Jack R. Reese, The Body Broken: Embracing the Peace of Christ in a Fragmented Church. Leafwood Publishers, 2005.
Referenced in: Church Conflict – Communication, Healthy Behavior, and Forgiveness
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
A complete development of the biblical theme of unity. Dr. Reese’s thesis:
Christians ought to be able to talk to one another. A hallmark of the church should be the ability of believers to discuss, listen, encourage, and love. We should be able to disagree without acrimony. We should be known, of all people, as instruments of peace, as agents of reconciliation. We ought to love each other so profoundly, serve each other so aggressively, listen to each other so passionately, and respond to each other so humbly, that the kingdom of God breaks in among us. (3-4)
Reese develops this thesis through several central texts from the New Testament, primarily Philippians. It is valuable on many fronts, but especially in providing ministers and other Bible teachers good material for conveying peacemaking principles to their congregations.
From the Publisher
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.
About the Author
Jack R. Reese serves as Dean of the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas. He has served as minister to churches in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, and Iowa. His Ph.D. is from the University of Iowa, School of Religion. He is married to Jeanene, and they have three children, Jessica, Jocelyn, and Jay.
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