From Publishers Weekly
Everyone can become a saint; it's not a state of life intended for a few select women and men throughout history. This is the thesis Bernard, who died in 2002, posits in this collection of spiritual musings that he wrote in 1999. Bernard, a one-time atheist, missionary and founder of the Church of the Sojourners, provides a "back to basics" commonsense spirituality, which is much needed during this time of growing polarization among Christians. Sainthood, he argues, is sorely misunderstood. It does not require perfection, but rather trust: trust in God and God's will, and trust in the goodness of oneself and others. The author acknowledges that sainthood is not an easy task, but it is much more suited to the human condition than perfection. Holiness is an attribute required for sainthood, but again, this is not perfection, but a "strict undividedness toward God." Those who focus on God and God's will cannot fail to find holiness and sainthood. This pursuit, Bernard makes clear, is best accomplished within the context of the community of believers, though he's not advocating any particular denomination here. The author's spiritual messages may seem redundant throughout the text, but he may have intended that: this is an oft-ignored message that bears repeating.
(Feb.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Product Description
Saints are not supermen or superwomen, people with some extra spiritual oomph that the rest of us lack. The life of a saint is simply one that is fully oriented toward God, and this life is attainable for everyone. In How to Become a Saint, Jack Bernard explains that true holiness is not the special calling of a few, but the will of God for all people. In it, he offers vision, encouragement, and practical disciplines for pursuing such a life of faith. Rather than advocating just trying harder to become a better person or simply accepting an "anything goes" attitude of Christian spirituality, Bernard roots his writings in the church, encouraging disciples to pursue holiness within a community of believers instead of a "me and God" view of personal spirituality. With a pastoral heart and the wisdom that comes from persevering through many years of spiritual struggle, Jack Bernard seeks to bring hope to serious disciples that sainthood is not only possible but is God's desire and intention for all believers.
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