Christian Archy

by David Alan Black, Allan R. Bevere (Editor)

What is the Kingdom of God? What does it mean to be part of the kingdom? These are questions that should occupy the mind of every Christian. But we frequently shy away from the full meaning of God's rule. In Christian Archy , Dr. David Alan Black examines the New Testament to find the truly radical and all-encompassing claims of God's kingdom. In doing so, he discovers that the character of this kingdom is widely different from what is commonly contemplated today. Its glory is revealed only through suffering - a point that Jesus' disciples, then and now, have been slow to understand. This truth has tremendous implications for church life. The kingdom of God is in no way imperialistic. It has no political ambitions. It conquers not by force but by love. It is this humble characteristic of the kingdom that is a stumbling block to so many today. Christ's claim to our total allegiance is one we seek to avoid at all costs. But there is only one way to victory and peace, and that is the way of the Lamb. This is the first volume in the new Areopagus Critical Christian Issues Series from Energion Publications. We believe it is an appropriate way to begin that series by addressing this foundational question of who we are as part of the Christian church, and why it is important for us to immerse ourselves in God's word.

Genres: Christian

60 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2009

Reviews

[Jeff]

This is more like a booklet than a full-blown treatment on the subjects of Christian Anarchy and the Kingdom of God. It seems the author has recently read Jacques Ellul and Vernard Eller and has been stirred to express his thoughts. Those men will do that to you. After a brief introduction to what the author terms "Christian Archy" (after Eller). He moves on to the KOG and application. I found it a bit of a jump from one to the other. If one has not previously read anything on Christian Anarchy this might stir you to do so, or not. The relationship of this world's politics to the Kingdom is an important issue. For the interested reader this book will raise more questions than it answers but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

[Thomas]

David Allen Black's book is thought provoking and deep. He breaks down the difference between Christendom and the church. he criticizes the church for becoming at least functionally a worldly institution rather than an institution for the kingdom of God. This is a book I think many believers need to read, whether pastor or lay member.