Bridges, author of such classics as The Pursuit of Holiness and The Practice
of Godliness, explains in the preface here, "The editorial team at NavPress
thought I had addressed key principles of spiritual growth in previous
writings, but that they were scattered among eight different books." Bridges
revises and blends these strands into what he aptly describes as "Christian
Growth 101." Everything here is quite familiar to those schooled in an
evangelical understanding of Christian experience and theology. He strongly
emphasizes the subtle but crucial difference between disciplined Christian
growth and trying to work one's way into heaven, as well as the difference
between being saved by grace and being free to eschew holiness. Interwoven in
these explanations are accessibly articulated bits of conservative evangelical
theology and Bible exposition, as well as practical ideas for the believer who
wants to grow. Except for a brief discussion of controversy among evangelicals
about what Paul means when he says Christians have "died to sin," Bridges
steers clear of contention. He writes that his book "assumes that those who
read it want to grow. There are some people who for one reason or another
don't seem to want to grow, and that's a different story." These are perhaps
the harshest words in this gentle book; while those who do not subscribe to
Bridges's notion of Christian growth won't find much of use here, new
evangelicals, as well as believers who want a refresher course, will not be
disappointed. (Mar.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
