Asphalt Jesus

Download or read book Asphalt Jesus written by Eric Elnes and published by Jossey-Bass. This book was released on 2007-08-03 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On Easter 2006, Eric Elnes and several companions set out to walk from Phoenix, Arizona, to the nation's capital. They dreamed of fostering deeper conversations about what it means to be progressive Christians in an age of fundamentalism. On their journey they discovered thousands of people in every state—red and blue—and every kind of church who welcomed them and shared their hunger for relationship and conversation about what it means to be Christian. Asphalt Jesus tells the story of the journey and further articulates a joyous and loving faith that moves beyond simple categories of "Christian Right" and "Christian Left." Asphalt Jesus builds on Eric Elnes's previous book, The Phoenix Affirmations. Arising from the three great loves that the Bible reveals (love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self), these twelve affirmations reflect commitments to environmental stewardship, social justice, and artistic expression as well as openness to other faiths. Transcending theological and culture wars, inclusive and generous in spirit and practice, these principles allow believers and seekers alike to affirm their Christian faith in a fresh way. Travel with Elnes and his companions on this remarkable journey as they encounter fundamentalist talk radio hosts, receive radical hospitality at Jesus First Baptist Church in Eager, Arizona, marvel at how a decidedly un-Christian welcome in Clovis, New Mexico, turns into something much more joyous, and watch their stereotypes about Christianity at the grassroots crumble along the way. Discover the joys and challenges of this amazing 2500-mile walk and the gifts of their conversations with thousands of people of all kinds about what it means to be Christian.