Conformed to the Image of Christ

""Even in the post-Christian West, people still crave transcendent spiritual experiences--but Scripture warns us not to trust every spirit. Bryan Schuler offers a compelling criterion for discerning those experiences: conformity to the image of Christ. Though all are made in God's image, sin has distorted that likeness. True spirituality involves Christlike thoughts, will, affections, and actions. This excellent book invites thoughtful engagement with the historical resources of spirituality and Christian doctrine, clarifying what it means to bear Christ's image in a world hungry for authentic encounters with God."" --Rhyne R. Putman, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Williams Baptist University ""In Conformed to the Image of Christ, Bryan Shuler draws from the heritage of Christian doctrine and spirituality to serve up practical criteria for discerning the authenticity of spiritual experiences. The need for spiritual discernment is great, and Shuler presents an intellectually rich yet accessible strategy for discriminating genuine encounters of the Triune God from counterfeits. At stake are a fulfilling and authentic Christian existence and the glory of the Image of Christ Jesus."" --Jeffrey B. Riley, Professor of Ethics, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary ""How can we know whether a sense of direction or experience is from God? In Conformed to the Image of Christ, Bryan Shuler explores the history of Christian spirituality and draws on insights from systematic theology to build his case for a Christ-centered criterion of spiritual discernment. Shuler's contribution will serve theology students well in both academic study and spiritual formation."" --Adam Harwood, Professor of Theology, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary