Looking for God: A Search for the Joy and Hope of the Nativity

This simplistic program for spiritual growth from novelist VanLiere (The Christmas Shoes) aims to help believers “knock on God’s door and know His real love in an unreal world.” Each chapter explores an aspect of God’s character, including his role as a father—rather than a king—who provides “tender love and care” to his flawed children; his sympathy for believers’ earthly suffering; and the direct expression of his wisdom in the Bible, which believers must accept as the word of God to deepen their faith and recognize the gospel’s “good news” in the world. VanLiere’s reassurances may hearten believers seeking a quick hit of religious encouragement, but its benefits are outweighed by repetition, faulty logic, and simplistic comparisons, including reductive efforts to prove Christ’s inherent superiority to gods of other faiths. Only VanLiere’s most devoted fans need apply. (Feb.)