Richard W Kropf

Faith: Security and Risk Richard W Kropf

Is faith a search for security? Is faith the reason for taking risks? The answer to these questions will ultimately determine the quality of our faith - whether it will be a faith that flourishes and grows or a faith that is stunted and limited.

Author Richard Kropf analyzes these faith choices with a unique approach. He combines the psycho-dynamics of Viktor Frankl, the faith analysis of Avery Dulles, and the faith stages researched by James Fowler to provide a provocative foundation for understanding our spiritual life. Kropf then takes us through each faith level and highlights the challenges and pitfalls along the way. He covers the broad range of topics from compulsive religious behavior, ''fundamentalism,'' and various "enthusiasms," to adolescent and mid-life crises of faith and the risks of trying to achieve ''sainthood.''

''Faith: Security and Risk'' is ideal for pastors, spiritual directors, and professional counselors, and is particularly designed to complement spiritual workshops and retreats. Each chapter ends with a series of questions that provide excellent stimulus for small group discussion as well as personal reflection. This book has also proved most helpful for college professors as an excellent text for their students seeking to understand their own faith struggles.