Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crises, and a Revolution of Hope

McLaren, a leader in the emerging church, issues a salvo of arguments for “radical hope” in the face of profound dilemmas. The prolific author and pastor identifies the earth's “four deep dysfunctions” that have created a “suicide machine”: crises in prosperity, equity, security and spirituality. “What could change,” he asks, “if we applied the message of Jesus—the good news of the kingdom of God—to the world's greatest problems?” Here McLaren builds on the theme of his 2006 book The Secret Message of Jesus —that bringing about the kingdom means transforming the world we live in—to propose that we create a “hope insurgency.” Using a close reading of the Gospels to challenge conservative evangelicals' emphasis on individual salvation, not to mention end-times theology and, by implication, the prosperity gospel, McLaren argues for establishing a “beloved community” based on justice, peace, equality and compassion. McLaren's conclusions are not new, but his ability to be clear and persuasive—and get the attention of a segment of America's Christians—are exceptional. While his critics will find yet more material for challenging McLaren's views, his supporters will consider this book a riveting call to a new conversion. (Oct. 2)