Surprised by Paradox

The Promise of "And" in an Either-Or World

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Theology, Inspiration & Meditation, Christianity
Cover of the book Surprised by Paradox by Jen Pollock Michel, IVP Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jen Pollock Michel ISBN: 9780830870929
Publisher: IVP Books Publication: May 14, 2019
Imprint: IVP Books Language: English
Author: Jen Pollock Michel
ISBN: 9780830870929
Publisher: IVP Books
Publication: May 14, 2019
Imprint: IVP Books
Language: English

What if certainty isn't the goal? In a world filled with ambiguity, many of us long for a belief system that provides straightforward answers to complex questions and clarity in the face of confusion. We want faith to act like an orderly set of truth-claims designed to solve the problems and pain that life throws at us. With signature candor and depth, Jen Pollock Michel helps readers imagine a Christian faith open to mystery. While there are certainties in Christian faith, at the heart of the Christian story is also paradox. Jesus invites us to abandon the polarities of either and or in order to embrace the difficult, wondrous dissonance of and. The incarnation—the paradox of God made human—teaches us to look for God in the and of body and spirit, heaven and earth. In the kingdom, God often hides in plain sight and announces his triumph on the back of a donkey. In the paradox of grace, we receive life eternal by actively participating in death. And lament, with its clear-eyed appraisal of suffering alongside its commitment to finding audience with God, is a paradoxical practice of faith. Each of these themes give us certainty about God while also leading us into greater curiosity about his nature and activity in the world. As Michel writes, "As soon as we think we have God figured out, we will have ceased to worship him as he is." With personal stories and reflection on Scripture, literature, and culture, Michel takes us deeper into mystery and into worship of the One who is Mystery and Love.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

What if certainty isn't the goal? In a world filled with ambiguity, many of us long for a belief system that provides straightforward answers to complex questions and clarity in the face of confusion. We want faith to act like an orderly set of truth-claims designed to solve the problems and pain that life throws at us. With signature candor and depth, Jen Pollock Michel helps readers imagine a Christian faith open to mystery. While there are certainties in Christian faith, at the heart of the Christian story is also paradox. Jesus invites us to abandon the polarities of either and or in order to embrace the difficult, wondrous dissonance of and. The incarnation—the paradox of God made human—teaches us to look for God in the and of body and spirit, heaven and earth. In the kingdom, God often hides in plain sight and announces his triumph on the back of a donkey. In the paradox of grace, we receive life eternal by actively participating in death. And lament, with its clear-eyed appraisal of suffering alongside its commitment to finding audience with God, is a paradoxical practice of faith. Each of these themes give us certainty about God while also leading us into greater curiosity about his nature and activity in the world. As Michel writes, "As soon as we think we have God figured out, we will have ceased to worship him as he is." With personal stories and reflection on Scripture, literature, and culture, Michel takes us deeper into mystery and into worship of the One who is Mystery and Love.

More books from IVP Books

Cover of the book Grieving a Suicide by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book Know Why You Believe by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book Serving God in a Migrant Crisis by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book Unsqueezed by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book Why I Am Not a Calvinist by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book Your Mind's Mission by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book The Blessing Life by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book This Changes Everything by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book The Crucifixion of Ministry by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book The Master Musician by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book Miracle Work by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book Navigating Your Perfect Storm by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book Broke by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book Marriage Forecasting by Jen Pollock Michel
Cover of the book Stronger Than You Think by Jen Pollock Michel
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy