In Trembling Boldness
Wisdom for Today from Ancient Jesus People
- Christian Living
- Publisher: Broadleaf Books (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2023
FritzSearch.com earns a commission on purchases made through Bookshop.org links.
Publisher's Description
Many of us have heard about the recently discovered writings by the early followers of Jesus through newspapers, magazines, video and audio interviews, and conversations on social media. This enlightening, first-of-its-kind book draws on the words and wisdom of these ancient Jesus people to offer everyone deeper spiritual connection today. Using examples from modern life to introduce dozens of excerpts from texts like The Odes of Solomon, The Gospel of Thomas, and The Thunder: Perfect Mind, In Trembling Boldness draws meaning and connection between ancient followers of Jesus and the most pressing issues of today, including LGBTQ+ inclusion, incarceration, addiction, immigration, violence, illness, the work of social justice, civil disobedience, and more. As we ruminate on these sacred words applied to contemporary life and take in beautiful images of the ancient texts recorded on papyrus and pottery, we discover new understandings and deeper connection to God and each other--making space in our hearts for the words of these ancient Jesus people.
Endorsements (8)
“For those of us deeply shaped by the spirit and stories of Jesus, this lovely book is indispensable! And for those who seek genuine illumination and heartfelt inspiration in our grim and dim times, this powerful text is for you! Don’t miss it!”
“This new constellation of early Christian scriptures adds brilliant facets to the diamond of divine revelation, waking up those of us who thought we knew it all. Here is a room full of forgotten stories about what it once meant to follow Jesus. Some are so strange that they tell me what a stranger I have become to my own faith. Others are so compelling that they refresh my sense of what this faith asks of me.”
“Those searching for truth, belonging, healing, justice and divine wisdom must read In Trembling Boldness! In this tender, surprising, nuanced, complex, and hopeful book, Natalie Perkins and Hal Taussig ‘interpret’ powerful and too oft unknown wisdom texts from the Jesus movement and share modern-day parables for contemporary life.”
Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis
“A full and open-hearted life—this is what Natalie and Hal invite us to enjoy. To get back to Jesus, or to sit at his feet for the very first time. It is a rich and evocative sit, deeply meditative, reflecting on texts at once ancient and timeless. Oh, how I’ll be preaching these texts, with an open heart and a curious mind and a soul waiting to be taken up, while sipping on new wine in old wineskins that do not burst.”
Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis
“How shall we pray? If prayer is the communing of the deep desires of our heart with the deep desires of the Divine, In Trembling Boldness is an extraordinary companion for our contemporary prayer life. Drawing on sacred texts of the ancient Jesus people, meditations found in this book invite us into that world even as they root us firmly in this world in all its wondrous complexity. Here, the Divine does not look away from our sufferings; rather, we find the Divine in the cracks, in the vicissitudes, in the sufferings and joys of our lives. We see ourselves in these meditations. They remind us of the presence of the Divine accompaniment even in most unlikely places. In these pages, we are led by the Divine, who abides ‘in trembling boldness,’ witnessing to the sacredness of our lives.”
“This collection of meditations opens the heart to the joy and pain of living. Each meditation invites reflection on the profound ways that the divine is woven together with the ordinary moments of our lives. I found myself deeply moved by the tender intimacy and gracious wisdom contained within these pages.”
“In a wonderful attempt at quenching the spiritual hunger of our time, In Trembling Boldness introduces the contemporary world to ancient wisdom; wisdom that at one time guided countless souls. Sprinkled with moments of biblical and extracanonical teachings, In Trembling Boldness gifts the world with new reflections of real time scenarios, while also harnessing the voice and instructions of the ancients. In Trembling Boldness is a balm of healing to the aching and searching soul.”
“There is a joy that exudes from Natalie Perkins’s spirit whether she is on or off stage . . . whether she is serving or being served . . . whether she’s praying or playing . . . Her heart, her insights, her words, are some of the most well thought out and articulated that I’ve come across. I do believe you will find great encouragement and inspiration as you now read her words.”
See something wrong on this page? Report a problem