Christians Observed: Narratives for Today's Church

Most Christians on the main thoroughfares of Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Protestantism, are not merely divided from each other, but are unsympathetic towards each other. On the quiet byways and on tranquil pilgrim paths, there are those who recognize each other unconditionally, exercising vital patience and graceful greatness in resolving dogmatic discord and ethical egregiousness. Fresh solutions to enduring problems are possible. The episodes recorded in this book are all true. They were born from despair with religion in its normal managerial role, defining the brand and excluding the alternatives; but hope is greater than despair. Christianity is an inclusive movement of the mind and spirit, present in a series of exclusivist organizations. The will to be free is always present in the structures. These stories have been related here to show that there is a better future for the church, and that this better future is for today's church.