Post-Modern Pilgrims: First Century Passion for the 21st Century Church (Hardcover)

by Leonard Sweet (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Sweet, dean of Drew University's School of Theology and author of A Cup of Coffee at the Soul Cafe, AquaChurch and Faithquakes, among other titles, presents a myriad of modern phenomena and dares the Christian Church to be as appealing. He cites the Internet, e-mail, music and media as prime resources that our culture has taken advantage of to provide mind, soul and spirit connections. Shame on the Church, says Sweet, since it should be offering a higher measure of love, acceptance and genuine care than these quick fixes. What congregations fail to realize, he writes, is that postmoderns aren't so much interested in a "me, me, me" mentality as they are driven to participate and experience every area of life. Sweet uses the acronym "E-P-I-C" (Experientially, Participatory, Image-Driven, Connected) to define how our postmodern society functions. Specifically, Sweet offers practical steps for achieving optimal, effective connection with those outside the faith. First, Christians must "put the salve in salvation" by reaching out in love and healing. They must then master "the complex art of simple living" by decentralizing; recapture the gift of story-telling, which imparts continuity and community; and get moving through acts of service and social transformation. Despite his clear step-by-step approach, Sweet has amassed so many facts and quotes that the text is severely disjointed. Even scholars may find this weighty compilation of data difficult to digest. (July)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
The image of the church as a boat and tradition as an anchor is prevalent in Christian art. If we examine the biblical view of an anchor we are to cast our anchor into the future and pull the church forward. Postmodern pilgrims must strive to keep the past and the future in perpetual conversation so every generation will find a fresh expression of the Gospel that is anchored solidly to "the faith that was once for all delivered."

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: B&H Publishing Group (July 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805421378
• ISBN-13: 978-0805421378
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #366,301 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Len Sweet at his best, November 10, 2000

By	Douglas D. Gestwick (Bridgewater, VA USA) - See all my reviews

I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting, something I thought I would NEVER be able to do with a Len Sweet book. This is GREAT stuff! I can see (and hear) so many of Len's talks/sermons/lectures/previous writings merging into this book. I think it's the best he's done to date. I see so much of the "old" Len in this, - well grounded, and deeply steeped in the heritage of the faith, literature, history and science. He has not attempted to be cutting edge in his presentation, but rather has let his cutting edge message stand on its own. I think this works better for him (or maybe it works better for me, the participant in the work), and with the "pew-sitters" for whom this book will have its greatest impact. I think it works better for them as well compared to something like Aqua Church. A "must-read" for our pastors and church leaders.

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A textbook for Christian leadership, June 30, 2000

By	"aquaservant" (Kentucky:USA) - See all my reviews

Post-Modern Pilgrims, Leonard Sweet's latest book, discuss postmodern culture and serves as a guide for sailing the church through this moment in history. Sweet's Epic methodology sets the framework for the book, and explains how we must build an "EPIC church for EPIC times." Postmodern culture is E-P-I-C in that it is Experiential, Participatory, Image-driven, and Connected. Dr. Sweet devotes a chapter to each of these four principals and shows examples of how they can bring the church up to speed with the culture. This is an awesome book for anyone trying to understand the relationship between Christianity and culture. Buy this book, and you will not be disappointed!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Out-There Theology, July 17, 2002

By	Joseph Valentine Dworak "JVD" (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I think the best thing about this book is the fact that author is so honest with where he is at and what he believes. What he believes comes through strongly in this work, and is very authentic. Sweet articulates better than any I have seen what is going on in the world today and how the church does, and a lot of times, does not relate to it. I devoured this book and fresh look at theology from someone who is not afraid to push the envelope. While many authors in the Christian world rehash the same theories and patterns and ways to be a better Christian, Sweet challenges all of us to get with the times or be irrelevant. I would love to be able to take a class from Sweet someday, and really pick his brain on where he is at. If you enjoyed this book, you would enjoy the Erwin McManus book, "An Unstoppable Force."