"A thoroughly comprehensive and refreshingly engaging primer on foundational Christian tenets." Publishers Weekly

"Being Christian" by Stephen Arterburn & John Shore

Contact: Brett Benson, 952-829-2529

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 23 /Christian Newswire/ -- While the spiritual beliefs of the current political candidates are being heavily scrutinized, bestselling authors Stephen Arterburn and John Shore bring an insightful, accessible, and comprehensive guide to the core truths of Christian faith.

In an easy-to-use question-and-answer format, Stephen Arterburn and John Shore address the most pressing questions and faith concerns for new and veteran believers as well as seekers and outside observers in "Being Christian" (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group).

In their review, Publishers Weekly noted how "Being Christian" can be used by a wide spectrum of people: "Arterburn and Shore further enhance their excellent guide with wit, humor and gentle pokes at the church's foibles. Whether individuals are just wondering about God or serious in their religious pursuit, this book is a valuable resource."

The authors say, "We asked a lot of people, and did a lot of thinking and praying, in order to come up with the questions about Christianity and its attending issues that we feel even the most experienced Christians sometimes want answered."

Among the nearly 100 topics and questions explored in "Being Christian" are:

-God
-the Bible
-the church
-sin
-what it means to be saved by grace
-how to discern God's voice
-how to deal with guilt
-what is a fundamentalist Christian
-what is a non-denominational church
-what should be a Christian's attitude toward nonbelievers
-why God allows suffering

and much more.

For some, "Being Christian" will be an eye-opening introduction; for others it will be a needed in-depth review. But wherever readers are along the faith continuum, they'll be sure to come away with answers, guidance, and inspiration.

Designed for use by individuals, it's also a great resource for small groups and new believers' classes.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Stephen Arterburn is founder and chairman of New Life Ministries--the nation's largest faith-based broadcast, counseling, and treatment ministry--and host of the nationally syndicated New Life Live! daily radio program. A popular speaker who regularly fills in for Rick Warren at Saddleback Church, he has been featured in the New York Times, US News & World Report, and many other media outlets. Steve founded the Women of Faith conferences and is the author of more than 70 books, including the bestselling "Toxic Faith; More Jesus, Less Religion"; "The Life Recovery Bible" and "Midlife Manual for Men." He and his family live in Laguna Beach, California.

John Shore is the author of "I'm OK--You're Not: The Message We're Sending Nonbelievers and Why We Should Stop" and "Penguins, Pain and the Whole Shebang." He is coauthor (with Richard Lederer) of "Comma Sense" and coauthor of "Midlife Manual for Men". He also blogs on Crosswalk.com. John and his wife live in San Diego.

"Being Christian: Exploring Where You, God, and Life Connect"
Hardcover 978-0-7642-0426-5 / $19.99 / 240 pp.
Audio CD 978-0-7642-0543-9 / $19.99 / abridged; read by Stephen Arterburn

Release Date: September 2008

Read an excerpt and download the cover at:
http://www.bethanyhouse.com/Book.asp?isbn=978-0-7642-0426-5

Review copies, excerpts and interviews with Stephen Arterburn are available.