From the Editor's Desk: Thinking Critically, Living Faithfully at the Dawn of a New Christian Century

by John M. Buchanan, Jason Byassee (Contributor)

The Christian Century, the most respected magazine for mainline Protestants in the world, has helped Christians think critically and live faithfully since 1884. The publication's former editor and publisher, John Buchanan, has compiled a collection of biweekly editorials from the magazine that highlight events, issues, and questions that progressive Christians faced at the turning of this century.

A must-read for Christian Century fans, From the Editor's Desk examines ten key areas from the years 1999-2015, focusing on war and peace, civic engagement, newsworthy events, the Middle East, and congregational life.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2016

About the author

John M. Buchanan was the pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, Illinois, United States, the second largest congregation in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
He was also the editor and publisher of The Christian Century. He was also a member of the General Assembly Council from 1996 to 1999, and served as the moderator of the 208th General Assembly (1996). He was one of the founding co-moderators of The Covenant Network of Presbyterians in 1997.
In a letter dated May 18, 2010, Buchanan announced that he would retire from his duties as pastor of Fourth Presbyterian effective January 31, 2012. Buchanan remained heavily involved with Presbyterian Church USA in retirement, serving as an interim preacher at churches in the Chicago area.

Reviews

[Kimberly Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

To paraphrase one of the author's own review of a completely different book, this was alternately stimulating, irritating, and provocative. At times I completely disagreed with him, other times I whole-heartedly agreed with what he had to say. It was always well-written, easy to read, and definitely made me think.

[Brent Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading this book I was unware of both The christian Century and John M. Buchanan. However, I'm pleased to have discovered both. Collecting a large numebr of Buchanan's editorials, From the Editor's Desk offers succinct and thoughtful insights into the modern Christian life. From lamenting the death of community to weighing the import of the social gospel, Buchanan manages to sidestep the trite and boil the complex topics of each magazine into a moving summary. There's a lot to chew on here and I'm thankful both for Buchanan's openness to eccumenicalism and for seeing the worth and value of other traditions. Buchanan's unique voice also speaks with a relevance that brings it out of the particular events it describes. His response to 9/11 urging against healing the wound to quickly and requiring a national period of introspection feels oddly relevant once more after the current divisive election. As such, From the Editor's Desk brings together not only a valued collection of Buchanan's thoughts on particular topics, but a discernment of the Christian life that will continue to speak into the lives of readers down the years.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Editor's Desk

Thinking Critically, Living Faithfully at the Dawn of a New Christian Century



by John M. Buchanan

Westminster John Knox Press

Westminster John Knox Press



Christian

Pub Date 10 Nov 2016

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of From the Editor's Desk through the publisher and Netgalley:

The Christian Century has been the most respected magazine for mainline protestants for well over a hundred years.

The letters show how the magazine has reached people over a hundred years. It talks about the shift from Mainline Churches to Non-Denomitional Mainline Churches.

The books go on too talk about how often the call to minister comes in stages.

I give From the Editor's Desk five out of five stars.

Happy Reading!