Christianity for the Rest of Us

Christianity for the Rest of Us

Author: Diana Butler Bass

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: 2009-10-13

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 0061741280

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For decades the accepted wisdom has been that America's mainline Protestant churches are in decline, eclipsed by evangelical mega-churches. Church and religion expert Diana Butler Bass wondered if this was true, and this book is the result of her extensive, three-year study of centrist and progressive churches across the country. Her surprising findings reveal just the opposite—that many of the churches are flourishing, and they are doing so without resorting to mimicking the mega-church, evangelical style. Christianity for the Rest of Us describes this phenomenon and offers a how-to approach for Protestants eager to remain faithful to their tradition while becoming a vital spiritual community. As Butler Bass delved into the rich spiritual life of various Episcopal, United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, and Lutheran churches, certain consistent practices—such as hospitality, contemplation, diversity, justice, discernment, and worship—emerged as core expressions of congregations seeking to rediscover authentic Christian faith and witness today. This hopeful book, which includes a study guide for groups and individuals, reveals the practical steps that leaders and laypeople alike are taking to proclaim an alternative message about an emerging Christianity that strives for greater spiritual depth and proactively engages the needs of the world.


Book Synopsis Christianity for the Rest of Us by : Diana Butler Bass

Download or read book Christianity for the Rest of Us written by Diana Butler Bass and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2009-10-13 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For decades the accepted wisdom has been that America's mainline Protestant churches are in decline, eclipsed by evangelical mega-churches. Church and religion expert Diana Butler Bass wondered if this was true, and this book is the result of her extensive, three-year study of centrist and progressive churches across the country. Her surprising findings reveal just the opposite—that many of the churches are flourishing, and they are doing so without resorting to mimicking the mega-church, evangelical style. Christianity for the Rest of Us describes this phenomenon and offers a how-to approach for Protestants eager to remain faithful to their tradition while becoming a vital spiritual community. As Butler Bass delved into the rich spiritual life of various Episcopal, United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, and Lutheran churches, certain consistent practices—such as hospitality, contemplation, diversity, justice, discernment, and worship—emerged as core expressions of congregations seeking to rediscover authentic Christian faith and witness today. This hopeful book, which includes a study guide for groups and individuals, reveals the practical steps that leaders and laypeople alike are taking to proclaim an alternative message about an emerging Christianity that strives for greater spiritual depth and proactively engages the needs of the world.

Christianity After Religion

Christianity After Religion

Author: Diana Butler Bass

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: 2012-03-13

Total Pages: 285

ISBN-13: 0062098284

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Diana Butler Bass, one of contemporary Christianity’s leading trend-spotters, exposes how the failings of the church today are giving rise to a new “spiritual but not religious” movement. Using evidence from the latest national polls and from her own cutting-edge research, Bass, the visionary author of A People’s History of Christianity, continues the conversation began in books like Brian D. McLaren’s A New Kind of Christianity and Harvey Cox’s The Future of Faith, examining the connections—and the divisions—between theology, practice, and community that Christians experience today. Bass’s clearly worded, powerful, and probing Christianity After Religion is required reading for anyone invested in the future of Christianity.


Book Synopsis Christianity After Religion by : Diana Butler Bass

Download or read book Christianity After Religion written by Diana Butler Bass and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2012-03-13 with total page 285 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Diana Butler Bass, one of contemporary Christianity’s leading trend-spotters, exposes how the failings of the church today are giving rise to a new “spiritual but not religious” movement. Using evidence from the latest national polls and from her own cutting-edge research, Bass, the visionary author of A People’s History of Christianity, continues the conversation began in books like Brian D. McLaren’s A New Kind of Christianity and Harvey Cox’s The Future of Faith, examining the connections—and the divisions—between theology, practice, and community that Christians experience today. Bass’s clearly worded, powerful, and probing Christianity After Religion is required reading for anyone invested in the future of Christianity.

Taking America Back for God

Taking America Back for God

Author: Andrew L. Whitehead

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 0190057882

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Why do white Protestants in America embrace a president who seems to violate their basic standards of morality? The answer, Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry argue, is "Christian nationalism," the belief that the United States is -- and should be -- a Christian nation. Knowing someone's stance on Christian nationalism, this book shows, tells us more about his or her political beliefs than race, religion, or political party. Drawing on national survey data and interviews with Americans across the political spectrum, Taking America Back for God illustrates the tremendous influence of Christian nationalism on debates about the most contentious issues dominating American public life.


