SPIRITUALITY & RELIGION

The Love That Is God: An Invitation to Christian Faith

by Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt
Eerdmans. Aug. 2020. 152p. ISBN 9780802877956. pap. $18.99. REL
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The subtitle accurately describes this book; it is, indeed, an invitation to Christian faith. Well versed in Christian literature, Roman Catholic deacon Bauerschmidt (theology, Loyola Univ., Maryland; Catholic Theology: An Introduction) offers a heartfelt introduction to his faith, directed to those who are “spiritual but not religious.” Being a Christian is difficult, the author argues, but worth it. He admits that Christians do not always project a loving face to the world, and that pondering the crucifixion of Jesus can turn people off. He wants to emphasize the attractive elements that might draw someone to Christian belief. Using the phrase from 1 John, “God is love” as his starting point, Bauerschmidt moves from this idea to the love shown by Jesus to the Christian community of love.
VERDICT This prolonged meditation on the God of love, written in a decidedly unpolemical manner, will appeal to those who have been hesitant to embrace Christianity because they misunderstand the role of the cross, as well as to those who are interested in hearing about the joy of being a Christian as explained by one whose life is dedicated to proclaiming the message of the God of love.
Reviewed by Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ , Jun 05, 2020
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