The Hopeful Neighborhood: What Happens When Christians Pursue the Common Good

Pastor Everts (The Reluctant Witness) explores in this useful survey ways to “help Christians live in natural, normal, God-honoring ways.” Everts focuses on “the impact of Christians on the broader community,” specifically, how Christians interact with their neighbors through “volunteering, serving, and giving in and through the local church” and bases his conclusions on two recent surveys of 2,500 Americans who “self-identify as Christian.” On the concept of “common good,” Everts compiles survey responses that reveal how Christian communities thrive by elevating human giftedness, loving all of one’s neighbors, glorifying God, and tending to the needs of everyone. Graphics, personal testaments, and discussion questions round out and expand upon the research. “Paradigm Shift” sections within each chapter highlight trends within Christianity, such as how “the art of conversation is being eroded... by anger and an atmosphere of unrelenting contention.” Everts also praises the work of the Hopeful Neighborhood Project, a group “committed to improving neighborhood well-being around the world.” Those wishing for a deeper understanding of the values of modern Christians will find much to consider. (Nov.)