Book Synopsis Taking America Back for God by : Andrew L. Whitehead

Download or read book Taking America Back for God written by Andrew L. Whitehead and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2020 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Why do white Protestants in America embrace a president who seems to violate their basic standards of morality? The answer, Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry argue, is "Christian nationalism," the belief that the United States is -- and should be -- a Christian nation. Knowing someone's stance on Christian nationalism, this book shows, tells us more about his or her political beliefs than race, religion, or political party. Drawing on national survey data and interviews with Americans across the political spectrum, Taking America Back for God illustrates the tremendous influence of Christian nationalism on debates about the most contentious issues dominating American public life.

The Last Christian

The Last Christian

Author: David Gregory

Publisher: WaterBrook

Published: 2010-05-04

Total Pages: 418

ISBN-13: 0307459063

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In the future, it’s possible to live forever—but at what cost? A.D. 2088. Christian missionary Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. A curious message from her grandfather leads Abby to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether. As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity. In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.


Book Synopsis The Last Christian by : David Gregory

Download or read book The Last Christian written by David Gregory and published by WaterBrook. This book was released on 2010-05-04 with total page 418 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the future, it’s possible to live forever—but at what cost? A.D. 2088. Christian missionary Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. A curious message from her grandfather leads Abby to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether. As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity. In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.

A People's History of Christianity

A People's History of Christianity

Author: Diana Butler Bass

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: 2009-03-03

Total Pages: 374

ISBN-13: 0061448702

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For too long, the history of Christianity has been told as the triumph of orthodox doctrine imposed through power and hierarchy. In A People's History of Christianity, historian and religion expert Diana Butler Bass reveals an alternate history that includes a deep social ethic and far-reaching inclusivity: "the other side of the story" is not a modern phenomenon, but has always been practiced within the church. Butler Bass persuasively argues that corrective—even subversive—beliefs and practices have always been hallmarks of Christianity and are necessary to nourish communities of faith. In the same spirit as Howard Zinn's groundbreaking work The People's History of the United States, Butler Bass's A People's History of Christianity brings to life the movements, personalities, and spiritual disciplines that have always informed and ignited Christian worship and social activism. A People's History of Christianity authenticates the vital, emerging Christian movements of our time, providing the historical evidence that celebrates these movements as thoroughly Christian and faithful to the mission and message of Jesus.


Book Synopsis A People's History of Christianity by : Diana Butler Bass

Download or read book A People's History of Christianity written by Diana Butler Bass and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2009-03-03 with total page 374 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For too long, the history of Christianity has been told as the triumph of orthodox doctrine imposed through power and hierarchy. In A People's History of Christianity, historian and religion expert Diana Butler Bass reveals an alternate history that includes a deep social ethic and far-reaching inclusivity: "the other side of the story" is not a modern phenomenon, but has always been practiced within the church. Butler Bass persuasively argues that corrective—even subversive—beliefs and practices have always been hallmarks of Christianity and are necessary to nourish communities of faith. In the same spirit as Howard Zinn's groundbreaking work The People's History of the United States, Butler Bass's A People's History of Christianity brings to life the movements, personalities, and spiritual disciplines that have always informed and ignited Christian worship and social activism. A People's History of Christianity authenticates the vital, emerging Christian movements of our time, providing the historical evidence that celebrates these movements as thoroughly Christian and faithful to the mission and message of Jesus.

Freeing Jesus

Freeing Jesus

Author: Diana Butler Bass

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 2021-03-30

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 0062659561

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The award-winning author of Grateful goes beyond the culture wars to offer a refreshing take on the comprehensive, multi-faceted nature of Jesus, keeping his teachings relevant and alive in our daily lives. How can you still be a Christian? This is the most common question Diana Butler Bass is asked today. It is a question that many believers ponder as they wrestle with disappointment and disillusionment in their church and its leadership. But while many Christians have left their churches, they cannot leave their faith behind. In Freeing Jesus, Bass challenges the idea that Jesus can only be understood in static, one-dimensional ways and asks us to instead consider a life where Jesus grows with us and helps us through life’s challenges in several capacities: as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence. Freeing Jesus is an invitation to leave the religious wars behind and rediscover Jesus in all his many manifestations, to experience Jesus beyond the narrow confines we have built around him. It renews our hope in faith and worship at a time when we need it most.


