The Kingdom Algorithm: How to Apply the Bible to Your Life

This book solves the problem of how to decide which passages in the Bible apply to modern Christians today. Bible readers are aware that the scriptures contain instructions for proper diet, clothing, personal grooming, animal sacrifice, government officials, marriage, child rearing, money, slavery, church organization, tithing, religious rituals and many, many other things. As has often been noted, the commandments of the Bible are bewilderingly complex, sometimes impracticable, and even inconsistent. Realizing this problem, quite a few have recently attempted to wind their way through the maze of biblical teachings in an effort to provide Bible followers with an approach which is simple and effective. But what has been lacking is an algorithm for doing just that. In The Kingdom Algorithm, How To Apply the Bible To Your Life, Cage and Orr begin by setting out the problem in full and giving a summary of proffered solutions. Finding none that works well, the authors offer their own. What is needed, they think, is an algorithm. An algorithm is a recursive method for determing a solution, such as one finds in computer programs. A tape measure, or a measuring cup, would be an algorithm. So would a mathematical formula for making parts out of materials. Cage and Orr offer the kingdom of God as the basis for a method for sifting biblical teachings and commandments in order to find the universal characteristics of the disciple of Christ. They set out the algorithm, explain it and then test it. After this, a chapter is devoted to a clear presentation of the characteristics of a citizen of the kingdom of God, no matter the period in history, the etnicity, the nationality nor the culture. Objections to the algorithm are then considered before the authors conclude with a general discussion of what all of this might mean to us today. Gary Cage and Bill Orr both have college training in biblical studies. Cage has a Ph.D.in philosophy and teaches philosophy, religious studies and history on the college level. Both are family men and, along with their wives and families, have been very active in church work for years. Cage has also been active in missionary work in West Africa and in Eastern Europe.