Becoming Friends: Worship, Justice, and the Practice of Christian Friendship

by Paul J. Wadell

How do Christians understand friendship and intimacy? How does worship form Christians into a community of the friends of God? What virtues does God call us to incorporate into our lives? In Becoming Friends , Paul Wadell explores the connections between worship, justice, friendship, and the life we are called to live.

This engaging and accessible book offers a fresh viewpoint from which to explore the nature of Christian friendship. Such friendship, Wadell contends, is more than a bonding of people with similar interests, a "ritual of hopeless consolation." True Christian friendship summons us to love all of our neighbors. Wadell examines obstacles to and characteristics of true friendship and, drawing from the works of Augustine, Aelred of Rievaulx, and other Christian exemplars, contends that we are called to serve God through friendship and that this calling requires us to cultivate certain virtues--especially hope, justice, and forgiveness.

Becoming Friends offers a provocative look into the nature and importance of true Christian friendship. Anyone looking to reflect on the indispensable role of good friendships in the Christian life will find this a hopeful and encouraging book.

Genres: Theology, Christian Living, Friendship, Faith, Spirituality

186 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendships are fundamental to who we are and Christians have long contemplated friendship. Paul J. Wadell has written extensively on friendship over the years and 'Becoming Friends: Worship, Justice, and the Practice of Christian Friendship' offers readers insightful meditations on the topic. Wadell mines the Christian tradition (Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Aelred of Rievaulx) and draws upon their teachings. This book doesn't have as many "practical tips" for being friends but Wadell's discussions of intimacy, attachment, and reciprocity are wise and winsome.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was an interesting read and I found myself really engaged with it. Becoming Friends is insightful and challenging, discussing the importance friendship has in our lives and why it is invaluable in our Christian walk. Wadell brings in some older theologians, most notably Augustine and Aelred of Rievaulx, to shed some light on the place that friends impact our spirituality, and he shares many ways that true spiritual friendship enriches our lives and helps activate our purpose and calling. I enjoyed Wadell’s discussion of friendship and its reciprocal relationship with many areas of our lives, including worship, forgiveness, and justice. Despite the book being somewhat dense and occasionally using some technical religious jargon, Wadell does a great job of showing why intimacy and friendship matters and making me care about improving this area of my life.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful. Analysis of prodigal son at end of book especially good.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful and Thought Provoking

Each chapter pointed me toward loving God as He lives us...Wonderful read for all who are seeking to follow Jesus!

[Sean-david · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a refreshing read with some important biblical concepts. I really appreciated Wadell’s summary of Augustine’s understanding of friendships (which are quite important). Lots of excellent and valuable quotes in here. I would have liked to have seen more scripture references to support some of his ideas, but a worthwhile read in considering the call to friendship in Christ. "Created for intimacy, our restless, searching hearts will not know peace until we learn what real intimacy is and what kind of life makes it possible" (94)

[Karen]

I am enjoying this book, practically underlining on every page! Such a great theory that when we befriend others we are showing our true friendship with God.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with my church small group. Great stuff--a few theological points I felt myself disagreeing with--but otherwise it provided a lot of room for discussion and personal insight.