Overview

This book presents a model of Christianity that incorporates the insights of a Jesus-centered theology of biblical interpretation, integral philosophy, and over fifty years of pastoral experience in leading evolutionary change in the local church. The perspectives of integral theory and practice, articulated by Ken Wilber, help uncover the integral approach that Jesus advocated and demonstrated in the metaphors of his time and that traditional Christianity has largely been unable to see. Smith incorporates elements of traditional, modern, and postmodern theological viewpoints, including progressive, New Thought, and emerging/emergent ones. However, he goes beyond all of them and moves to a Christianity that is devoted to following both the historical Jesus and the Risen Christ whose Spirit beckons to us from the future. Smith says, ""The oldest thing you can say about God is that God is always doing something new. Jesus pushed his own religion to newness by including the best of its past, and transcending the worst of its present. He calls us to do the same, whatever our religion is today.""

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9781557788009

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Reviews

So far as I am aware, this is the first attempt to systematically apply Wilber's integral paradigm to Christian faith and practice. It works not only because he understands Wilber very well, but because he knows Christianity like the back of his hand...it's triply credible because of the joy and luminosity of his being that shines through on every page. --Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault, author of The Wisdom Jesus

Clarifying, honest, courageous, and genuinely helpful. All sincere believers and seekers should welcome this book.--Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, founder of the center for Action and Contemplation, author of Things Hidden Integral Christianity is an absolutely superb application of Integral Theory in all its dimensions to Christianity itself, resulting in a truly Integral Christianity. This book is highly recommended for not only individuals of any major religion, but also for agnostics and atheists looking to make sense of ultimate issues and absolute realities. The answers to many of your questions can be found here!--Ken Wilber, The Integral Vision Paul Smith gives us a fine book on integral Christianity. It speaks directly to Christians as well as other religious persons everywhere. Highly recommended.--Allan Combs, author of Consciousness Explained Better and Radiance of Being So far as I am aware, this is the first attempt to systematically apply Wilber's integral paradigm to Christian faith and practice. It works not only because he understands Wilber very well, but because he knows Christianity like the back of his hand...it's triply credible because of the joy and luminosity of his being that shines through on every page.--Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault, author of The Wisdom Jesus

Clarifying, honest, courageous, and genuinely helpful. All sincere believers and seekers should welcome this book. --Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, founder of the center for Action and Contemplation, author of Things Hidden Paul Smith gives us a fine book on integral Christianity. It speaks directly to Christians as well as other religious persons everywhere. Highly recommended. --Allan Combs, author of Consciousness Explained Better and Radiance of Being So far as I am aware, this is the first attempt to systematically apply Wilber's integral paradigm to Christian faith and practice. It works not only because he understands Wilber very well, but because he knows Christianity like the back of his hand...it's triply credible because of the joy and luminosity of his being that shines through on every page. --Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault, author of The Wisdom Jesus Integral Christianity is an absolutely superb application of Integral Theory in all its dimensions to Christianity itself, resulting in a truly Integral Christianity. This book is highly recommended for not only individuals of any major religion, but also for agnostics and atheists looking to make sense of ultimate issues and absolute realities. The answers to many of your questions can be found here! --Ken Wilber, The Integral Vision

Author Information

During Paul Smith's nearly half a century of innovative pastoral leadership at Broadway Church in Kansas City, Missouri, the church has evolved from a traditional Southern Baptist church to the integral model described in Integral Christianity. Smith has taught on the evolving church at seminaries and churches around the country. In addition to numerous articles, booklets, and teaching CD's and DVD's, he has authored Is It Okay to Call God Mother? Considering the Feminine Face of God. His dream has been to develop an inclusive, theologically progressive, healing community focused on the spiritual transformation that comes from following Jesus Christ.

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