The contemporary Christian church is in critical decline, both in membership and finances. All attempts at reversal are failing, primarily because of the consuming socioeconomic-secular dynamic in which society is immersed in its self-destructive course. Consequently, Christian imagery is losing its conceivability and credibility, and past motivations that once encouraged belief have lost their appeal. Without these as points of contact, the demise of the institutional church will be relentless, despite all efforts to halt it. Yet, as at other crisis points in history, the divine promise has been to raise a ‘faithful remnant’ with sufficient promise to outlast whatever the societal demise. After carefully analyzing the ingredients of our societal crisis, the author develops the contours of a ‘Remnant Church’ to be set in place now within the present institutional churches. This necessitates distilling a vital spirituality and discerning the heart of a preservable tradition, sufficient to claim both personal and communal commitment. Thereby prepared for the long haul, the Remnant Church can emerge as a prophetic alternative.
About the author
W. Paul Jones, known for serving with humor, creativity, and compassion as resident director of the Hermitage Spiritual Retreat Center, is an Emeritus Professor of Theology, an ordained United Methodist for forty years, a Trappist Family Brother, and a Roman Catholic priest. His ecumenical work focuses on the relationship between spirituality and social justice and is particularly concerned with the dilemma of the contemporary church. He is author of fourteen books, some award-winning, and numerous articles.
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