Becoming Whole and Holy

“In rare but true interdisciplinary fashion, Brown, Dahl, and Reuschling probe the relationship of wholeness and holiness. Drawing on their respective specialties in biblical hermeneutics, the social sciences, and ethics, the authors convincingly demonstrate with freshness and clarity that wholeness and holiness are linked, and that the path to them is a joyful but precarious journey. Becoming Whole and Holy is personally convicting, but will be a rich resource for a wide variety of disciplines in academic settings. Above all, the church needs its prophetic message.”

Dennis P. Hollinger

“Becoming Whole and Holy is a compelling integrative conversation about spiritual formation that weaves together themes from theology and the social sciences in a very helpful way. This remarkably broad and balanced book offers real wisdom about both the end of spiritual formation and the means of getting there.”

James C. Wilhoit

“This is not just a book about Christian formation. In a surprising way, it also traces the paths of becoming whole and holy as its authors model their own growth in their interactions with each other. The process of offering and receiving guidance, the sculpting of practical wisdom, and the integrative journey itself are laid bare for all to see—and to follow. Here is a conversation worth joining!”

Joel B. Green

“Becoming fully human before God and within the world cannot be a solitary pilgrimage. It should be a journey taken in community, a sharing among friends who together seek to know themselves and their Lord better and to minister more faithfully. In this book, a biblical scholar, a social scientist, and an ethicist sharpen each other’s appreciation of this need for constructive interdependence and integration. Pull up a chair and listen to this quality conversation.”

M. Daniel Carroll R.

“This book is essential reading for students, pastors, and scholars who care about the pursuit of an authentically Christian life. The authors demonstrate clearly that such an all-encompassing and complex topic as Christian formation can be illumined in fresh ways by charitable conversation between academic disciplines. Their shared passion for God, Scripture, and ministry, expressed through distinct yet complementary realms of academic expertise, shapes a rich, dialogical exploration of God’s chief purposes for human beings. The result is a splendid example of eminently practical theology that strengthens the church’s mission to make disciples.”

Jeffrey P. Greenman

“What an amazing model of interdisciplinary conversation these three scholars offer in a fresh and fertile approach to becoming whole and holy. A deep and authentic understanding emerges through their collaborative, relational, and integrative process. This multidisciplinary model, based on Trinitarian theology, demonstrates the richness of this particular kind of integration. I highly recommend this book to those who are serious about being formed in God’s image.”

Judith K. Balswick

“Becoming Whole and Holy is important not just in its content but in the unique, collaborative way in which it was composed. Three scholars who are also friends have created a new way of working at the intersections of their disciplines to offer immensely rich reflections on the process of spiritual formation. Readers will benefit both from the cutting-edge insights into human wholeness and holiness and from watching the collaboration toward this goal unfold in the pages of the book. I highly recommend this work.”

David P. Gushee