Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality

by David G. Benner

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830877096
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	09/20/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Presence and Encounter, Spirituality and the Awakening Self, Sacred Companions and Soulful Spirituality.

Table of Contents

Preface: Surrender, Love and Spirituality

What People are Saying About This

Gary J. Oliver

"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

M. Basil Pennington

"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

Editorial Reviews

"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

"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