Virtually Christian: How Christ Changes Human Meaning and Makes Creation New

by Anthony Bartlett

How is it possible to change the conversation in Christianity? So it is no longer locked in tired old grids, yet still remains radically faithful to its origins? The ground-breaking thought of René Girard makes this dream a reality, allowing us to interpret the biblical text in a vital and fresh mode of anthropological revelation. Virtually Christian  mines that vein deeply and consistently, unpacking evidence of ongoing cultural transformation of what it means to be human in and through Christ. Instead of the goal of a heavenly otherworld and its abstract God, there is a God at work in the human story, laboring to bring it to completion. The identity and mission of Jesus become fully understandable against this background, and the consequences for teaching and practice are enormous. In particular the shape and life of the church begin to look dramatically and invitingly different. This book provides a vital contemporary reading of both classical Christian thought and emerging 21st century Christianity.

Genres: Theology

290 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2011

Reviews

[Andrew Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time when so many trends are bewildering and disorienting for those who wish to follow Christ, Bartlett analyzes several contemporary movies & other modern trends to show us signs of hope in the oddest places. His discussion of Bob Dylan, quite a favorite of mine is particularly welcome. The important and vital insights into René Girard's probing of mimetic desire and its potential for violence but also for peace are fundamental to Bartlett's theological vision, a vision of a totally loving and self-sacrificing God. Whether one is attracted to new alternative churches or feels called to revitalize existing structures, there is much inspiration to be found in this book. For more, look up Anthony's blog at http://www.theologypeace.blogspot.com/ or my own blog at http://bit.ly/Tqbeqw

[ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still processing...

Concise, thought-provoking and radical, this book is worth a look. Even if you don't agree with all the conclusions, his argument is compelling.

[Steven Fouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Virtually Christian by Anthony Bartlett is a philosophical and theological explanation of how Jesus, particularly Jesus' core message of non-violence, has changed and continues to change human meaning and existence.

The Good: If you like philosophy, theology, or academic presentations of material, this book will be one you can tackle.

The Bad: This book reads like seven academic papers written on one topic. There is no concluding chapter, but a single paragraph at the end of the last essay/chapter that attempts to quickly tie the essays together.

The Ugly: My thoughts on this book ranged from "2 Stars, this guy is dead wrong" to "4 Stars, this guy is brilliant." The problem is that the dry presentation makes it hard to remember which feeling you were feeling most recently.

If you're looking for a discussion of non-violence and the metaphysical importance of Christ, look no further. But don't read this when you are tired.

[Kerrie-Anne Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A challenging read because of its depth and the propositions made. Not everyone will be able to or want to follow Tony on this journey, but what a rewarding book for those who can and do!