"Paul J. Wadell is among the most thoughtful and respected interpreters of Christian friendship. This work, like all his previous writing on the subject, is extraodinary for its insight, depth, and creativity."--Stephen G. Post, Case Western Reserve University"Paul Wadell's Becoming Friends is a work of grace and skill that gently invites us into friendship with God and one another. As he invites us, Wadell also quietly guides us, showing us the virtues and practices we will need if we are to be good friends. Most profoundly, with care and humility, Wadell explores the connection between worship and friendship lying at the very heart of the church. For Christians in all walks, Becoming Friends will provide great help, both in naming what is already rich and good in their lives and churches, and in drawing them nearer in friendship to God and each other.
"--Charles R. Pinches, University of Scranton "What a wonderful gift Paul Wadell has given us. In these pages, he enriches our imaginations by showing us both the gift that friendship is and the potentially transformative channel of God's grace that it might become if we were but freed from our culture's superficial and warped views of friendship. Filled with evocative examples and written with Wadell's remarkable blend of eloquence and humility, this is the kind of book that readers will return to again and again."--Philip D. Kenneson, Author of Life on the Vine>"Wadell transforms "friendship," a word we use so frequently, often in superficial ways, into a powerful, spiritual force. For Wadell, friendship at its depth must be expressed in forgiveness and social commitment. A compelling book that is masterful both in language and content.
"--John T. Pawlikowski, O.S.M, Ph.D., Catholic Theological Union"The usefulness of Becoming Friends extends beyond the classroom. The congregational or parish pastor will be richly rewarded for spending time with this book. The style is accessible, but the content continually challenges us to think creatively about church life.
"--Joseph J. Kotva Jr. is the pastor of First Mennonite Church, Allentown PA"Friendliness is not just next to Godliness; it is Godliness. When friendship is properly practiced, it in large part describes God's relationship to the world and certainly our relationships with each other. Wadell traces the threads of Aquinas's careful treatment of the theme and weaves in his own insights. The result is a well-written, well-argued, as well as warm and friendly book on a topic that most North Americans only think they understand."--Frederick W. Norris, Emmanuel School of Religion"This book, like a true friend, challenges us toward a deeper love for all that is good.
Gentle, yet simultaneously powerful, the book embodies the virtues it commends. Paul Wadell's writing and insights make us yearn for richer expressions of friendship with God and others even as he helps us to cherish what we already have. While theologically and morally substantive, this exploration of Christian friendship is also wonderfully practical and accessible."--Christine D. Pohl, author ofMaking Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition.