In Search of a Confident Faith: Overcoming Barriers to Trusting in God, By J. P. Moreland and Klaus Issler

In Search of a Confident Faith

Overcoming Barriers to Trusting in God

by J. P. Moreland and Klaus Issler

In Search of a Confident Faith
paperback
  • Length: 230 pages
  • Published: July 30, 2008
  • Imprint: IVP
  • Item Code: 3428
  • ISBN: 9780830834280

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Many obstacles can get in the way of having a healthy Christian faith.

Some of those obstacles are intellectual, but there are emotional, relational and experiential ones as well. Even theological problems can get in the way when the very nature of faith itself is misunderstood. J. P. Moreland and Klaus Issler team up in this book to clear away the barriers to faith by helping you gain a clear grasp of what faith is, identifying the various obstacles to it and providing guidance for growing in your trust in God through Jesus Christ.

"Faith has an expansive horizon. It is not merely about believing the right things. Instead, it inhabits every dimension of our personhood--how we think, how we behave, how we deal with our emotions and how we relate to others. We owe Moreland and Issler a great debt of gratitude for expanding the faith horizon in a way that will encourage many to actively grow their faith, their confidence in God."

David Neff, editor-in-chief, Christianity Today

"Moreland and Issler demonstrate how critical thinking and heartfelt religion go hand in hand, while encouraging God-confidence in the lives of Christians. Drawing upon their personal experiences as well as a lifetime of commitment to higher education, the authors model a spiritual balance too often neglected in understanding the dynamic relationship between Christian faith, hope and love."

Don Thorsen, professor of theology and chair of advanced studies, Haggard Graduate School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University

"In Search of a Confident Faith is a delightful exploration of developing one's trust in an ever-faithful God. Moreland and Issler offer candid glimpses into their personal faith walk and their struggle to find balance between 'head' faith and 'heart' faith. This book provides an important contribution toward understanding the development of personal confident faith in those traditions that tend to dichotomize head and heart in all religious matters, giving permission to both traditions to embrace the other. In addition to an eloquent articulation of faith which integrates intellect and affection, Issler and Moreland offer the reader practical suggestions for personal growth in God-confidence. A must-read for all those concerned with Christian spiritual formation!"

Lisa Milligan Long, assistant professor of Christian formation, Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee

"The volume is an invitation from Father God for his beloved children to live by faith, which the authors clarify through the term God-confidence. J. P. Moreland and Klaus Issler, not only as distinguished scholars but also as 'credible witnesses' of God's supernatural activities among us, present a well-balanced treatment in guiding believers to grow in God-confidence through changes in their beliefs and daily practices."

Linda Pyun, associate dean for academic affairs, The King's College, Los Angeles

"Many books focus on either intellectual or emotional barriers to faith. What makes this one unique is the profound way it combines both. In addition to identifying and helping us remove barriers, it also includes many practical, positive strategies for building our God-confidence. As I read it, I found myself not only being informed, but also being inspired. Often I found myself praying, 'Lord, increase my faith.' I am confident you will too."

Stephen A. Seamands, professor of Christian doctrine, Asbury Theological Seminary

"We live in a world dominated by a kind of practical atheism. Some of us may vaguely believe in God or even trust Christ as our Savior, but still think and act as if God was not really present. We need a robust faith that sees beyond the moment and brings forth lives lived in the conscious presence of a God who is engaged with the world. J. P. Moreland and Klaus Issler call this God-confidence. Their counsel on how to move toward such a faith is biblically based, theologically and philosophically sound, and experientially confirmed. This is a book to grow on."

James W. Sire, author of The Universe Next Door and coauthor with Carl Peraino of Deepest Differences: A Christian-Atheist Dialogue

"Rich in story, here is a work that creatively unfolds the heart of faith as confidence in God, with helpful implications for matters of doubt, prayer and guidance."

Bruce Demarest, professor of theology and spiritual formation, Denver Seminary, Denver, Colorado

"This book is warmly personal, readable, engaging and edifying, and will challenge readers spiritually as well as intellectually. The insights and testimonies deeply encouraged my own faith, provoking me to remember in a new way God's acts of kindness in my own life."

Craig Keener, professor of New Testament, Palmer Theological Seminary

"Moreland and Issler show how and why ancient theologians spoke of three elements of faith: notitia (knowledge, doctrinal understanding), assensus (confidence that Christianity is true), and fiducia (commitment which involves living a life that reflects the truth)."

Marvin Olasky, World Magazine, March 13, 2010

"In Search of a Confident Faith is an excellent book. It patiently defines terms; supports its arguments through Scripture and reason; is richly illustrated with salient personal testimony; and provides wise advice for believers. I recommend this book to any Christian interested in strengthening his faith, but especially to high school grads, college and graduate school students, and pastors."

George Wood, AG Think Tank (agthinktank.com), December 2008

"This is no light treatment but a balanced look at 'God-confidence,' as the authors replace the slandered word 'faith.' It made me examine facets of faith I had not studied before. I was challenged by this book, and I like where God is leading me through it."

George Henson, Baptist Standard, December 15, 2008
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CONTENTS

Preface
Acknowledgements

Part 1: FACING CHALLENGES TO OUR FAITH IN GOD
Chapter 1: What Faith Is and What It Isn?t
Chapter 2: Dealing with Doubts: Distractions of the Head
Chapter 3: Dealing with the Past: Distractions of the Heart

Part 2: EXPANDING EXPECTATIONS FOR OUR FAITH IN GOD
Chapter 4: Making Sense of Jesus? Incredible Promises
Chapter 5: Stories of God?s Activity that can Expand our Expectations
Chapter 6: Learning to Trust in God for Guidance About Life?s Decisions

Endnotes
Index

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J. P. Moreland

J. P. Moreland (PhD, University of Southern California) is distinguished professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. His many books include The God Conversation, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, In Search of a Confident Faith, and Love Your God With All Your Mind.

Klaus Issler

Klaus Issler (PhD, Michigan State) is professor of Christian education and theology in the Ph.D. program in educational studies at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California.