Customer Reviews

So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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.

I came across this book at bookstore last week, and finished it in 10 days. I am perhaps what Debra would call, the lurking- learning newcomer who's trying to understand what it is, but more importantly, WHY I should. I know I will get there not by a big leap, but many repeated running or stepping along the way.
She writes with great prose and a rather quiet and elegant approach which I find it most refreshing. Not so many of the jargons or strong words that many christian books currently offer. It has certainly helped me form a good understanding of the christian spirituality, and why I should continue to explore . Many thanks!

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.

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 is the kind of thoughtful, poetic, and complex response to Christianity that so many of us desire. Rather than giving answers to life's most challenging questions, Rienstra invites us, as the title suggests, to enter into the ambiguity and complexity of an authentic faith and then sit down and stay awhile. She does this with wit, beauty and grace, all of which make this book a delight to read.

Debra Reinstra's book is a true accomplishment. She unwraps familar, and sometimes less familiar doctrines of Christianity and serves them up section by sweet section, in language that clarifies, refreshes, probes, and ultimately inspires. And while her scholarship and brilliance is always apparent, she never shows off; she never condescends; she is one of us laboring to live faithfully before the Lord. More (though more is hardly needed)she does not shrink from hard questions: what is worship? How do we find and create true community? How is it possible to "pray without ceasing" in our overly-busy lives? Why does God allow so much human suffering?
There is indeed "so much more" in this book that will deepen the faith, hope and belief of those who already believe. For those searching out the claims of Christ, I know of no other book more clear, relevant and beautifully written than this one.

A warm invitation to experience the riches of Christianity. In a nation obsessed with getting more, Rienstra quietly asks the reader to consider whether more (stuff) isn't really less. Why settle for cotton candy, when Christ has prepared a rich banquet that isn't just vegetables, but dessert too.