Slow church Cultivating community in the patient way of Jesus

C. Christopher Smith

Book - 2014

Fast food. Fast cars. Fast and furious. Fast forward. Fast . . . church? The church is often idealized (or demonized) as the last bastion of a bygone era, dragging our feet as we're pulled into new moralities and new spiritualities. We guard our doctrine and our piety with great vigilance. But we often fail to notice how quickly we're capitulating, in the structures and practices of our churches, to a culture of unreflective speed, dehumanizing efficiency and dis-integrating isolationism. In the beginning, the church ate together, traveled together and shared in all facets of life. Centered as they were on Jesus, these seemingly mundane activities took on their own significance in the mission of God. In Slow Church, Chris Smith an...d John Pattison invite us to leave franchise faith behind and enter into the ecology, economy and ethics of the kingdom of God, where people know each other well and love one another as Christ loved the church.

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Subjects
Published
Downers Grove, Illinois : IVP Books c2014.
Language
English
Main Author
C. Christopher Smith (-)
Physical Description
246 pages ; 22 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN
9780830841141
  • Foreword
  • Introduction
  • 1. A Theological Vision for Slow Church
  • First Course: Ethics
  • 2. Terroir
  • Taste and See
  • 3. Stability
  • Fidelity to People and Place
  • 4. Patience
  • Entering into the Suffering of Others
  • Second Course: Ecology
  • 5. Wholeness
  • The Reconciliation of All Things
  • 6. Work
  • Cooperating with God's Reconciling Mission
  • 7. Sabbath
  • The Rhythm of Reconciliation
  • Third Course: Economy
  • 8. Abundance
  • The Economy of Creation
  • 9. Gratitude
  • Receiving the Good Gifts of God
  • 10. Hospitality
  • Generously Sharing God's Abundance
  • 11. Dinner Table Conversation as a Way of Being Church
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgments
  • Recommended Reading
  • Notes
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Smith, editor of The Englewood Review of Books, and Pattison, a writer and critic, propose a new model of community based on the transforming power of God in ordinary life. The authors write that "in a world where God is at work reconciling all creation, everything matters." Taking as their model the Slow Food movement, the authors divide the book into three "courses": ethics, ecology and economy. Work, family, place, rest, food, and money are the possible venues, the authors write, where transformation might take place. The authors write clearly and persuasively; each section of the book offers a theoretical and scriptural basis for the ideas discussed and practical suggestions for their implementation. Every chapter ends with "Conversation Starters"-questions useful for groups that might be reading this book together. Though primarily focused upon church communities, the ideas presented here may appeal to other types of religious or intentional communities. Individuals who are attempting to bring their own lives into line with their ethics and values will also find help. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved