New Book by Neal F. Fisher Explores the Christian Faith

“Introduction to Christian Faith: A Deeper Way of Seeing” by Neal F. Fisher was released by the publishing ministry at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM). The book navigates seeking an intensely personal relationship with God, understanding that God is there for us even before we seek God because God loves us. 

In “Introduction to Christian Faith,” Fisher states that “God is when everything else is not” and poses the question, “What shall we do if God is not our friend?” We respond by seeing what God offers, because in so doing, we will have a deeper understanding of what is real, what is true, and what matters. “Confronting the genuine joys we experience and the agony and sorrows we endure, we reach out to connect our lives with a source of meaning, an object of devotion that will anchor our lives in something more lasting than ourselves,” Fisher wrote.  

Fisher, senior scholar in theology and president emeritus of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, serves as an elder in The United Methodist Church. He previously served as associate dean at Boston University School of Theology. Fisher is a prolific author. A sought-after preacher and speaker, his book, “The Parables of Jesus: Glimpses of God’s Reign,” is used in churches nationwide.  

“This book is ideal for introducing Christian believing to inquirers. It provides some wonderful insights and arguments for those of us who attempt to articulate the faith to new generations of disciples,” commented Will Willimon, S.T.D., professor of the practice of Christian ministry at Duke Divinity School and retired United Methodist bishop.  

“Clearly such a book could not have been written except by one whose life already has been devoted to obedient immersion in the life of faith, even when doubt assailed during difficult times. In this, Fisher brings wisdom to the rest of us who join him on the journey. Indeed, ‘Introduction to Christian Faith’ has transformational potential for the Christian struggling with questions of faith in today’s world,” said Lallene J. Rector, Ph.D., president, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Mark A. Fowler, lead pastor at First United Methodist Church in Madison, Wisconsin and affiliate faculty at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, also endorsed the book. “This book ventures into the key intersection of new paradigms in science and theology. It is right on point to where many of my congregation live. It will help to provoke critical conversations in the effort of both faith and science to seek understanding. Fisher offers a wonderful opportunity with this work!”

“Fisher makes the case that the preponderance of evidence advocates for our faith to be in the God of love who created and sustains the universe and is seen in Jesus Christ,” commented Kevin D. Newburg, Ph.D., assistant professor of the history of Christianity, The Theological School, Drew University. Sarah Heaner Lancaster, Ph.D., Werner Professor of Theology at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, added, “This book is a most welcome introduction to the faith by which Christians live. Fisher shows what faith means in a time when science is often taken to pose a threat to faith. He explains we do not have to face a choice between fact and faith when we understand that faith expresses our devotion to what is lasting.”

“Introduction to Christian Faith: A Deeper Way of Seeing” is available on Cokebury.com and Amazon.com. For more information on GBHEM Publishing, visit GBHEM.org. 

About GBHEM: As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s mission is to build capacity for United Methodist lay and clergy leaders to discover, claim and flourish in Christ’s calling in their lives, by creating connections and providing resources to aid in recruitment, education, professional development and spiritual formation. Every elder, deacon and licensed local pastor benefits from our training and candidacy programs. Many young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call in their lives through our leadership and discernment programs. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @GBHEM.