Imagine a rope braided out of seven strands of twine, forming a circle so that even the ends of the rope are woven together. That is an image of human wholeness. This book proposes seven aspects to human wholeness: intellectual, psychological, emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual, and aesthetic. After examining each of these aspects, this work presents a spirituality of relationship. It also explores how human wholeness is a basis for relationship. Two people relating to each other out of each person's wholeness provide the occasion for an experience of the divine. All relationships begin with some connectivity to an aspect of human wholeness. As both parties enter more deeply into their relationship, more connectivity is achieved. By reflecting on the experiences of one's life in dialogue with a trusted friend, a person discovers the freedom to be who he or she is in the presence of the other and receives back the gift he or she offers to the other in total freedom. This transcendent aspect of a relationship can enable friends to discover God in each other, as each other. Jesus serves as a model for human relating; in him all aspects are woven together into a whole human being. ""I have always found Boyer's books honest, straightforward, and rooted in Scripture, and this book does not disappoint. As the Introduction says, the book presumes that the reader already has a ""favored companion on the journey,"" but even if the reader does not have such a friend, this book will help guide them to find wholeness and transcendence in their friendships."" --Vernon J. Meyer, Pastor of Sun Lakes United Church of Christ ""Boyer and Ver Miller offer captivating insights into the possibilities of becoming a fully human person through the gift of friendship, viewed from a multiplicity of vantage points. Using the ancient concept of the alter ego, they invite friends to reflect the divine in human terms, with Jesus as the ultimate paradigm. The authors suggest several practical steps in the process of achieving human wholeness, all the while providing intuitive insights into Scripture."" --Pauline Nugent, Professor of Classics and Biblical Hebrew, Missouri State University Mark G. Boyer is an editor, author, priest, and college instructor. He has been writing books on biblical spirituality for thirty years. As an editor, he won over twenty journalism awards; as an author, he has penned forty volumes; as a priest, he has served as pastor--even founding a new parish--and as a mission director; as college instructor, he has taught courses in Bible and film at Missouri State University, Springfield, for almost thirty years. This is his fourth Wipf and Stock title. Matthew S. Ver Miller is a doctor of psychology, licensed psychologist, and board certified coach who practices in Lakewood, CO. He specializes in life and relationship coaching and personal and relational counseling from a wholistic perspective. He integrates spirituality, faith, prayer, and a Christian worldview into his work. He is married to his special friend and wife, Janna, and together they have three wonderful sons, Jazer, Josiah, and Trevor.
