Description
Book SynopsisHumane Christianity examines how the institutional church, which should be a shining example of God’s love in the world, has so often throughout history been the very opposite—corrupt, oppressive, abusive, and inhumane. In analyzing why this has been so, Alan Bartlett shows the serious consequences of this inhumanity for Christian witness today. In the journey of revealing a more humane Christianity the book ranges widely: from the problems caused by traditional language of “original sin” or the legacy of the harsh reality of the Rule of Benedict, to explorations of the Christology of Irenaeus, the love of Julian of Norwich, the passion of Martin Luther, the theological method of Richard Hooker, and the balanced spirituality of Jeremy Taylor. Humane Christianity suggests a way forward rooted in an open orthodoxy and a thoughtful, passionate commitment to the message of the gospels. The end result is a way of living as Christians that is more attractive, just, and above all, humane.
Trade ReviewThis plea for a humane Christianity will encourage those who have suffered from the cruelties of institutional religion, and show how faith really can affirm the worth of the human person. -- Angela Tilby, Westcott House, Cambridge
At a time when many conceive of religious faith in terms of rigidity of mind and violence of action, it is vital to listen to those voices which rightly understand Christian faith in terms of astonishing divine grace and compassionate human wisdom. Alan Bartlett is one of those. -- Walter Moberly, University of Durham
