Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality Book

"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 spiritual formation. Each chapter includes meditative exercises to guide us into a greater experience of trust and spiritual transformation. God is love, and he intends for us to live in his love. Surrendering to love leads to an unexpected place, where yieldedness to God frees us to become who he created us to be. "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., author of Centering Prayer "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. If you are ready to experience deep levels of companionship and connection, then Surrender to Love is for you." Gary J. Oliver, professor of psychology and practical theology, John Brown UniversityRead More