The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity by Jossey-Bass Title: The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity

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The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity by Jossey-Bass

A Kinder, Gentler Christian Vision

Thirty years of Christian fundamentalism as a dominant political and spiritual force in the United States has meant that the words "judgmental," "militaristic" and "self-righteous" are now the first words that come to mind when one hears the word "Christian" in an American context. Fortunately, progressive Christianity--hopeful, tolerant, joyful, compassionate--is coming to the fore, and The Phoenix Affirmations is one of the clearest articulations of this movement. Without denying the necessity of such basics of Christian living as prayer, Bible study, worship and service to others, these affirmations encourage Christians to treat other faiths with respect; to celebrate God's Spirit in nature and one's fellow human beings; to see beyond the boundaries of gender, class, race and sexual orientation; to walk humbly in the presence of a loving Lord; and to stand always with the poor and disenfranchised. For anyone who would follow Jesus but is put off by fundamentalism's "my way or the highway" approach, The Phoenix Affirmations provides a roadmap for a different way to follow the Jesus path.
The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity by Jossey-Bass

Treastise on Progressive Christianity

Rev. Elnes book is a wonderful, concise explanation of core principles of progressive christianity. The book clearly lays out the foundation for individuals and churches to begin moving towards a compassionate faith. This book show that their is a "Religious Left" and that the "Religious Right" isn't the only Christian viewpoint. I highly recommend this book for any thinking chrisitian who is tired of "parking their brain" in the church parking lot before entering church.
The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity by Jossey-Bass

Progressive Christianity

The core values of Christianity are challenged in this summary of what many of today's Christians think and believe today.
The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity by Jossey-Bass

Thoughtful & Thought-provoking

I won't go into much detail on the theology of this little book -- suffice it to say that the size of the book has nothing to do with the HUGE impact these affirmations will have on fundamental/conservative/evangelical/liberal Christianity. The thoughts expressed here are those of a "new" look -- progressive Christianity and so challenge the core beliefs of Christianity that the thoughts expressed here would be difficult to accept for any of the "normal" theological liones of thought.

Having said that, however, these affirmations are, as the authors clearly state, only a beginning in the process of discovering what Christianity will have to be about if it is to survive into the 21st century. Read this book with an open mind and heart and it will affirm and challenge you. Coming from an evangelical background, it was both challenging and frightening -- but not in a way that was altogether negative. Judging from the thought that went into these concepts, and the wave of interest they are generating around the USA (the world?), the church is alive ... and growing. It will truly be exciting to see what Christianity wil be like in the 21st century!
The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity by Jossey-Bass

Faith for the 21st century

This book is an excellent summary of what thoughtful, progressive Christians are thinking today. It is [rpvocative, not exhaustive, in laying out an agenda for living out one's faith in this complex contemporary American culture. Both as an individual study and as a group discussion, the author helps Christians to articulate a stronger faith and non-beleivers to see a way to amke sense of the Christian gospel.
The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity by Jossey-Bass

Product Description

The Phoenix Affirmations, named for the town in which the principles were created and the mythological bird adopted by ancient Christians as a symbol of resurrection, offers disillusioned and spiritually homeless Christians and others a sense of hope and a more tolerant, joyful, and compassionate message than those we often hear from the media and some Christian leaders. These twelve central affirmative principles of Christian faith are built on the three great loves that the Bible reveals: love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self. They reflect commitments to environmental stewardship, social justice, and artistic expression as well as openness to other faiths. Transcending theological and culture wars, inclusive and generous in spirit and practice, these principles ask believers and seekers alike to affirm their Christian faith in a fresh way.