Beautifully Distinct: Conversations with Friends on Faith, Life, and Culture

by Trillia J. Newbell (Editor)

Overview

How should we think in a Christian way about modern life: about the things we watch, read, eat, think about and do? There are so many voices saying so many different things that it’s tempting to either disengage from modern culture completely or let ourselves be influenced more and more by the world.

This book is designed to help. In short, easy-to-read chapters, the writers will get you thinking biblically about food, films, and social media, as well as discussing larger cultural topics such as body image and racism.

Whether you dip in and out or read it through with a friend, you will be equipped to be beautifully distinct in the way that you engage with the world around you and shape it for Christ.

Contributors include Jen Wilkin, Courtney Reissig, Jackie Hill Perry, Dannah Gresh and Karen Swallow Prior.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784985219
Publisher:	The Good Book Company
Publication date:	06/01/2020
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.28(d)

About the Author

Trillia J. Newbell is a prominent voice on issues of faith, family and diversity, and has been widely published, including on numerous websites, such as Desiring God, Christianity Today and the Gospel Coalition. She is currently an acquisitions editor for Moody Publishers and previously worked for several years as the Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Trillia lives near Nashville with her husband, Thern, and their children.

Table of Contents

Introduction Trillia Newbell 7

Part 1 Being Thoughtful 11

Introduction Alissa Wilkinson Karen Swallow Prior 13

1 Movies: Speaking Our Cultures Language Catherine Parks 17

2 When Food Becomes a False Gospel Kelly Needham 25

3 Sex and Our Bodies Dannah Gresh 33

4 How to Work for God's Glory Chelsea Patterson Sobolik 41

5 The Value of Literature Karen Swallow Prior 53

Part 2 Listening Well 61

Introduction Trillia Newbell Jackie Hill Perry 63

6 Inviting Others to Our Homes Courtney Reissig 67

7 Loving the Stranger, Loving the Immigrant Jenny Yang 77

8 Conversations on Race Natasha Sistrunk Robinson Lilly Park 85

Part 3 Speaking Well 95

Introduction Lindsay Nicolet 97

9 Surfing the Social-Media Wave Erin Davis 101

10 What We Say About Beauty Jen Wilkin 111

11 Telling Your Story Jackie Hill Perry 123

Afterword Trillia Newbell 133

Endnotes 135

Contributors 139

Editorial Reviews

For the busy woman who wants to engage and live a life of biblical significance but feels unprepared, this book is for you! Trillia Newbell has done a wonderful job of recruiting women who can help us evaluate culture and articulate biblical truth as we learn to think, listen and speak to a world that in many ways has lost its mooring. Anchored in Scripture, this book will be a tool you will reference often. No more retreating: it is time for us to engage and be beautifully distinct!

Donna Gaines (Editor

If it’s true that what we chase shapes our race, then how we see the world around us really matters. Beautifully Distinct is a much-needed resource that directs the way we engage with culture as women of God, and I’m grateful to these sisters for lending their wisdom—for such a time as this.

Ruth Chou Simons (Artist and author of GraceLaced; founder of gracelaced.com)

The women who have written in this book know what it means to be in this world but not of it. Through their thoughtful reflections, they demonstrate how our salvation changes not just us, but also the way we relate to the culture around us. These are women I respect and feel privileged to learn from.

Amy Whitfield (SBC Executive Committee; Associate Vice President

I think this would be a great book for catalysing a book club in a church or Christian Union context – offering 11 different angles on the three themes of ‘Being Thoughtful’, ‘Listening Well’, and ‘Speaking Well’.

Thomas Creedy

There are many other challenging chapters in the book, especially the ones on race and social media. There is much to learn from the insights of these ‘beautifully distinct’ women. I was left encouraged and challenged. I agree with Trillia Newbell’s introductory note, “Every chapter is insightful, Biblical and practical.” I would recommend this book, not just to women, but also to all men. 5/5 stars.

Jesvin Jose

Beautifully Distinct is an important resource on culture written by Christian women. These authors bring a helpful perspective as they consider how being a disciple of Jesus Christ affects every area of our lives. Their insights will challenge and encourage every reader.

Philip Bethancourt (Senior Pastor

What does it mean to live in this world with Biblical wisdom and confidence? In Beautifully Distinct, edited by Trillia Newbell, you can join the conversation on faith, life, and culture.

Aaron Lee (Editorial Curator

How can I, as a completely normal woman, have any influence on my culture? This is something for theologians, pastors or highly gifted power women who have a special position in society. I'm only ____ (mother, employee, pensioner - please insert what suits you). “Have you ever asked yourself this question? Would you like to talk to others about your faith in Jesus Christ, but can't find an entry point - you just don't know how and where to start? Then this book is just the thing for you

Kim Lotz

What does it mean to live in this world with Biblical wisdom and confidence? In Beautifully Distinct, edited by Trillia Newbell, you can join the conversation on faith, life, and culture.

Aaron Lee

Beautifully Distinct is an important resource on culture written by Christian women. These authors bring a helpful perspective as they consider how being a disciple of Jesus Christ affects every area of our lives. Their insights will challenge and encourage every reader.

Philip Bethancourt (Executive Vice President

If it’s true that what we chase shapes our race, then how we see the world around us really matters. Beautifully Distinct is a much-needed resource that directs the way we engage with culture as women of God, and I’m grateful to these sisters for lending their wisdom—for such a time as this.

Ruth Chou Simons (Author