The Healing of Teddy Bears, by psychotherapist and one-time Christian pastor Don L. Nickerson, calls for the creation of an imaginative faith based on inner consciousness of God, rather than one constructed around external authority, whether Papal, biblical, Islamic, or charismatic claims. Mr. Nickerson illustrates this shift to a highly individuated and creative faith from his own lengthy journey from Christian fundamentalism to mysticism. The author believes that faith, as an authentic, dynamic process, requires "innocence of heart," honesty of intention, and imagination. He is especially interested in the issues of illness, aging, and mortality, and how we shape a less public, but deeper and more personal faith from such experiences. Nickerson jokingly says, "There's something in this book to offend everybody and something that will encourage anybody.