Page 2 – Forming Christian Habits in Post-Christendom
If the structure sounds a bit complex, it is. Complex, but fortunately not too confusing. Picture the reader, drink in hand, being guided from conversation to conversation at a reception. Sometimes she feels jostled; other times she wishes she could linger with a new acquaintance a bit longer. But always she wants to meet these interesting people, to hear their stories.
Krabill and Murray introduce these stories and conversations as continuing the Kreiders’ lifework of discerning God’s mission within post-Christendom contexts. The collected essays and reflections respond to Krabill and Murray’s conclusion that “we need to recover an awareness that all Christians are caught up in the mission of God and are sent.” Alan and Eleanor have helped begin these conversations. They have, in the editors’ words, made “these foundational concepts of missio Dei and shalom accessible to Christians on the threshold of post-Christendom,” showing how “mission and worship, peace and evangelism, hospitality and justice, lifestyle and witness can and in fact must be integrated.”
Forming Christian Habits in Post-Christendom, first and foremost, is a tribute to Alan and Eleanor Kreider. Each contributor honors them, telling stories of life with the Kreiders and the stories that the Kreiders have set them on. Each chapter begins with a snippet from the Kreiders published (and once or twice unpublished) works dealing with the theme. As is appropriate in a festschrift for the Kreiders, their work stands out with a clarity and a depth of engagement all its own. I find myself underlining and marking up these epigraphical paragraphs more than any other section of the book. I walk away from this gathering impressed mostly with my desire to get to know the Kreiders better, whether through the books in the extensive appended bibliography or in conversation across the dinner table.
Like most weddings (and births, anniversaries, retirements, and funerals), Forming Christian Habits in Post-Christendom is a great experience for those already familiar with the honorees. For someone hooked by Alan and Eleanor’s 2011 Worship and Mission After Christendom, Krabill and Muray’s edited volume helps the reader get to know the Kreiders better. But, also like a festive gathering, Forming Christian Habits in Post-Christendom welcomes new acquaintances, introducing them person by person, essay by essay to the Kreiders’ life and vision. This has been my path. Turning the last page, I’m eager to join my voice to the conversation.
C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He is also author of a number of books, including most recently How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church (Brazos Press, 2019). Connect with him online at: C-Christopher-Smith.com
 Reading for the Common Good From ERB Editor Christopher Smith "This book will inspire, motivate and challenge anyone who cares a whit about the written word, the world of ideas, the shape of our communities and the life of the church." -Karen Swallow Prior Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter & download your FREE copy of this ebook! |
Understanding Christian Nationalism [A Reading Guide] |
 Most Anticipated Books of the Fall for Christian Readers!
|
 Hilarious One-Star Customer Reviews of Bibles |
