ConversantLife.com and ConversantLife Books would like to congratulate author Richard Dahlstrom on his debut book O2: Breathing New Life into Faith being named one of the Best Books of the Year by Publishers Weekly. In the article, Publishers Weekly describes O2 as “An original Christian voice [that] counsels spiritual balance.”
Dahlstrom, the pastor of Bethany Community Church in Seattle, is a popular teacher internationally with the Capernwray Missionary Fellowship of Torchbearers. He said O2 was written to help people develop the time-honored practices necessary for faith to thrive. “Too often our lives get so busy that we start bearing the marks of spiritual disillusionment and burnout. O2 helps you consider how to make your relationship with Christ the joyous adventure God intends.”
Regarding O2, Publishers Weekly raves, “Dahlstrom, a Seattle pastor and international speaker, is an original and welcome evangelical voice of reason who offers skeptics and Christians alike compelling advice on living out their faith, Jesus–style…In this book, he gives Christians tools to achieve spiritual balance by integrating these inwardly and outwardly focused spiritual practices. Dahlstrom’s tenderness is deeply stirring, as is his tough stance in confronting modern believers’ unwillingness to follow in Jesus’ stead by serving sacrificially, reaching forth in love, and spilling out their lives for others. Dahlstrom’s approach balances gentle compassion with fierce assessments of problems in the church today, making this an excellent guide to soul renovation.”
Similar accolades have risen from prominent authors. Brian McLaren, the author of A Generous Orthodoxy said: “O2 is unmatched in giving disciples a coherent overview of the authentic Christian life. It is wise, deep, accessible, personal, balanced and beautifully readable, too. It distills a gifted mentor’s guidance for living in the way of Jesus–appropriate for new pilgrims and veteran travelers. I know it was good for my soul.”
Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz, agrees, “In O2, Richard Dahlstrom illustrates a natural methodology for spiritual discipline that frees us from the consumer-driven, free-market paranoia so often entangling our interaction with God. As our climate grows increasingly urban, Richard points us toward the mountains from whence our help will come. In climbing into this book, I found myself meditating on how clean the air truly can be. Thank you, Richard, for reminding me to breathe.”
One of the original blogging experts for ConversantLife.com, Dahlstrom quickly became one of the most popular, as well. Titled “Raincitypastor: God Is in the Mist,” his blog follows many of the same concepts presented in O2. Current entries include “Mr. Potato-god,” “Yes We Must,” and “Negating the Fear Factor.”
Dahlstrom’s blog can be found at ConversantLife.com.
