Jesus, Pope Francis, and a Protestant Walk into a Bar
Lessons for the Christian Church
Bill Tammeus author Paul Rock author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Westminster/John Knox Press,U.S.
Published:16th Sep '15
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Pope Francis has taken the world by storm, captivating Catholics, Protestants, and non-Christians alike. Sneaking out of the Vatican at night, washing the feet of inmates, and taking selfies with young fans is certainly unlike any religious leader we've seen in a while, and some of the religious establishment is uneasy about it. The revitalization Francis is bringing to the Catholic Church is not without precedent, however. Jesus had a similar effect in his day, drawing crowds with his humility, kindness, and wisdomâ€"even as he drew the disapproval of established religious leaders. The things that have brought Francis such media attention are the same things that made Jesus so peculiar and attractive in his day.
Thoughtful examination of Jesus' example and legacy, as well as an honest look at the similarities and differences between Catholic and Protestant faith, invites reflection on the heart of Christianity and how we relate to our fellow Christians. Readers will discover the power of heartfelt joy, radical love, and passion for justice to shake people out of religious complacency and into dynamic, contagious faith. Jesus, Pope Francis, and a Protestant Walk into a Bar looks at what is universal among Christians, what is unique to Catholics and Protestants, and how all Christians can practice understanding and cooperation across differences. Perfect for individual or group use, discussion questions are also included to encourage further thought and conversation.
"This book rejoices both my heart and my mind... Here are respected, mainline Protestant clergy speaking with grace and respect and, in places, near-affection for the work and ministry and public stances of a Pope. Here is a line of thought and prayer-filled commentary that, if embraced, can only lead all of us to a new and holier way of being the people of God together in tomorrow's world."-- Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence "Pope Francis is our facilitator for this intriguing invitation into Protestant-Catholic dialogue, with his presence, teachings, and lifestyle used to illustrate the gospel that Protestants too affirm - transcending our mutual ecclesiastical and doctrinal disagreements and wounds. I strongly recommend this book with its accompanying suggestions and questions for use by both Protestant and Catholic groups in exploring a deeper understanding of their own faith and that of each other." --Fr. W. Paul Jones, Trappist monk and resident director of the Hermitage Spiritual Retreat Center in Pittsburg, MO "The simple and inclusive acts of Pope Francis are better responses to Jesus' central question, 'Do you love me?' than exclusive ecclesiastical practices and guilt-based teachings. This book offers Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians a fresh start in their broken relationships and helps to sweep away exclusive practices and hurtful attitudes while cherishing differences, to love more universally and more intensely."-- The Rev. Dr. Vern Barnet, founder of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council
ISBN: 9780664260675
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
96 pages