On Being the Church of Jesus Christ in Tumultuous Times

Description: This collection of essays, sermons, and prayers urges the church today to "be the sort of community that sustains a vigorous and continuing conversation within itself as to who has called it into being, to whom it is responsible, and what it is called to be and to do." Jones reminds the church that it is an alternative political community called into being by the Gospel. This collection explores what it means to be such an alternative community in "tumultuous times," in times when it is tempting to look to the world for answers, and to confuse loyalty to the nation-state with loyalty to God. A theme throughout all the writings is that "the church is the necessary context for becoming and being a Christian." Endorsements: "Joe Jones is the best unknown theologian in America. That he is unknown has nothing to do with the quality of his work, but rather with the integrity by which he works. He has never hurried but ra ther has attended to the difficulty of theological speech patiently, taking the time to attend to how to say things rightly. His great two-volume systematic theology, A Grammar of Christian Faith, is here complemented by wonderful essays in theology as well as timely interventions dealing with the current cultural challenges before the church. We are all richer for the work done in this book and in particular that Jones has given us sermons and prayers. One of the remarkable things about the book is the interrelation that Jones helps us to discover just to the extent we see good theology is prayer and prayer is theology. I heartily recommend this book." --Stanley Hauerwas author of Disrupting Time "With his provocative and challenging use of subjects, ideas, and language, Jones passionately serves the church as he dares her to be true to her call as the Body of Christ on earth. Throughout all his work, Jones consistently asks one question: Will the Body live the Gospel call of faithfulness to Christ for the benefit of the world and the glory of God? In this time of doctrinal battles, identity confusion, and cultural fragmentation, Jones's question and his responses are most timely and critical for all Christians--clergy and laity--everywhere." --Rev. Janet Hoover Emerson Avenue Baptist Church "These essays and sermons underscore what was already obvious in Jones's earlier systematic theology: this is a brilliant theologian. But more than that, they evidence a theologian willing to take risks, willing to engage the most contentious issues of the day. This is theology that is relevant without being trendy, prophetic while being compassionately connected to real, everyday life. What a wonderful feast of theological reflection!" --Mark Thiessen Nation, Eastern Mennonite Seminary "Jones's A Grammar of Christian Faith: Systematic Explorations in Christian Life and Doctrine is one of the most interesting and important systematic theologies in print today. It is a must read. Now with this publication we have both the rich background for that systematic theology as well as a stand-alone volume on ecclesiology. He offers us a refreshing theological alternative. On Being the Church of Jesus Christ in Tumultuous Times does not sidestep the difficult and perilous situation of the church today, but neither is it alarmist. Jones offers us insightful theological analysis that will be of tremendous use for the church and the academy." --Steve Long Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary The brilliant clarity, profound insight, and passion of Joe Jones' classroom teaching has led many mainstream Protestant seminarians to adopt an explicitly Trinitarian Christ-centered theology. The publication in 2002 of his 'The Grammar of Christian Faith and Doctrine' extended Jones' influenc