Spiritual Fitness

About the Book

My book on Spiritual Fitness is an attempt to explain how someone can better understand the process of spiritual growth toward maturity.  I use the metaphor of physical fitness to provide a framework for the discussion.  There are nine chapters plus an introduction.  The first chapter starts with a description of the ideals or goals toward which we should strive.  The second chapter is about the place of spiritual genetics or the role of our family backgrounds on our spiritual growth.  The third chapter deals with the value of certain spiritual exercises.  The fourth chapter is about nutrition and what kind of sustenance is important to grow spiritually.  Chapter five discusses the role of good coaching and chapter six focuses on the proper equipment.  Chapter seven discusses friends and chapter eight the costs of spiritual fitness.  The final chapter attempts to integrate all of the elements into a cohesive whole.  

I am convinced that there is great potential in people who have identified themselves with Jesus Christ.  I have discovered that many in the church of Jesus Christ feel they are falling short of what God has in store for them.  Many Christians want to live an exciting and fulfilling life, but their personal experience falls somewhat short of their expectation.  Many are interested in spiritual things, but are looking in the wrong place.  God has such great things for everyone in His family.  It is a shame that so many do not experience that fulness and excitement.  

This book is designed for those who want more in their spiritual lives.  The book will have interest to those who are believers in Christ, but also for those who are seeking to learn more.  It is not enough to know that we should grow in Christ.  There must be a plan to follow that shows how this process works and what needs to be done.  Bible study groups could use this book as a guide or individuals could study it with profit.  

I am writing from a Christian perspective and from the protestant, evangelical tradition.  My background is Baptistic generally, but I have written this book for a more general Christian audience.  I think there is enough here to be of value to persons from many evangelical traditions.  The theological position of this book is conservative and based on the authoritative and inerrant word of God, the Bible.  

I am pleased to offer this book to you and trust it will be a blessing wherever it goes and to whomever reads it.

Robert J. Radcliffe

Portland, Oregon

USA

About the Author

Robert J. Radcliffe has been interested in spiritual growth and the nature of spiritual maturity most of his adult life. His responsibilities were primarily spiritual growth on several church pastoral staffs. His teaching responsibilities have centered on how people learn spiritual truths and how best to teach them. He has taught for thirteen years at Biola University (La Mirada, California) and has been at Western Seminary (Portland, Oregon) since 1989. He received his Bachelor and Master’s degrees from Wheaton College and Graduate School (IL). His Ph. D. degree in Education was earned from Claremont Graduate University (CA). He is married and has two grown children.