Asphalt Jesus: Finding a New Christian Faith Along the Highways of America - Hardcover

Elnes, Eric

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0787986089 ISBN 13: 9780787986087

Publisher: Jossey-Bass Inc Pub, 2007

Synopsis

On Easter 2006, Eric Elnes and several companions set out to walk from Phoenix, Arizona to the nation’s capital. They dreamed of fostering deeper conversations about what it means to be progressive Christians in an age of fundamentalism. On their journey they discovered thousands of people in every state—red and blue—and every kind of church who welcomed them and shared their hunger for relationship and conversation about what it means to be  Christian. Asphalt Jesus tells the story of the journey and further articulates a joyous and loving faith that moves beyond simple categories of “Christian Right” and “Christian Left.”

 

Asphalt Jesus builds on the author Eric Elnes’s previous book, The Phoenix Affirmations. Arising from the three great loves that the Bible reveals (love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self), these twelve affirmations reflect commitments to environmental stewardship, social justice, and artistic expression as well as openness to other faiths. Transcending theological and culture wars, inclusive and generous in spirit and practice, these principles allow believers and seekers alike to affirm their Christian faith in a fresh way.

 

About this title

From the Back Cover

PRAISE FOR ASPHALT JESUS

"Elnes has hit one out of the ballpark with this remarkablyenergetic and accessible narrative presentation of what twenty-first century Christianity looks like in the lives of those who are becoming it right now.This book is an exhilarating gift to all of us."
—Phyllis Tickle,compiler, The Night Offices

"Eric Elnes's book Asphalt Jesus is as exciting as the adventure itdescribes. He and his fellow walkers went from Phoenix to Washington, D.C., on foot to dramatize the crisis of American Christianity that is lost in the negativity of fundamentalism. Dramatically they hold out another vision that captivates millions. This is a 'must read' if you are concerned with what ishappening to Christianity in the United States."
—John Shelby Spong,author, Jesus for the Non-Religious

"No one will ever be able to accuse Eric Elnes of 'Talkin' the Talk, but notWalkin' the Walk!' This beautifully told story is more than just the diary of a remarkable journey undertaken by an intrepid band of religious progressives. It is an odyssey into the heart and soul of the American religious scene. Readers will think they have made the journey themselves, met a whole new group of friends, and discovered a forgotten landscape and an abiding truth: we are all on the same journey, and we need to listen to, and respect, one another."
—Dr. Robin Meyers,UCC minister and professor; author, Why the Christian Right Is Wrong: A Minister's Manifesto for Taking Back Your Faith, Your Flag, Your Future

About the Author

Eric Elnes, Ph.D., is the senior pastor of Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ (www.artin worship.com), a community committed to a progressive, inclusive Christianity. He is the cofounder of CrossWalk America (www.CrossWalkAmerica.org), a nonprofit organization that hosted the walk and continues to help those interested in progressive Christian faith find each other, explore, and articulate their beliefs.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass Inc Pub
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0787986089
• ISBN 13: 9780787986087
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224