Love Your God with All Your Mind

Often Christians are accused of not engaging their brains, unfortunately this criticism is often deserved. J.P. Moreland does an excellent job of showing the reader how to develop his Christian Mind. If you are an intellectual wannabe and have read James W. Sire's book 'Habits of the Mind', you'll also want to read this book which was written three years prior to Sire's book. I would suggest reading them both as they both compliment each other well. Moreland takes 10 chapters divided into four sections to develop the concept of the mature Christian mind, a mind that loves God to the utmost. One special chapter of interest covers logic, a discipline that is lost on all but a few Christians, but crucial for developing a reasoned apologetic. In Section Three (chapters six through nine), Moreland describes how the Christian intellect is relevant in evangelism, apologetic reasoning, and worship within the church. I also enjoyed the final chapter which covers a plan for developing the Christian intellect within our churches.I highly recommend this book and give it an 11 on a scale of 12. As I suggested previously I would also read Sire's book shortly before or after reading Moreland, depending on which you read first. Let us continually strive for the Mind of Christ!Semper fi & agape--Ed D.

Have you ever wished that the church wasn't looked down upon in intellectual circles, and that when the average person thought of trustworthy sources for ideas and wise men/women that it was Christians who would first come to mind? I have, and so has J.P. Moreland. In LOVE YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR MIND, Moreland writes a groundbreaking book, presenting a strong case for the role of the rational mind in the Christian life. He gives background on how the church has strayed from incorporating our intellect into our worship and faith and even our work, and then demonstrates how this needs to change, and why that need is so urgent. He outlines how to develop the Christian mind and shows how reason and faith can and should work hand in hand. And he closes by giving his vision of what the church, incorporating these principles, might look like. This is a fantastic book that is prophetic in its urgancy. Moreland's writing is utterly appealing to the rational and even skeptical mind, but the message here is for the layperson as well as the academic. It should be required reading at every Christian college and seminary, and the church would do well to give its message attention at the pulpit and in Sunday School's. Five Stars.

One of the primary reasons we are now living in a post-Christian world is because the vast majority of 20th century Christians cared little or nothing about intellectually interacting with non-Christians. Hence, we have our modern stereotype of the ignorant, fundamentalist Christian who knows little about science, history, philosophy, or anything else related to academics. Unfortunately, this label is often deserved.Thankfully, we have a new wave of Christian thinkers like J.P. Moreland who can intelligently interact with non-Christians in an attempt to demonstrate the truthfulness of Christianity. This book will go a long way toward equipping Christians to reverse the trend of anti-intellectualism in the 21st century. Moreland explains why the mind really matters. God gave us brains for us to learn more about him and the world he created. Like a body that is out of shape from lack of exercise, so the mind weakens without use. We can strengthen our minds in order to make a difference in the world around us. Moreland argues persuasively that Christians can not truly make a difference in the world unless they are able to articulate their Christian worldview. If you are worried that you're not a "smart" Christian, don't be concerned. With tools like this book, you can use the mind that God gave you to better understand him and to more effectively communicate your beliefs to those around you.

J.P. Moreland, eminent apologist and Christian philosopher, has done it again. This book is awesome. Moreland begins with an historical account of why he thinks Christianity took a turn for the worst and moved into a state of anti-intellectualism. He then, in chapter one, two and three, discusses in detail how the Christian can gain back intellectual prowess. In part two of the book, Moreland proceeds to instruct the Christian into correct thinking via logic, philosophy, and correct theology. Part three consists of apologetics and its place in Christianity as well as developing a sound Christian world view and perspective. Part four takes what has been covered up to this point and incorporates it into an admonishment of sorts to "recapture the intellect in the Churches." Moreland has also included an Appendix (1) that lists many of the Christian organizations and ministries that focus on apologetics, philosophy, and other intellectual pursuits. Moreover, Moreland includes, in appendix (2)that consists of a list of required reading in various fields of study from politics to philosophy to apologetics to physics, etc. This book is wonderfully written and unfortunately pin point accurate. Thus, it should be read by every Christian in all areas of life.

"How is is possible for a person to be an active member of an evangelical church for twenty or thirty years and still know next to nothing about the history and theology of the Christian religion, the methods and tools required for serious Bible study, and the skills and information necessary to preach and defend Christianity in a post-Christian, neopagan culture?"This question captures the essense of this readable and profound book. In it J. P. Moreland explores the intellectual life of the Church; the history of intellectualism (or lack thereof) in the Church; and the scriptural basis for why it's important for Christians to develop healthy, active, critical-thinking minds. And he offers some challenging and intriguing ideas for renewing the intellectual life of the Church (No senior pastors!!??).As an active member of an evangelical church for close to twenty years who has much to learn about the history and theology of the Christian religion, J. P. Moreland's book has challenged me to spend more time studying God's Word and mastering the evidences for my faith so that I can be a more effective witness for Jesus Christ. This book has encouraged me to love God with all my mind (Mark 12:30).This is an important, convicting, and helpful book for any Christian who sincerely desires to grow in their relationship with our Lord and Savior.