90 books in 90 days -- growing in the life of faith

In Growing in the Life of Faith, Craig Dykstra examines the traditions and methods that help Christians explore their relationship with God and strengthen their faith.  Dykstra grabs the reader’s attention with the first chapter 'The Hunger for Daily Bread," recognizing America's "cultural moral ambiguity" (p. 1) and how unsure we are of not only our faith practices during difficult times, but how our society grapples with the concept of right and wrong.  In addition, Dykstra admits that we are no longer "scripturally literate" (p. 6), meaning that people who claim to be Christians are less religious now than in the past.  By addressing America'S struggles with religiosity, Dykstra gains immediate credibility with an audience of clergy, Catholic educators, and Christians attempting to establish a personal connection to God.

Throughout, Dykstra explores all of the ways in which we are a society of those personally self-obsessed, making a faith-filled congregation a rarity.   Yet it's this self-obsession that ends in self-destruction.  In such an age, people are searching for something more.  This "more", Dykstra says, can be found in the fullness of Christian faith, a mutually-shared and distinctive way of living together. 

Dykstra makes the point that our culture is not one that suits a Christian lifestyle, so Christians must practice their faith and thirst for a better understanding of our discipleship with Christ.  With realistic views on society, Dykstra proves in theory that the practice of our faith is feasible in the 21st century.  The point is well taken that even though there are mysteries within our great faith, it is up to the faith-filled congregation to satisfy our spiritual needs and evangelize not only through words, but through communal practice as well.