Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality [Paperback]

David G. Benner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 2003

A Personal Growth Finalist in the 2004 Word Guild Canadian Writing Awards! "Only God deserves absolute surrender because only God can offer absolutely dependable love." In our self-reliant era, most of us recoil from the concept of surrendering to a power or authority outside ourselves. But surrender need not be seen as threatening, especially when the One to whom we surrender is the epitome of goodness and love. God doesn't want his people to respond to him out of fear or obligation. Rather, he invites us to enter into an authentic relationship of intimacy and devotion. And so God calls us to move beyond mere obedience--by surrendering to love. In this profound book, David Benner explores the twin themes of love and surrender as the heart of Christian spirituality. Through careful examination of Scripture and reflection on the Christian tradition, Benner shows how God bids us to trust fully in his perfect love. Writing with mature wisdom gleaned from many years of integrating psychological and spiritual insight, Benner demonstrates keen perception and sensitivity to the realities of spirtitual formation. In each chapter he includes meditative exercises to guide you into a greater experience of trust and spiritual transformation. God is love, and he intends for you to live in his love. Surrender to Love will lead you to an unexpected place, where yieldedness to God frees you to become who he created you to be.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I receive many books to review. This is one of the most beautiful, powerful and insightful books I have ever read. Dr. Benner shares his lived experience in a way that opens for the reader the possibility of a true transformation." (M. Basil Pennington, O.C.S.O., abbot, Abbey of Blessed Mary of Saint Joseph, and author of Centering Prayer )

"If love makes the world go around then it's clear why the world isn't doing very well. The tragic reality is that most people don't know what real love looks like, and so they spend a lifetime living with a superficial caricature of the real thing. David Benner shows us that our willingness to cultivate an intimate love relationship with God is directly related to our ability to experience a rich and meaningful love relationship with another person. If you're tired of substitutes and want to go for the real thing, if you are ready to experience deep levels of companionship and connection, then Surrender to Love is for you. " (Gary J. Oliver, Ph.D., executive director, The Center for Relationship Enrichment, and professor of psychology and practical theology, John Brown University )

About the Author

David G. Benner is director of the Institute for Psychospiritual Health and Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at the Psychological Studies Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. A psychologist, spiritual director and retreat leader, Benner is the author of many books, including Sacred Companions and Care of Souls. He is an executive editor of the journal Conversations. He and his wife live in Hamilton, Ontario.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (April 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830823026
• ISBN-13: 978-0830823024
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David G. Benner (Ph.D., York University) is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously he was an associate fellow at the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. A psychologist, spiritual director and retreat leader, Benner has written and edited many books, including the Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling and Care of Souls. He is the founding executive editor of the journal Conversations.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Please, Please, Please Read This Book, June 18, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality (Paperback)

For anyone who desires to learn more about the unconditional love of God and how that love can be experienced daily: Please, Please, Please read this book. Dr. Benner has presented the love of God in such a straight forward way. God's love for us is what truly makes transformation possible. Apart from Christ we can do nothing. His love opens various possibilities. I will say that anyone who truly wants to mine the treasures within this work must read it more than one time. I want to thank Dr. Benner for presenting such a wonderful book on God and His love for us.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read, June 28, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality (Paperback)

Benner does it again. This book, along with "The Gift of Being Yourself," highlights what we most need to learn. Benner illustrates the Need to surrender and explains the connection between surrendering to love and the experience of genuine intimacy. Benner most aptly stated "There is nothing more important that learning love, because this is learning that counts for eternity.... Learning to love is therefore the core task of the human psychospiritual journey." This book facilitates such learning!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surrender To Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality, October 2, 2007

By 

D. DeMay (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality (Paperback)

This book gave me a greater understanding of a real relationship with the Lord. It is especially good for those who feel they must have control over their lives, and who have a hard time emotionally if things seem out of control. It reinforces the love God has for us, and how to love him back.