Book Synopsis Freeing Jesus by : Diana Butler Bass

Download or read book Freeing Jesus written by Diana Butler Bass and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2021-03-30 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The award-winning author of Grateful goes beyond the culture wars to offer a refreshing take on the comprehensive, multi-faceted nature of Jesus, keeping his teachings relevant and alive in our daily lives. How can you still be a Christian? This is the most common question Diana Butler Bass is asked today. It is a question that many believers ponder as they wrestle with disappointment and disillusionment in their church and its leadership. But while many Christians have left their churches, they cannot leave their faith behind. In Freeing Jesus, Bass challenges the idea that Jesus can only be understood in static, one-dimensional ways and asks us to instead consider a life where Jesus grows with us and helps us through life’s challenges in several capacities: as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence. Freeing Jesus is an invitation to leave the religious wars behind and rediscover Jesus in all his many manifestations, to experience Jesus beyond the narrow confines we have built around him. It renews our hope in faith and worship at a time when we need it most.

Rebel

Rebel

Author: Annette Hyslop

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2017-04-11

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13: 9781544852652

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If you go to church just to be seen there, you're going for the wrong reason. God cares little for appearances; if you don't feel moved by sermons, hymns, and stained glass, then maybe you shouldn't be at church. In Rebel: Christianity for the Rest of Us, Annette Hyslop focuses on what truly makes a Christian. Funnily enough, it has little to do with church attendance. Rather, it's about a personal connection with the faith and with God. You may not develop this connection in a man-made church; instead, you might feel God in nature or within the warmth of your family home. Instead of feeling guilty about skipping church, Annette Hyslop suggests that you find your own creative ways to worship. She supports her view with lines from scripture and draws lessons from the nature-loving Celtic Christians. There is no hierarchy among believers: either you're a Christian or you aren't. Though attending church is helpful and important for many Christians, others find spiritual fulfillment elsewhere. This book encourages you to worship God however you want. In short, be a rebel.


Book Synopsis Rebel by : Annette Hyslop

Download or read book Rebel written by Annette Hyslop and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-04-11 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: If you go to church just to be seen there, you're going for the wrong reason. God cares little for appearances; if you don't feel moved by sermons, hymns, and stained glass, then maybe you shouldn't be at church. In Rebel: Christianity for the Rest of Us, Annette Hyslop focuses on what truly makes a Christian. Funnily enough, it has little to do with church attendance. Rather, it's about a personal connection with the faith and with God. You may not develop this connection in a man-made church; instead, you might feel God in nature or within the warmth of your family home. Instead of feeling guilty about skipping church, Annette Hyslop suggests that you find your own creative ways to worship. She supports her view with lines from scripture and draws lessons from the nature-loving Celtic Christians. There is no hierarchy among believers: either you're a Christian or you aren't. Though attending church is helpful and important for many Christians, others find spiritual fulfillment elsewhere. This book encourages you to worship God however you want. In short, be a rebel.

At Home in the World

At Home in the World

Author: Margaret Guenther

Publisher: Church Publishing, Inc.

Published: 2006-04

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 1596270268

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A thoughtful, real-world interpretation of the Rule of St. Benedict to guide us into a more balanced life. From informal versions of the Rule of St. Benedict to Twelve-Step groups and Weight Watchers, the basic human need for guidance and structure in the quest for wholeness is palpable and real. Out of her long experience as a spiritual director, mentor, and teacher, Margaret Guenther offers a warm and sensible guide for “the rest of us”—singles, couples, parents, extended families, members of churches—to create a helpful and balanced rule of life to help us in our search for faith. She explores ancient and contemporary meanings for the classic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, along with the distinctively Benedictine ethos of stability and conversion, pointing out the pitfalls of each. A series of short essays follows on the different elements of a rule of life—such as authority, money, pleasure, stinginess, friends, enemies, and living through hard times. The final chapter gives practical ideas for crafting a rule of life that encourages each of us to grow, stretch, and flourish.


