Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed cross the road? : Christian identity in a multi-faith world

Description

"Brian McLaren proposes a new faith alternative, one built on "benevolence and solidarity rather than rivalry and hostility," going beyond mere "tolerance" by encouraging vigorous hospitality toward, interest in, and collaboration with "the other." [... This] groundbreaking book demonstrates how a new understanding of key Christian doctrines can end religious rivalry and foster new relationships; how a fresh perspective of Christian and colonial history can replace our lingering "superior" attitudes with empathy and humility; and how by standing in solidarity with "the other," as Jesus did, we can become a force against injustice and inhumanity -- fulfilling the Christian mission like never before"--Page 4 of cover. Read more... Abstract: "Brian McLaren proposes a new faith alternative, one built on "benevolence and solidarity rather than rivalry and hostility," going beyond mere "tolerance" by encouraging vigorous hospitality toward, interest in, and collaboration with "the other." [... This] groundbreaking book demonstrates how a new understanding of key Christian doctrines can end religious rivalry and foster new relationships; how a fresh perspective of Christian and colonial history can replace our lingering "superior" attitudes with empathy and humility; and how by standing in solidarity with "the other," as Jesus did, we can become a force against injustice and inhumanity -- fulfilling the Christian mission like never before"--Page 4 of cover Content: The scene of a thousand jokes -- Conflicted religious identity syndrome -- Part I. The crisis of Christian identity. How a Muslim boy converted me -- How a book in the 1970s anticipated the story line of the early 21st century -- How a mentor shocked me, and gently nudged me toward higher ground -- How your friends can be more dangerous than your enemies (and how you can be more dangerous than both) -- How an atheist made, and missed, an essential point about religion -- How (not) to create a strong-benevolent Christian identity -- How a liberal arts education ruined my opinion of Christopher Columbus -- How Constantine prepared the way for Columbus -- How Constantine prepared the way for today's headlines -- Part II. The doctrinal challenge. How the doctrine of creation can create humankind(ness) -- How the doctrine of (un)original sin can help Christians be less sinful -- How the doctrine of election (or chosen-ness) can help Christians choose benevolence -- How the doctrine of the Trinity can foment harmony and unity -- How a deeper Christology can save Christians from hostility -- How the doctrine of the Holy Spirit can empower our encounter with the other -- How faithful doctrinal reformulation can make orthodoxy more generous -- Part III. The liturgical challenge. How the Christian year can become more Christian -- How baptism differs from sitting on Santa's knee -- How songs, prayers, sermons, and Sunday School classes can save lives -- How reading the Bible responsibly can look irresponsible (and vice versa) -- How the table differs from the altar -- Part IV. The missional challenge. How subversive friendship can change the world -- How God's commonwealth of peace confronts earthly empires of hostility -- How with-ness complements witness -- How mission can reorganize organized religion -- How evangelism is like a windmill -- How a Hindu can help Christians discover their true identity in a multi-faith world.