From Isolation to Community - by Myles Werntz (Paperback)

About the Book

The church as it is frequently practiced tends to perpetuate cultural isolation rather than offering an alternative to it. With the help of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Myles Werntz shows how reframing familiar practices can shift the church away from isolation and toward community.

Book Synopsis

Named One of Fifteen Important Theology Books of 2022, Englewood Review of Books

It is no secret that isolation is one of the key ailments of our age. But less explored is the way the church as it is frequently practiced contributes to this isolation instead of offering an alternative. With the help of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this book argues for a renewed vision of the church community as a theological therapy to cultural, moral, and sociological isolation. It offers an account of how familiar church practices, such as Scripture reading, worship, prayer, and eating, contribute to community formation in the body of Christ.

From the Back Cover

"A vital book for helping us to rediscover the promise and hope of life together"

The church often tends to perpetuate cultural isolation rather than offering an alternative to it. With the help of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Myles Werntz demonstrates how reframing familiar practices can shift the church away from isolation and toward community.

"Werntz, like Bonhoeffer himself, is not satisfied with practical tools or techniques for building church-community. Instead he offers theological clarification about the main barrier to community--a state of isolation present in the crowd and the autonomous individual--and describes how the practices of the gathered church might heal our isolation. While Werntz uses Bonhoeffer as a guide, he offers a constructive vision for the contemporary church that is thoroughly his own. His vision invites Christians into shared life together for our own sake and for the life of the world."
--Jennifer McBride, International Bonhoeffer Society-English Language Section; McCormick Theological Seminary

"Community has become a buzzword in much Christian writing. Lest you be tempted to pass by this book, then, in apathy or frustration, I can assure you there are no clichés here. Werntz has written a sharply observed, sensitively and creatively ecumenical, intelligently hopeful book on this perennially elusive theme. I was dazzled and instructed by his range of reading and cultural engagement, and I was heartened and delighted by his humbly orthodox Baptist theological intervention in a time when people the world over are imagining with real desperation what a rescue--a redemption--from isolation might involve."
--Wesley Hill, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan; author of Spiritual Friendship: Finding Love in the Church as a Celibate Gay Christian

"With dexterity and depth Werntz brings Bonhoeffer to life in a way that will help churches faithfully minister in this time. This book is a valuable read."
--Andrew Root, Luther Seminary; author of Churches and the Crisis of Decline

"A vital book for helping us to rediscover the promise and hope of life together."
--Brian Bantum, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

About the Author

Myles Werntz (PhD, Baylor University) is associate professor of theology and director of Baptist studies at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. He is the author or editor of several books, including Bodies of Peace and A Field Guide to Christian Nonviolence.