Christian Theology for a Secular Society: Singing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land
Ebook
Overview
”It’s hard to be the only one.” That single sentence from a teenage congregant sums up the conviction that motivated Christian Theology for a Secular Society. In these dying days of Christendom, the reality that most Western Christians face is living out their faith as a minority in the midst of a culture that is at every level--personal, institutional, and societal--secular in nature. While most living in Western societies still affirm belief in God and often other vaguely recognizable Christian beliefs, these affirmations frequently have little to do with how daily life is lived. The idea that the God best known to us in Jesus Christ is actually in charge of life is foreign. For most, Christianity simply does not form an overarching system of meaning that shapes life. Instead, life is lived largely without reference to God. And to live any other way is often “hard." In this volume, Mark McKim sets out to “do" theology in this context. How does one explain the core historic Christian doctrines in a way that makes sense in a secular culture--and in a way that will gain a hearing? What does it mean to be the church in this new situation? Throughout, McKim asks the question, so what? as he relates Christian teachings to a secular society and to what is actually happening in the local church. McKim’s goal is to enable the singing of the Lord’s song in the new and strange land of a secular society.
”McKim is that rare person who stands firmly in his tradition
and, at the same time, is able to appreciate what Christians from
other traditions bring to the table. This stance results in a
combination of decisive thinking and due consideration of positions
that differ from his."
--The Bulletin, Atlantic Baptist Fellowship
“This is systematic theology written by a pastor-scholar for other
pastors and thoughtful church members. . . . McKim’s passion is to
help us know, love, and serve God in our day. [This book] is a
heartfelt plea . . . to become more counter-cultural by taking
seriously the sovereign and holy God in a world increasingly
secular and claiming its autonomy from God."
--John Bolt, Professor of Systematic Theology, Calvin Theological
Seminary
"Equipping himself with some of the best in ancient and recent
theology and scriptural study, McKim sets out to write a systematic
theology which restores our confidence in the Gospel, thickens our
description of the Christian faith with scriptural revelation and
sound doctrine, and provides both intellectual resources and
practical directions to build up the life and mission of the church
in our secular context . . . "
--Douglas Harink, Professor of Theology, The King’s University
College
"Generally in agreement, occasionally in disagreement, I am
nevertheless pleased to commend Dr. McKim’s book. I hope that it
will gain a wide readership. With apologetic and pastoral concerns
in mind he wrestles with major Christian doctrines in such a way as
to reveal their biblical roots and to show their importance for
today’s church. . . . Ministers who subscribe to prevalent
anti-intellectualism, who resort to forced emotionalism, or vacuous
‘spirituality,’ or who are in thrall to materialistic-commercial
models of church growth should be required to read this book--and
repent."
--Alan P. F. Sell, Professor of Christian Doctrine and Philosophy
of Religion (retired), United Theological College
Product Details
- Title : Christian Theology for a Secular Society: Singing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land
- Author: McKim, Mark G.
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2008
- ISBN: 9781498276429
Mark G. McKim was educated at the University of New Brunswick, Acadia Divinity College of Acadia University, and Boston University. Guided by commitments to the life of the mind and to the mission of the church, he has combined scholarship and pastoral ministry. He has published and lectured extensively on theology, church history, and apologetics. McKim, who has pastored for nearly twenty years, is the senior minister at First Baptist Church, Regina, Saskatchewan.