This is truly the most unique and best practice in spiritual formation out there! This along with the other future titles in this Apprentice Series will form a formidable 'curriculum of Christ-likeness.' Loving, transformative and deep! * Christian Marketplace *
More than most realize, the bottom level of discussions about many of the currents in our life is, Who are we? That is, anthropology. Jim Smith fulfills one of Dallas Willard's major hopes for the spiritual formation movement in this book?a Christian and biblical framing of who we are as persons, as souls. The danger of all such studies is self-idolatry, and that is why I so heartily recommend this book. Here we are called to understand ourselves as God created us and understands us and envelops us in Christ, that is, in his love and grace and transforming power. -- Scot McKnight, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary
Six words come to mind whenever I think about my friend Jim: holy authenticity and intimacy with God. James Bryan Smith knows what it means to walk with God without pretense and with holy expectancy. He knows Jesus as his Redeemer, Healer, Defender, and Deliverer. Jim knows God; he knows his love. That's why he's just the person to write The Good and Beautiful You. Though we were born into sin, as Christ-followers we've been redeemed, through and through, by his grace. If you still struggle with a sense of identity and purpose, settle in and take your time working through these pages. I believe you'll encounter God, you'll hear his voice, and you'll learn afresh how much he loves you. Even today I pray that you hear the love song he sings over you, for it is life-giving and beautiful, just as Christ is in you. -- Susie Larson, author of Prevail
Writing in the venerable tradition of Dallas Willard and Richard Foster, James Bryan Smith has given us a valuable guide to caring for our souls in The Good and Beautiful You. Convinced that Christ is the way to the wellness of the soul, Smith points us to paths where we can find healing for our damaged souls. This book will help many people! * Brian Zahnd, author of When Everything's on Fire *
More than most realize, the bottom level of discussions about many of the currents in our life is, Who are we? That is, anthropology. Jim Smith fulfills one of Dallas Willard's major hopes for the spiritual formation movement in this book - a Christian and biblical framing of who we are as persons, as souls. The danger of all such studies is self-idolatry, and that is why I so heartily recommend this book. Here we are called to understand ourselves as God created us and understands us and envelops us in Christ, that is, in his love and grace and transforming power. * Scot McKnight, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary *
The Good and Beautiful You is a heart-piercing and mind-nurturing journey into redeemed personhood. It is learned and light-spirited and challenging. Jim's ability to expose false beliefs, unpack soul-shaping truth, and craft experiences that bring truth and transformation is extraordinary. Divinely inspired wisdom for those he calls 'divinely formed mysteries.' * John Ortberg, author of Soul Keeping and Eternity Is Now in Session *
