Inward Apocalypse
Uncovering a Faith for the Common Good
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Resource Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2022
FritzSearch.com earns a commission on purchases made through Bookshop.org links.
Publisher's Description
"I wish I could still believe in God, but I can't be a Christian anymore because of ______" Fill-in-the-blank with racism, misogyny, homophobia, toxic capitalism, and so on. I've had this conversation with different people almost word-for-word over and over. White American Christianity has so defined God that many people cannot separate God from the toxic theology they were taught. But this isn't the God I see in the Bible. The Bible shows us a God meeting people where they are and nudging them towards justice and total thriving for all: shalom. The Bible details arcs of justice and societal reform. If we understand how radical those arcs were in the context of the day, we can extend them forward into the future and figure out how to work for justice, total thriving, and societal reformation in our day. I grew up in that first world view. Come along, and I'll tell you the story of how I escaped, and I'll show you a theology that I believe paints a more accurate picture: a faith for the common good where everyone thrives and no one is left out.
Endorsements (6)
“Inward Apocalypse is a timely invitation to readers to develop their faith for the common good. The book’s refreshing honesty—even about the growing pains of faith—allows readers to rest in the well-earned wisdom of a trusted guide and confidant. Howard writes with depth, insight, and authenticity, weaving together personal experiences, poetry, and compelling scholarship to reveal a theology that is actually good news for the entire community of creation.”
“Inward Apocalypse is a gift to all who long for faith with power to ground us in these shifting times. With clarity, wit, and surprising insight, Howard drops gems as she leads readers through apocalypse to the common good.”
“Inward Apocalypse is smart, witty, and captivating. I could not put it down. Howard’s thinking and writing are as solid as can be, compelling us to pilgrimage alongside her as she confronts the toxic Christian subculture and theology in which many are steeped. Howard raises thought-provoking questions and challenges American Christians who seek to follow the Jesus of the Gospels and not the Jesus of our national imagination.”
“Howard weaves together vivid personal experience and rich theological reflection. Her voice in Inward Apocalypse is a steady, faithful guide for any who have found themselves out of sorts or tightly bound by the story of God they were given. Through recounting her own moments of disruption, Howard invites readers to find their way through their own such moments and encounter a more expansive, beautiful, and transformative faith.”
“Inward Apocalypse offers us hope and a roadmap so that we can restore the common good together. If you've ever found yourself disoriented or disturbed by the scandals or misuse of power by clergy leaders, this book is for you. You will feel seen, cared for, and loved— this book is a well of healing.”
“In this meditation and memoir, Anna Howard shares the complex reality of journeying from her childhood faith towards an ever-deepening understanding of Christ, justice, challenge, and hope. This brilliant book is a must-read for anyone asking the hard questions about rediscovering faith when one realizes that the suppositions, hierarchies, and -isms built into one’s story of faith cannot stand.”
See something wrong on this page? Report a problem