All Together Different: Upholding the Church's Unity While Honoring Our Individual Identities - Softcover

Tucker, J. Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802418082 ISBN 13: 9780802418081

Publisher: Moody Publishers, 2018

Synopsis

Can we all just get along?

E Pluribus Unum: "Out of many, one." This motto is emblazoned on the Great Seal of the United States, but it could be the church's model, too. Unfortunately, the daily experience of many Christians and churches feels like the opposite: out of one, many. We are increasingly aware of what makes us different from others, and it is hurting the church and its witness.

All Together Different will help readers understand why we find it so difficult "to just get along." Drawing from research on personal and group identity, it equips readers to navigate a culture that often pays lip service to the value of diversity, but struggles to foster constructive dialogue and mutual respect. With clear writing and real-life stories, All Together Different translates social identity theory for pastors, church leaders, and ministry practitioners, exposing it to the light of biblical and theological reflection.

About this title

About the Author

J. BRIAN TUCKER is Professor of New Testament at Moody Theological Seminary in Plymouth, MI, and External Affiliate at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London. He is coeditor of The T & T Clark Social Identity Commentary on the New Testament and the author or coauthor of several books including Reading Romans after Supersessionism, and All Together Different. Brian earned his DMin from Michigan Theological Seminary and his PhD from the University of Wales, Lampeter. In his spare time he enjoys science fiction and playing and listening to jazz.

JOHN KOESSLER is a professor emeritus at Moody Bible Institute where he served on the faculty since 1994. Prior to joining the Moody faculty, John served as pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, IL for nine years. He is an award-winning author who has written thirteen books and numerous magazine articles. He writes the monthly Theology Matters column for Today in the Word and is a frequent workshop leader at the Moody Pastor's Conference. John is married to Jane and they have two adult sons. They live in Ludington, MI.

From the Back Cover

WHAT SOCIAL IDENTITY CAN TEACH US ABOUT CHURCH UNITY

Our attempts to foster church unity typically don't turn out the way we'd hoped. Why? Because we fail to understand how community and identity interact. People form groups; it's part of what it means to be human. Once formed, groups come into conflict with each other--even within the church. It's not a question of if, but how. Simply focusing on our commonalities isn't enough. Trying to stop people from forming groups won't work. We need to get to the heart of the issue: identity.

Drawing from Scripture and social identity theory, All Together Different will teach you what moves people from "us vs. them" to "we together," while maintaining diverse group identities. Whether you're dealing with racial tensions, gender divides, generational gaps, or cultural preferences, you'll learn how to promote unity and prevent conflict for the glory of God.

Edition details

• Publisher: Moody Publishers
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802418082
• ISBN 13: 9780802418081
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272