Customer Reviews

The Word: Imagining the Gospel in Modern America

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Ann Monroe has written a deeply felt exploration of modern christianity. Told with humor and respect for differing opinions, her account offers a new opportunity to examine an area of life that many have discarded as irrelevant. The Word demonstrates that this is far from the case. -- JM Kass

Ann Monroe's The Word explores the words of the gospel in modern American culture, analyzing how the Bible is taught and studied today. Chapters use interviews with renowned biblical scholars to consider the beliefs surrounding the Bible. An excellent survey.

The author reports on and analyzes the way various churches and other Christian settings view the Bible, study it and use it in life. I found very interesting the contrast of four congregations in Colorado Springs.

The author attends church Bible classes, worship services and seminary course classes, then interviews various participants or leaders, for a rich, insightful perspective on the role of the Bible in the life of American Christians of various persuasions and backgrounds.

She reports her thoughts and observations while in these settings. This enables the reader to "participate" in the event, and enter into her analysis. The personal contexts of the comments or questions that arise in each class are instructive.

The overall effect of this compilation and analysis is to provide a dynamic real-life picture of how the Word of God connects with individual and communal daily lives. What constitutes the communication, where connection points occur, how the insight arises and is appropriated. How differently the Word of a particular occasion is received by different individuals. How two perceptions from individuals in the same class differ depending on their personal background and situation.

This volume has value as a popular cultural analysis, informing us of both the life context and the theology "on the street" (or in the class). Most readers will gain value also from the personal devotional opportunity this provides for the reader to evaluate their own situation and engagement with the Word of God.

These vignettes and reflections present an occasion for each of us to consider what we understand that term "Word of God" to mean - not just in theoretical terms, but in life terms. Another way of stating the focus is to ask, "What constitutes "good news" (gospel) to each of these individuals and their communities?" This thoughtful but readable book will help us see the cross-cultural character of the communication needed to makes sense to those who need to hear the Good News.

The book also provides comment on the state of ferment and confusion in the broad mix of American culture, and how some churches are engaging that situation in practical ways, through these group settings involving very different individuals who find themselves together seeking a Word from God.