Midwest Publishing Association Award of Excellence
Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year
Fore Word Book of the Year Award Honorable Mention
Power corrupts—as we've seen time and time again. People too often abuse their power and play god in the lives of others. Shady politicians, corrupt executives and ego-filled media stars have made us suspicious of those who wield influence and authority. They too often breed injustice by participating in what the Bible calls idolatry.
Yet power is also the means by which we bring life, create possibilities, offer hope and make human flourishing possible. This is ‘playing god’ as it is meant to be. If we are to do God's work—fight injustice, bring peace, create beauty and allow the image of God to thrive in those around us—how are we to do these things if not by power?
With his trademark clear-headed analysis, Andy Crouch unpacks the dynamics of power that either can make human flourishing possible or can destroy the image of God in people. While the effects of power are often very evident, he uncovers why power is frequently hidden. He considers not just its personal side but the important ways power develops and resides in institutions.
Throughout Crouch offers fresh insights from key biblical passages, demonstrating how Scripture calls us to discipline our power. Wielding power need not distort us or others, but instead can be stewarded well.
An essential book for all who would influence their world for the good.
Tabela de Conteúdo
Introduction
1. The Discovery of Power
Part 1: The Gift of Power: In the Beginning It Was Not So
Exploration: Genesis 1 – 2 – Original Power
2. Power Is a Gift
3. Idolatry
4. Injustice
A Note: Evangelism and Social Action
5. Icons
Exploration: John 2 – The Wedding Wine
Part 2: The Grip of Power: It Will Not Be So Among You
Exploration: Exodus 20 – The Ten Words
6. The Hiddenness of Power
7. Force, Coercion and Violence
8. The Lure of Privilege
Exploration: John 13 – Jesus, Power and Privilege
Part 3: Institutions and Creative Power: From Generation to Generation
9. The Gift of Institutions
10. Principalities, Powers and Broken Institutions
11. Becoming Trustees
Exploration: Philemon – The Peculiar Institution
Part 4: The End of Power: We Had to Celebrate
12. Disciplined Power
13. The Sabbath Ladder
14. The End of Power
Exploration: Luke 15 – Prodigal Power
Acknowledgments
Notes
Sobre o autor
Andy Crouch (MDiv, Boston University School of Theology) is senior strategist for at the John Templeton Foundation. For more than ten years he was an editor and producer at Christianity Today, including serving as executive editor from 2012 to 2016. He serves on the governing boards of Fuller Theological Seminary and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Andy is the author of books such as Strong and Weak, Culture Making, and Playing God. His writing has appeared in Time, the Wall Street Journal and several editions of Best Christian Writing and Best Spiritual Writing.From 1998 to 2003, Andy was the editor-in-chief of re:generation quarterly, a magazine for an emerging generation of culturally creative Christians. For ten years he was a campus minister with Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship at Harvard University. He studied classics at Cornell University and received an MDiv from Boston University School of Theology. A classically trained musician who draws on pop, folk, rock, jazz, and gospel, he has led musical worship for congregations of 5 to 20, 000. He lives with his family in Pennsylvania.