Why Does Friendship Matter? (Questions for Restless Minds)

Praise for Why Does Friendship Matter?

Why Does Friendship Matter? is a perfect instruction manual for those of us for whom friendship is ‘a lost art’—and this includes most Americans at some point in their lives. Drawing upon scriptural exemplars of friendship as well as upon the teachings of Aristotle and Augustine, the authors provide tips for becoming a friend and for reaching out to others in ways that open the door to new and diverse friendships. At once profound and practical, this delightful little book meets a pressing need.

—Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

In a day when true, faithful friendships are increasingly difficult to find, we have a brief introductory resource to provide well-grounded perspective and practical guidance about friendship. As ‘all truth is God’s truth,’ this little book brings together insights derived from both within the biblical tradition and outside of it. If we take these insights seriously, we ourselves will become better, more solid friends and, as a result, inspire others to do the same.

—Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University; author of A Little Book for New Philosophers

This remarkable booklet helps us understand and appreciate the unique gift which God has bestowed upon us in our friends. The authors challenge us to recognize that friendship involves something far more profound than frivolous diversion, or the transient bonds of shared interest. A friend in the truest sense is a fellow sojourner who walks with us on the journey which leads finally to communion with God. This text offers wise counsel to those seeking to become more faithful stewards of the relationships God has placed in their life.

—David J. Luy, associate professor of biblical and systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Praise for the Questions for Restless Minds series

“This generation of Christians inhabit cultures that sometimes reject not only biblical revelation about reality but also the reality of reality itself. The Questions for Restless Minds series poses many of the toughest questions faced by young Christians to some of the world’s foremost Christian thinkers and leaders. Along the way, this series seeks to help the Christian next generation to learn how to think biblically when they face questions in years to come that perhaps no one yet sees coming.”

—Russell Moore, public theologian, Christianity Today

If you’re hungry to go deeper in your faith, wrestle with hard questions, and are dissatisfied with the shallow content on your social media newsfeed, you’ll really appreciate this series of thoughtful deep dives on critically important topics like faith, the Bible, friendship, sexuality, philosophy, and more. As you engage with some world-class Christian scholars, you’ll be encouraged, equipped, challenged, and above all invited to love God more with your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

—Andy Kim, multiethnic resource director, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship