Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus

Wallis (God’s Politics), founder of the faith-in-action organization Sojourners, explores what it means to follow Jesus in a world in crisis in this stimulating analysis. Wallis asserts that American Christianity is in decline as the result of a distance that exists between Christians and the daily practices of Jesus. In eight questions, he looks at concerns Jesus raised and discusses how the lessons of the gospels apply to the current cultural, social, and political climate. First, he presents “The Neighbor Question,” in which he asks what it means to love one’s neighbor, particularly those who are different culturally or religiously. In “The Image Question,” he explores the implications and responsibilities of being created in God’s image, suggesting that churches actively address the sin of racism. “The Truth Question” is a look at American politics, the normalization of lying, and the need for people of faith to speak truth to power. Asserting that a growing spirit of fear will only lead to hatred and violence, he encourages Christians to turn to God and cultivate gratitude in order to combat anxieties, concluding with “The Discipleship Question,” where he asks Christians to reflect on Jesus’s instruction to help those in need. Welcoming a debate concerning common interpretations of scripture, Wallis’s clear espousal of his worries for Christianity is sure to start conversations. (Sept.)