How to Become a Saint: A Beginner's Guide

Saints are not supermen or superwomen, people with some extra spiritual oomph that the rest of us lack. The life of a saint is simply one that is fully oriented toward God, and this life is attainable for everyone. In How to Become a Saint, Jack Bernard explains that true holiness is not the special calling of a few, but the will of God for all people. In it, he offers vision, encouragement, and practical disciplines for pursuing such a life of faith. Rather than advocating just trying harder to become a better person or simply accepting an "anything goes" attitude of Christian spirituality, Bernard roots his writings in the church, encouraging disciples to pursue holiness within a community of believers instead of a "me and God" view of personal spirituality. With a pastoral heart and the wisdom that comes from persevering through many years of spiritual struggle, Jack Bernard seeks to bring hope to serious disciples that sainthood is not only possible but is God's desire and intention for all believers.

Jack Bernard was raised in the Episcopal church, became an atheist, converted to Christianity, and eventually became a missionary in Belize with his wife and children. After his return, Bernard acted as regional director of the society now known as Mission to Americas and founded Church of the Sojourners in San Francisco with his wife, Edith, and John and Judy Alexander. He died in 2002.