PRACTICAL THEOLOGY, SPIRITUALITY, and FORMATION
FROM ISOLATION TO COMMUNITY A Renewed Vision for Christian Life Together Myles Werntz It is no secret that isolation is one of the key ailments of our age. But less explored is the way the church as it is frequently practiced contributes to this isolation instead of offering an alternative. This book applies Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s ecclesiology to contem- porary church practice. Myles Werntz engages with Bonhoeffer’s work, particularly Life Together , to argue for a renewed vision of the church community as a theological therapy to cultural, moral, and sociological isolation. Insofar as the church fails in this task, it fails to be the body of Christ and magnifies the isolation that per- meates creation. Werntz offers an account of how familiar church practices—such as Scripture reading, worship, prayer, and eating— contribute to community formation in the body of Christ. Shifting church practice away from isolation is a matter of embodied theo- logical practice characteristic of the church as a community. “While Werntz uses Bonhoeffer as a guide, he offers a con- structive vision for the contemporary church that is thor- oughly his own. His vision invites Christians into shared life together for our own sake and for the life of the world.” —JENNIFER M c BRIDE, International Bonhoeffer Society– English Language Section; McCormick Theological Seminary “Werntz has written a sharply observed, sensitively and creatively ecumenical, intelligently hopeful book. I was heartened and delighted by his humbly orthodox Baptist theological intervention in a time when people the world over are imagining with real desperation what a rescue—a redemption—from isolation might involve.” —WESLEY HILL, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan; author of Spiritual Friendship “With dexterity and depth Werntz brings Bonhoeffer to life in a way that will help churches faithfully minister in this time. It’s a valuable read.” —ANDREW ROOT, Luther Seminary; author of Churches and the Crisis of Decline “A vital book for helping us to rediscover the promise and hope of life together.” —BRIAN BANTUM, Garrett-Evangeli- cal Theological Seminary “To say From Isolation to Community is reflective is to get it just right, but its eloquence and simplicity enhances its reflectivity. To say something is reflective and eloquent about someone so profound as Bonhoeffer was in Life To- gether is to give us fresh eyes to read Bonhoeffer’s classic all over again, as if for the first time.” —SCOT M c KNIGHT, Northern Seminary “Werntz sees clearly what ails us and the cure God has already given.” —JASON BYASSEE, Vancouver School of Theology
APRIL 2022 • 208 pp. • paper • $22.99 • 9781540965059
Myles Werntz (PhD, Baylor University) is associate professor of theology and director of Baptist studies at Abilene Christian University. He is the author or editor of several books, including Bodies of Peace and A Field Guide to Christian Nonviolence .
ALSO BY THE AUTHOR
A FIELD GUIDE TO CHRISTIAN NONVIOLENCE 9781540960122 • $21.99p See page 47
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Faculty can use code BASP22 to receive a 40% discount at BakerBookHouse.com. Offer expires April 30, 2022.
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