Book Synopsis At Home in the World by : Margaret Guenther

Download or read book At Home in the World written by Margaret Guenther and published by Church Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2006-04 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A thoughtful, real-world interpretation of the Rule of St. Benedict to guide us into a more balanced life. From informal versions of the Rule of St. Benedict to Twelve-Step groups and Weight Watchers, the basic human need for guidance and structure in the quest for wholeness is palpable and real. Out of her long experience as a spiritual director, mentor, and teacher, Margaret Guenther offers a warm and sensible guide for “the rest of us”—singles, couples, parents, extended families, members of churches—to create a helpful and balanced rule of life to help us in our search for faith. She explores ancient and contemporary meanings for the classic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, along with the distinctively Benedictine ethos of stability and conversion, pointing out the pitfalls of each. A series of short essays follows on the different elements of a rule of life—such as authority, money, pleasure, stinginess, friends, enemies, and living through hard times. The final chapter gives practical ideas for crafting a rule of life that encourages each of us to grow, stretch, and flourish.

God's Love for the Rest of Us

God's Love for the Rest of Us

Author: Vince Antonucci

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 81

ISBN-13: 1496410580

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The world is filled with the walking dead. They're not fully dead. They're kind of alive—walking, talking, and drinking coffee. But their hearts have become deadened. Their souls are dry, yearning to be sparked alive by God's love. Many of us are like this: sleepwalking through life, inadvertently missing hidden invitations from God in our daily lives. God wants to love each of us back to life. The question is: Will you let Him?


Book Synopsis God's Love for the Rest of Us by : Vince Antonucci

Download or read book God's Love for the Rest of Us written by Vince Antonucci and published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. This book was released on 2015 with total page 81 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The world is filled with the walking dead. They're not fully dead. They're kind of alive—walking, talking, and drinking coffee. But their hearts have become deadened. Their souls are dry, yearning to be sparked alive by God's love. Many of us are like this: sleepwalking through life, inadvertently missing hidden invitations from God in our daily lives. God wants to love each of us back to life. The question is: Will you let Him?

Simple Theology: Theology for the Rest of Us

Simple Theology: Theology for the Rest of Us

Author: Clay A. Kahler

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2002-02-11

Total Pages: 209

ISBN-13: 1579108873

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Clay A. Kahler is the founder of "Sharing the Word Ministries," which includes the radio program "Sharing the Word," heard in Ray County Missouri. He is the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Orrick, Missouri. Clay is the author of Simple Theology: Theology for the Rest of Us and Against Protestant Popes. He has written for Preaching Magazine Christianity Today and To His Glory. Clay served on the faculty of the Southwest College of Biblical Studies in Pine Valley, California, and as an adjunct faculty member at the Southern California Bible College & Seminary. He now teaches Bible and Theology at Carver Baptist Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to entering the ministry, Pastor Kahler served in the United States Army, including service during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Following his service in the Army, he began a career in Law Enforcement. He worked for 4 years with Village West Police as a Patrolman and as a trainer. He was recruited away from the Department and into corrections and became the Director of Training and CERT Team Commander in a Federal Prison in San Diego, California. Clay has earned his Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Religious Studies and a Master of Arts Degree from Southern California Bible College & Seminary.


Book Synopsis Simple Theology: Theology for the Rest of Us by : Clay A. Kahler

Download or read book Simple Theology: Theology for the Rest of Us written by Clay A. Kahler and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2002-02-11 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Clay A. Kahler is the founder of "Sharing the Word Ministries," which includes the radio program "Sharing the Word," heard in Ray County Missouri. He is the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Orrick, Missouri. Clay is the author of Simple Theology: Theology for the Rest of Us and Against Protestant Popes. He has written for Preaching Magazine Christianity Today and To His Glory. Clay served on the faculty of the Southwest College of Biblical Studies in Pine Valley, California, and as an adjunct faculty member at the Southern California Bible College & Seminary. He now teaches Bible and Theology at Carver Baptist Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to entering the ministry, Pastor Kahler served in the United States Army, including service during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Following his service in the Army, he began a career in Law Enforcement. He worked for 4 years with Village West Police as a Patrolman and as a trainer. He was recruited away from the Department and into corrections and became the Director of Training and CERT Team Commander in a Federal Prison in San Diego, California. Clay has earned his Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Religious Studies and a Master of Arts Degree from Southern California Bible College & Seminary.