Аннотация

In the wake of the furious demonstrations and debates evoked by terrorist attacks in Paris and elsewhere, Dr. Anderson's pithy essays unfold respectful, moderating responses that take seriously the cultural and religious differences that breed resentment between peoples and convulse the media. Written from a Reformed theological perspective, his reflections unfold the dynamics of free and faithful self-expression that promise happier, human-scaled, interpersonal, international, and inter-faith relations. Whether your communications are across the back fence, on the political stump, from the pulpit, writer's desk, or TV stage–whether you are a teacher, corporate agent, public servant, or soldier, you will find yourself reinforced and challenged to deepen the very roots of your calling and speak out in the fullest freedom.

Аннотация

Anderson shows how Early Christians' faith took root in a multicultural world just as diverse and conflicted as our own. Their basic attitude turns out to have been one of astounding freedom–not a cultus of rules, but a matter of whole-hearted response; for they lived in conversation with the One whose love for all his wayward creatures is utterly tenacious. We find ourselves continually surprised by an insistent grace that treasures all persons equally while exposing and deposing our evil. Such faith still evokes basic confidence; and we find ourselves, ever again moved by gratitude and trusting each others' Christ-emboldened freedom. If we are embraced by grace, our becoming «great again» can only mean unlimited concern for all and free-flowing interactive service. The playful work ethic that ensues holds promise for our politically splintered post-industrial age. The New Testament's seed-like ethical genotype still unfolds into a secure, all-embracing, and mutually supportive «sabbatic» life stance. What could be more relevant for our future in conflicted times?