books on the kingdom

[Andrew Cornelius]

Any suggestions for books that address the Kingdom of God? I'm open to different interpretations thereof.

[Mom of three]

You've probably already read it...Dallas Willard's brilliant Divine Conspiracy.

[Barry Mast]

You might try...

"The Realm of the Reign" by Ben Witherington III - **
"God and Empire" by John Dominic Crossan - ****
"The Upside-Down Kingdom" by Donald B. Kraybill - *****
"Models of the Kingdom" by Howard A. Snyder - ***

[Andrew Cornelius]

No, I haven't read Willard's book. I looked it up, however, and probably wouldn't find it too persuasive considering Christianity Today crowned it "book of the year" in '99. I don't share in that mag's overall emphasis or understanding of Jesus. But I did say I was open to different interpretations thereof so I appreciate your suggestion. I do.

Barry,
I have read most of "God and Empire." I'll look into those other titles. Thanks.

[Mom of three]

Wow! Don't knock it until you at least pick it up and riffle through it...but I'm interested in your take on Christianity Today. It bugs me sometimes too but I'd like to know more about why you feel that way.

[Andrew Cornelius]

:) I'm just inferring that I won't like the book based on Christianity Today's theological bent. I am not a conservative evangelical or fundamentalist and don't regard the Protestant canon as "the inerrant and/or infallible Word of God." I'd probably get more from a source that assumes the scriptures are colored by human interpretation and, at times, prejudices. nothing against Willard as a person...

[Frank Viola]

George E. Ladd's book on the Kingdom is a classic. Myles Monroe has written a great book on the subject also with a good deal of spiritual insight. And Howard Snyder's book Community of the King is one of the best on the subject.

[Mark Van Steenwyk]

I understand your hesitancy, but the Divine Conspiracy, while something that appeals to some Evangelicals, has broader appeal than that. I think you'd find a lot that is useful, though I don't think you'd be profoundly impacted. Nevertheless, it is worth a glimpse.

I'd also like to suggest that you be a *bit* more open-minded. Evangelicals have something to teach you as well.

[Andrew Cornelius]

Mark,
I'll see if my local library has a copy and give it a shot.

I am open minded. Maybe I'm coming across differently because of my past-- I used to consider myself an evangelical after all but couldn't sustain that belief system. Simply using a synopsis of the canonical gospels pretty much forced me to reconsider my entire approach to the scriptures.

[Barry Mast]

I would second Mark's encouragement. I think Willard's "Divine Conspiracy" has a lot of good to say. And while you may not be profoundly affected, I have a good friend who, while having a strong allergic reaction to anything "evangelical" or "fundamentalist", considers "Divine Conspiracy" one of the most formative books he has read esp. in Willard's discussion of Matthew's "Sermon on the Mount".

[Andrew Cornelius]

Alright. I've been persuaded. ;) I'll see if I can track down a copy as aforementioned.

Here are a couple questions for anyone to respond:
Do you believe in a metaphysical "second coming" of Jesus and a literal reign of God on this earth at some point in the future (where even all animal species will live in peace)?
Moreover, do you believe the historical Jesus preached an apocalyptic message/kingdom?

[Mark Van Steenwyk]

Andrew,

Understood. I also used to consider myself an Evangelical, though I don't think I'm as far away from those roots as you are. I have noticed that many among the I-used-to-be-evangelical crowd have tended to throw out too many babies with the bathwater (me included).

[Mark Van Steenwyk]

Andrew,

Those are great questions. I think you would get more responses to it if you started a new thread. If you do, I'll respond there.