Calling for a faith that lives by what it affirms, not just by what it denies, this book outlines a positive, engaging message supported by active spiritual practices, and carried out in action for a better community and planet.
In doing so, Bruce Epperly calls for rethinking and reviving many Christian themes, often neglected or discarded in progressive Christianity, to help carry out this mission.
Among these themes are:
- Mystical experience and visionSpiritual healingGenuine dialogReclaiming a relationship with JesusReclaiming and affirming the work of the Holy SpiritPracticing God's kindom and peace rather than an expectation of doomBeing witnesses in the worldSpeaking and acting prophetically, bringing hope
In bringing life to these themes, Epperly looks to Jesus and to scripture without demeaning other faiths. He evokes a relational, non-coercive God as the foundation of a relational and non-coercive presence in the world.
This book will provide both a challenge and a hope to progressive congregations, especially those struggling with diminishing numbers, but it will also provide an excellent antidote to the charge that progressive Christianity is not an affirmative, active, and hopeful faith.