So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality [Hardcover]

Debra Rienstra (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 4, 2005

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. 

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A Calvin College professor, memoirist (Great With Child) and literary scholar, Rienstra offers an innovative introduction to Christianity. The first half of the book is a traditional overview of Christian doctrine - God, creation, sin, redemption, the Incarnation, the Trinity. The second half turns from belief to practice, as Rienstra invites readers to prayer, Bible study, corporate worship and Christian service. Three cheers for her ability to make abstruse doctrines like the Trinity not only intelligible but practical: "the Trinity gives us a way to organize and speak of our experiences of God." Rienstra doesn't shy away from hard questions (for example, drawing on both the Bible and recent scientific studies as she tackles the question of whether prayer works). Though spiritual seekers are clearly the primary audience, even mature Christians will be challenged and encouraged by this slim book. That's not to say it's flawless. The print is so tiny that it can be actually painful to read. And though most of Rienstra's prose is crisp, readers will have to plow through an overwritten first few pages. However, Rienstra's walk through Christian teaching is generous, sympathetic, clear and often funny. (Mar.)
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Review

"So Much More is a radiant manifesto for the fully realized Christian life. Rienstra speaks to the heart without mawkishness, speaks to the mind without logic-chopping, and speaks to the doubtful without patronizing. With good humor and with erudition worn lightly, Rienstra provides a compelling Christian account of sin and grace, reason and revelation, the longing for God, the mystery of suffering, and the pathways of love and service."
--Carol Zaleski, professor of religion, Smith College

"Unlike many introductions to the Christian faith, which seem to be driven by a barely suppressed anxiety, as if the writer was trying to convince himself by answering every conceivable objection, Debra Rienstra's So Much More radiates a serene confidence that is persuasive precisely because it is willing to acknowledge unsettled questions. All we absolutely need to know, she's convinced, is given to us with assurance as trustworthy as the hand of a loving father or mother."
--John Wilson, editor, Books & Culture, and series editor, The Best Christian Writing

"So Much More is indeed so much more--more than your typical book on apologetics or theology or spirituality. Debra Rienstra is a gifted writer who imparts much wisdom in all of these areas—and more. This is a fine book for a person who is beginning a Christian pilgrimage. But it is also gives much guidance and encouragement to those of us who are well along in the journey."
--Richard J. Mouw, president and Professor of Christian Philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (March 4, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787968870
• ISBN-13: 978-0787968878
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #865,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Debra Rienstra is associate professor of English at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has taught there since 1996. Her books include Great with Child: On Becoming a Mother (first published in 2002 by Tarcher Putnam and now reissued by WordFarm), So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality (published in 2005 by Jossey-Bass) and Worship Words (published in 2009 by Baker).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful introduction to Christianity, March 17, 2005

By 

Robert Keeley (Holland, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality (Hardcover)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So Much More and the Joyful Pursuit of Jesus, May 21, 2005

By 

Lisa W. Lamb (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality (Hardcover)

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

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful writing, April 7, 2005

By 

Therese Borchard (Annapolis, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality (Hardcover)

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.