The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows

James Bryan Smith. InterVarsity Press, $22 (232p) ISBN 978-0-8308-3531-7 Not every book on developing spiritual intimacy with God includes chapters on getting enough sleep and learning to slow down. But Smith (Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven), a professor at Friends University, seems very conscious that he is writing for a hectic, driven age and has tailored his recommendations for “soul-training” accordingly. “The number one spiritual sickness of our day is ‘hurry sickness,’ ” writes the author. Smith challenges those who seek to follow God to examine the stories they already know about God, engage in new spiritual practices and enter in dialogue with others under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Using sources as diverse as Anglican poet George Herbert and contemporary author Malcolm Gladwell, Smith analyzes “false narratives” (we can work our way to God) and asks the reader to replace them with new ones (God works His way to us). Although created for small groups and classes, the many exercises and questions that pepper the book reflect the influence of Smith’s mentor Richard Foster, a leading thinker on spiritual formation. These can guide individuals who seek to deepen their knowledge of God. (July) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

"I have observed that every individual, whether a new beliver or seasoned veteran, has given testimony of a new joy in their journey as a result of this book. The content is sound, inspiring and enlightening." -- Jerry Barker, Dallas Baptist Standard, March 14, 2011

Other authors have written extensively on spiritual disciplines and the spiritual life, but few have created a curriculum that is as accessible to the common believer seeking spiritual growth. I exuberantly recommend this book to anyone interested in a practical model of spiritual growth. -- Steve Gioielli, Journal of Spiritual Formation Soul Care, Fall 2009

"I predict this book, and the two more in the series, will become deeply influential books in evangelical churches that want to deepen spiritual formation." -- Scot McKnight, Jesus Creed blog, July 15, 2009

"If you're looking for books to help patrons rekindle or enhance their relationships with God, buy this one. Highly recommended for small groups interested in deepening their relationships with God." -- Church Libraries, Fall 2009

"Make spiritual mentors, group leaders, youth pastors, Christian educators, and Willard/Foster fans aware of this material." -- David Mundt, CBA Retailers + Resources, July 2009

"Smith challenges those who seek to follow God to examine the stories they already know. . . . [Includes] exercises and questions . . . to deepen their knowledge of God." -- Publishers Weekly, May 22, 2009

"This first book in The Apprentice Series, The Good and Beautiful God, is a treasure. Dr. Smith has thought long and hard about the process of human transformation into the likeness of Jesus. I urge you to buy this book immediately! Read it and apply it. Then live it out in the context of a loving community. You will not regret doing so." -- Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline and coauthor of Longing for God

"I know from our long relationship that Jim Smith is a fine and trustworthy man, who authentically knows 'the good and beautiful God.' I can think of no higher compliment than this: I would happily trust the care of my soul to Jim and the good and beautiful God he commends to us." -- Todd Hunter, author of Christianity Beyond Belief and pastor of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Costa Mesa

"The Apprentice Series is the best practice I haveseen in Christian spiritual formation." -- Dallas Willard, author of The Divine Conspiracy