Beginning ~ with debates

Debates are raging today about the role of religions in public life, and it is not difficult to see why.  First, religions — Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and so on — are growing numerically, and their members worldwide are increasingly unwilling to keep their convictions and practices limited to the private sphere of family or religious community.  Instead, they want these convictgions and practices to shape public life.

A Public Faith: How Followers of Christ Should Serve the Common Good ~ by Miroslav Volf, 2011

Debates rage today about the role of religion in public life.  As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, various religions come to inhabit the same space.  But how do they live together, especially when each wants to shape the public realm according to the dictates of its own sacred texts and traditions?  How does the Christian faith relate in the religious pluralism of contemporary public life?  Renowned theologian Miroslav Volf argues that there is no single way Christian faith relates to culture as a whole.  He explores major issues on the frontlines of faith today, addressing questions such as:

• In what way does the Christian faith come to malfunction in the contemporary world, and how should we counter these malfunctions?
• What should a Christian's main concern be when it comes to living well in the world today?
• How should we go about realizing a vision for human flourishing in relation to other faiths and under the roof of a single state?

Covering such timely issues as witness in a multifaith society and political engagement in a pluralistic world, this compelling book highlights things Christians can do to serve the common good.

This book was given to me by my new friend Betty, who plucked it off her shelf and handed it to me.  It has now been added to my toppling TBR pile.  If you are a book blogger, you probably already know TBR stands for "To Be Read."

Gilion at Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Fridays.  Click here for today's Mister Linky.