Synopsis "The Brightness Around Him: A Spiritual Odyssey (in English)"
During the 1950s, a seven-year-old boy from a church-going family in a Texas suburb has a night-time vision of Jesus. In the morning he tells his parents about it. They immediately call the minister, who visits that very day. Best keep it quiet, the grown-ups all agree. So Jim Strahan nurtured his experience, grew in his faith, and Christian character, but always wondered Why me? What was he supposed to do? Jim didn't go to seminary or start a TV ministry. He began a study of Scripture and church history focused on the ultimate destinies of humankind--concluding that the predominant beliefs of the day were wrong. What he saw in the pages of Scripture, and in the writings of many church fathers, convinced Jim that Jesus will at long last save every person who ever lived on earth. Part autobiography, part advocacy, The Brightness Around Him is a compelling tale of walking by faith, processing a transformative spiritual experience, and fitting in at churches that don't want to hear about your deepest-held biblical belief. In the end it's about how God's love will one day win it all. "In The Brightness Around Him, Jim Strahan writes our story like we've never experienced it before. With a clear-headed vision of the all-inclusive love of God, Jim gives us his memoirs of grace, love, and a hope that transcends hardline dogma in favor of a God of irresistible grace. I'm thankful for voices like Jim's that are helping recover a vision of a God who--finally--looks like Jesus." --Caleb Miller, Author, The Divine Reversal "Readers of The Brightness Around Him will meet a special man who will take them on a remarkable journey." --David Abney, Chief Executive Officer, UPS "Jim takes a scholarly approach to understanding the Word; is always thoughtful, thorough, and careful; and he digs into the details. . . . His story, and his willingness to share his story with us in this book, is an extraordinary example of his generosity." -- Pamela Bacon, Associate V.P. of Administration, University of Texas at San Antonio "Strahan's latest book, The Brightness Around Him, reveals the nature and character of our Christian God and His love for humanity. This book is a most informative and revealing study. It is a book well worth reading." --Leo Boyle, Sunday School Teacher, Minister of Education, Headmaster of Bethesda Christian Institute "We all experience periods in our lives of spiritual uncertainty and doubt. Many years ago, as I was going through such a period, it was James' friendship, loyalty and spiritual strength that guided me. As I read The Brightness Around Him, that spiritual strength surfaced in every page and I'm thankful to James for having bared his heart and soul recounting his spiritual journey, as well as producing a great scholarly work." --Albert Gonzalez, lifelong friend James Strahan is semi-retired from his career as an engineer with UPS. He is currently working at The University of Texas at San Antonio, which he believes keeps him young and active. He co-authored his first book Is God Fair? What About Gandhi? with Michael Riley. He has been married to Vickie for thirty-seven years. They have two grown children, and one grandson. Jim enjoys golf, fishing, UTSA football, and good wine.
