The Body Broken: Embracing the Peace of Christ in a Fragmented Church

by Jack R. Reese

Writing with passion and great pastoral sensitivity, Jack Reese urges Christians to live together peaceably while dealing with their differences in ways that honor Christ and reflect the gospel. Here is powerful and soothing gospel medicine for fragmented churches.

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[David Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good look at some of Paul's letters in regards to the unity the church needs to accept in the light of Jesus Christ. At times it gets a bit repetitive, but the content of the book is just as fresh and necessary (if not more so, in the age of political division) as it was when he wrote it.

[Byron Fike · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one reared in the Church of Christ of the 60's and 70's, I instantly connected with the author's perception of our past. Like the author I was never deeply entwined in the legalism that so many of my contemporaries have struggled to overcome. Yet, I was a product of my heritage in the certainty that "we" were right and everyone else should become like us.

The author's analysis of our current needs also resonated with me deeply. His four reasons our children are leaving gave me considerable pause. The heart of the book is applicable to all followers of Jesus, no matter your heritage. Our history of division is not unique to us. And, as the author so masterfully exposes, the letters of Paul demonstrate its presence in the earliest churches; AND the solution for such godless attitudes and behavior.

His personal stories and scripture paraphrases make this book enjoyable reading. The application is pointed and directs us to consider our ways as move into the future.

[Diana Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reese is a professor at Abilene Christian, and this book on congregational conflict is written out of his tradition of the a capella Church of Christ - which is far from my own experience. However, Reese's tradition has such a rich understanding of the early church and he translates that wisdom easily to congregations today.

In one section, he answers the question, "Why do our young people leave our congregations?"... and answers it, "It's us...."

The writing is full of compassion, scriptural basis, and spiritual wisdom.

[Bill Buckingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend for members of the churches of Christ to help heal differences. Brother Reese shows grace in his treatment of difficult discussions on disputable matters.