Earthy Faith
A Theology for the People
- Theology
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
Earthy Faith is a fresh interpretation of the Christian faith, written for the Christian people with an eye toward providing a theologically robust resource for those who may not have formal theological training. Using a minimum of theological jargon, integrating Christian claims with consensus positions in the natural sciences, and forthrightly engaging in public theology, Craig L. Nessan has crafted a book that takes seriously all Christian believers. Nessan deftly weaves the truths of the "Book of Scripture" and the "Book of Nature" into a rich tapestry of understanding. Three key terms in each chapter provide foundations upon which he layers insights drawn from a wide array of resources to explain such core theological concepts as creation, sin, the cross, suffering, formation, and liberation. With clearly written prose and concrete examples, Earthy Faith is unfailingly accessible but never oversimplified. Nessan approaches difficult topics with a pastoral sensibility, bringing readers along a journey from "alpha" to "omega" that constructs a systematic theology--comprehensibly! This is a rare book that will engage laypeople and ministers, seminarians and undergraduates alike.
Endorsements (6)
“Rooted in a vibrant engagement with Christian tradition, yet welcoming contemporary concerns such as science, ecology, and social justice, Craig L. Nessan has truly written a theology for all Christian people. In a time of spiritual fragmentation, it will do the church good to have an accessible take on the whole of Christian faith. Like all good theology, Earthy Faith is richly rooted in Scripture. Fortunately, Nessan brings these ancient words of faith into dialogue with hard questions asked by everyday people of faith. The result is an invitation to conversation I hope many across the church--from youth groups to church assemblies--take up.”
“A love letter to the Christian people! Taking seriously culture, science, ethics, imagination, wonder, and community, Craig L. Nessan offers a generous invitation to seek faith and understanding as we live out our human vocations in service to others.”
“In Earthy Faith: A Theology for the People, Craig L. Nessan boldly threads a double helix of justification and justice through the doctrines of Christian faith, constructing a systematic theology that is both theoretically innovative and practically relevant. The book is strikingly humane in its emphasis on communal belonging with the environment and courageously redemptive in its advocacy for the care of the planet. It will inspire readers to take up responsibility for resisting death-dealing regimes and to communicate grace by living out the freedom of the Christian.”
“At the Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA), one of our Organizational Thrusts is to "teach the whole people of God about their call to diakonia." This manual is a comprehensive guide for those very people the LDA has been called to train. Earthy Faith is more than a manual; it gathers biblical evidence for why all Christians are called to embody the diaconate. Craig L. Nessan's reminder that "Jesus is a deacon" posits that we might "go and do likewise" regardless of the traditional hierarchical structures of ministry. Identifying ways Christ's ministry will be identifiable here on earth, Earthy Faith takes the reader from the beginning of our Christian faith traditions to our final and perfect praise in death. The LDA will reference this theological guide to respond faithfully and critically to its thrust, equipping and educating the Christian people.”
“Clear, accessible language, carefully organized material, and suggested questions for personal reflection and group discussion make Craig L. Nessan's book Earthy Faith a gift to parish educators and classroom teachers alike. For the Christian educator looking for an accessible introductory text to the core tenets of our faith, Earthy Faith delivers a feast in digestible portions!”
“Craig Nessan's fresh and engaging primer translates the great themes of the Christian faith for the earthy lives of people today. At a time when a quiet reformation is stirring in the church--calling us back to the vocation of the baptized in daily life--and grounded in a theology of the cross, this book meets the moment with clarity, depth, and hope. Accessible yet substantial, it is a book Christians seeking to follow Jesus right now will return to again and again.”
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