The Nature and Future of Christianity

Description

This book briefly characterizes the many different ways Christianity is currently understood and practiced. These include approaches that center primarily on beliefs and doctrine, those that focus on the support of personal wellbeing, versions of Christianity that nurture special kinds of community in response to particular group identities, those that give attention to Christians' role in society, and those that offer different ways of thinking about the role and function of the church. Long then considers how these traditions relate to each other in both ecumenical and interfaith encounters. He concludes by developing a theological foundation for recognizing and celebrating what is valuable in each of these many diverse approaches. ** Review Edward LeRoy Long Jr. invites dialogue, and even mutual learning, among the major living religions. He concludes with a plea for Christians to be modest in their public advocacy. Worth the reading. --Louis B. Weeks, President Emeritus, Union Presbyterian Seminary, VA and NC The Nature and Future of Christianity is a welcome and insightful tour of contemporary Christendom. The historical contexts that gave rise to H. Richard Niebuhr's five 'types' are long gone, and Long's provocative replacements are great candidates to stand in their stead, whether for historians, sociologists, theologians, clergy, or thoughtful laity of all stripes. Reading this book is sitting at table with one of America's wisest, best-qualified analysts and observers. --David W. Gill, Mockler-Phillips Professor of Workplace Theology and Ethics, Gordon-Conwell Seminary, MA What a needed voice amidst the voids and violences of Christianity in our time--the voice of a rare and trusty wisdom. Witty, unpretentious, and clear-sighted, this book is a map that will help both the formally and informally faithful to find our next steps in a pluralist epoch with an uncertain future. 'The majestic wholeness of Being itself' has a great ally in Edward Long. --Catherine Keller, Professor of Theology, Drew University Theological School, NJ About the Author Edward LeRoy Long Jr. is James W. Pearsall Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics and Theology of Culture in the Theological School of Drew University. He previously taught at Virginia Tech and Oberlin College and is a past President of the Society of Christian Ethics and the American Theological Society. A Presbyterian Minister of Word and Sacrament, he now lives in Oberlin, OH.