Inclusivity: A Gospel Mandate

by Diarmuid O'Murchu

The strongest case yet for an inclusive church, the kind that was and has been, and lays bare its historical, theological, and spiritual roots. Diarmuid O’Murchu holds high the millions on the margins as well as the outsiders who honor Jesus but feel they don’t fit in because of alternative vision or minority status resulting from race, ethnicity, social standing or sexual orientation. Inclusivity is not only for Christians but also for people of other faiths attracted to the vision and life of Jesus but disenchanted with the language of exclusivity and power. It presents a faith dynamic characterized by discipleship with an adult Jesus in the service of an adult God. It is a gift of the “Pope Francis effect,” an inevitable drive to reach out and bring in. It is the next step in a movement toward spiritual wholeness.

Genres: Theology

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2015

About the author

Diarmuid O'Murchu, a member of the Sacred Heart Missionary Order, and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin Ireland, is a social psychologist most of whose working life has been in social ministry, predominantly in London, UK. In that capacity he has worked as a couple's counsellor, in bereavement work, AIDS-HIV counselling, and laterally with homeless people and refugees. As a workshop leader and group facilitator he has worked in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, The Philippines, Thailand,
India, Peru and in several African countries, facilitating programmes on Adult Faith Development.

His best known books include Quantum Theology (1996 - revised in 2004), Reclaiming Spirituality (1998), Evolutionary Faith (2002), Catching Up with Jesus (2005), The Transformation of Desire (2007), Ancestral Grace (2008), Jesus in the Power of Poetry (2009).

Reviews

[Kelvin ADU · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-Provoking and Challengingly Progressive

This isn’t the kind of book you read just to pass time — it’s dense in a good way, pushing boundaries and inviting deep reflection. Inclusivity is perhaps the most theologically progressive work I’ve read so far. Ó Murchú offers fresh, often challenging interpretations of biblical texts that have long been approached in more traditional ways.

What stands out is the book’s ability to help readers critically examine inherited religious structures and assumptions. One quote that really encapsulated the heart of the message for me:

“Our world is becoming increasingly interconnected… With such secular impetus for a more empowering inclusivity, it is anomalous that churches and religions should still be clinging on to inherited exclusions…”

Ó Murchú argues that the credibility of the Christian Gospel is on the line — and I agree. In a time when people are yearning for belonging and meaning, the Church’s reluctance to embrace inclusive love and justice feels like a missed opportunity to rediscover something truly sacred.

This book is not casual reading, but it’s a deeply rewarding one if you’re open to unlearning and reimagining faith.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are all one in creation.

[Christine Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dense but necessary read.