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Imitating the life of Jesus isn't solely about embracing his message of love, sacrifice and service, according to evangelical pastor Boyd. In his latest book, the author of The Myth of a Christian Nation also asserts that becoming part of the "beautiful revolution" means rebelling against everything that is incompatible with that way of life, including violence, poverty, sexual promiscuity and secularism. While exhortations to practice the presence of God and be generous to the poor are likely to be uncontroversial, the writer seems to enjoy afflicting the comfortable, whether they are church-going believers or secular atheists. His critique of the "pagan values of our nation" and his impassioned call to choose love over judgment may occasion heated conversation among more conservative readers, while his endearing honesty and accessible style will undoubtedly appeal to others. Boyd has included an extensive action guide, which includes multiple exercises for self-reflection, as well as his practical suggestions for churches and small groups on how, as he sees it, to lose one's religion and become a part of the radical kingdom of Jesus. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Introduction 9
1 Giant Jesus 11
2 Christ and Caesar 21
3 The Revolt Against Idolatry 35
4 The Revolt Against Judgment 45
5 The Revolt Against Religion 57
6 The Revolt Against Individualism 67
7 The Revolt Against Nationalism 77
8 The Revolt Against Violence 91
9 The Revolt Against Social Oppression 103
10 The Revolt Against Racism 113
11 The Revolt Against Poverty and Greed 129
12 The Revolt Against the Abuse of Creation 141
13 The Revolt Against the Abuse of Sex 153
14 The Revolt Against Secularism 163
What Can We Do? an Action Guide 175
Notes 218
Greg Boyd completes many of the thoughts engaged in The Myth of a Christian Nation. While you again get Boyd's intelligent and thoughtful approach to scripture, this time his pastor's heart seems to engage much more. The books is a solid re-enforcement to the first work but takes more practical steps to speak into a number of American cultural issues. The first section of the book ties together this work with the previous and one and defines Boyd's position in how we are to approach others and entities as believers of Jesus. Boyd in his useful terms gives us again the picture of power over (manipulation, strength, control) and power under (love, surrender, service) and how operating from this position puts us often in direct conflict with the way that the world works. We are called to manifest the beauty of God by sacrificially loving and serving those around us. He writes that there is no way to do this without "revolting against everything in our lives that keeps us self-centered, greedy, and apathetic toward the plight of others." The American church shares and even celebrates much of what it seems early followers of the way stood against. The kingdom of God must display the sacrificial character of Jesus. Boyd says, "To the extent that any individual, church, or movement looks like that, it manifests the Kingdom of God. To the extent that it doesn't look like that, it doesn't. It's that simple." The book then discusses twelve areas where Boyd believes that followers of Jesus must revolt against the powers. The twelve focus areas are idolatry, judgment, religion, individualism, nationalism, violence, social oppression, racism, poverty/greed, abuse of creation, abuse of sex, and secularism. In each section Boyd takes his ideas of sacrificial calvary type love and shows what this means for how we interact with others. The book makes you think and dig. Whether you agree with Boyd or not, the book will lead to some great discussion and stretching.
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Overview
The kingdom of God is a beautiful revolution. Marked by the radical life, love, servanthood, and humility of Jesus, it stands in stark contrast to the values and ways of the world.Regrettably, many who profess to follow Christ have bought into the world's methods, seeking to impose a sort of Christianized ethical kingdom through politics and control. In this illuminating sequel to his bestselling book The Myth of a Christian Nation, Dr. Gregory Boyd points us to a better way---a way of seeing and living that is consistent with the gospel of Jesus and his kingdom. Between the extremes...