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0809139774
  • ISBN-13: 978-0809139774
  • Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #778,972 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Average Customer Review
3.8 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Can you accept yourself as loved passionately?, March 15, 2003
This review is from: God First Loved Us: The Challenge of Accepting Unconditional Love (Paperback)
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.

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3.0 out of 5 stars Novel Interpretation og God's Love, February 4, 2011
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This review is from: God First Loved Us: The Challenge of Accepting Unconditional Love (Paperback)
Fr. Campbell's book is a novel treatment of traditional Christian values concerning God. He argues that God loves us so much that the need for forgiveness and repentance are unimportant. In fact they illustrate our inability to love God back. A loving God is not a judge. There is no need to beg His mercy after we have sinned.

His premise's pivotal point is that through the Incarnation of Jesus, God demonstrated His unconditional love for us. What we need to do is understand and accept this gift. He characterizes us as confused believers with low self-esteem. This prevents us from really loving God in return. Accordingly, we adopt the lifelong mantra of forgive me Lord for my sins, and please pardon my offenses. It is an unorthodox approach that will have difficulty finding traction within the theology of the modern Christian church.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Another masterpiece!, May 1, 2009
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This review is from: God First Loved Us: The Challenge of Accepting Unconditional Love (Paperback)
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.
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Inside This Book (learn more)
First Sentence:
I AM UTTERLY CONVINCED that the best understanding of Judeo-Christian faith has to be centered on God's unconditional love for us. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
tilted playing field
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Older Testament, Eucharistic Prayer, Mister God, Roman Catholic, Jesus Christ, Roman Missal, Son of God, Newer Testament
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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