Created for Community

Are you struggling to understand how theology is practical to Christian living? Have you had a hard time putting life into perspective? Many authors have a difficult time making theology sensible to the common man. Grenz wonderfully accomplishes this task and gives the church a proper understanding of God's purposes for his creation. We were created for community! Grenz begins by discussing the importance of theology and how it should be more than mere head knowledge. Application must be made and that application ought to change our lives for the better of God's good purposes. Grenz gives a simple and concise synopsis of the Christian faith. Who is God--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? How do we understand and communicate who he is? What does it mean to be created in his image? What did the Fall really do to community? What exactly did God do to restore that community? Why did he do it this way? What does it mean to say that the church mirrors the community of God? Grenz beautifully tells the story of God... the story of his community... the story of our faith. Why "community"? Grenz writes, "because the focus on community encapsules the biblical message, it stands at the heart of the theological heritage of the church, and it speaks to the aspirations and sensed needs of people in our world today. In short, as we realize that we are created for community, we are in a position to connect Christian belief with Christian living." This is the second time I have read this book. The first time was in college. This last time through was better than the first! I have really been able to catch Grenz's vision of trinitarian community. Trinitarian unity is the archetype for the church. I believe that being involved in an organic house church has helped me to better grasp "community". In the institutional church I had a very difficult time envisioning "community." It was actually kind of strange to even talk about community in that setting. It's not a natural setting for human relationships to be bound together in trinitarian love. Grenz was truly a blessing to Christ's church. His writings will continue to stir the hearts and minds of readers for years to come. * For a lengthier version of this book... get "Theology for the Community of God" (1994) also by Grenz. I recommend "Created for Community: Connecting Christian Belief with Christian Living" to new Christians and all those needing an introduction to theology and the Christian faith. It is perfect for small groups. Theology for the Community of God Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community Paul's Idea of Community: The Early House Churches in Their Cultural Setting, Revised Edition Reimagining Church: Pursuing the Dream of Organic Christianity

Before reading this book, I thought of theology books as boring, and difficult to understand and not applicable to the everyday believer who was not going to Bible school. Grenz's "Created for Community" has changed my mind. I am excited about the content as now it gives me some words to help explain my Christian beliefs & a deeper longing to know Christ. It is a must read for every Christian or those wondering what the Christian faith is all about.

Stan Grenz was one of the most fluent and also readable writers and theologians of our time. And he "lived it". The topic of community is an easy topic to wax eloquent about, but Grenz makes it practical and real.

This is a wonderful Theological Study Resource. Grenz does an excellent job displaying differing viewpoints, showing which one he believes most correct, and allowing the reader to make a decision based on his own experience. This is an absolute must read for every church member seeking to deepen his/her faith in Jesus and in the Triune God!