Playing God
Description
Midwest Publishing Association Award of Excellence
Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year
ForeWord Book of the Year Award Honorable Mention
Power corrupts-as we've seen time and time again. People too often abuse their power and play god in the lives of others. Shady politicians, corrupt executives and ego-filled media stars have made us suspicious of those who wield influence and authority. They too oftenbreed injustice by participating in what the Bible calls idolatry.
Yet power is also the means by which we bring life, create possibilities, offer hope and make human flourishing possible. This is "playing god" as it is meant to be. If we are to do God's work-fight injustice, bring peace, create beauty and allow the image of God to thrive in those around us-how are we to do these things if not by power?
With his trademark clear-headed analysis, Andy Crouch unpacks the dynamics of power that either can make human flourishing possible or can destroy the image of God in people. While the effects of power are often very evident, he uncovers why power is frequently hidden. He considers not just its personal side but the important ways power develops and resides in institutions.
Throughout Crouch offers fresh insights from key biblical passages, demonstrating how Scripture calls us to discipline our power. Wielding power need not distort us or others, but instead can be stewarded well.
An essential book for all who would influence their world for the good.
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Person
Andy Crouch (MDiv, Boston University School of Theology) is partner for theology and culture at Praxis, an organization that works as a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship, and he is the author of The Tech-Wise Family, Strong and Weak, and Culture Making. Andy serves on the governing boards of Fuller Theological Seminary, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He also serves as an advisor to The Repentance Project, The Pelican Project, and Revoice. For more than ten years he was an editor and producer at Christianity Today, including serving as executive editor from 2012 to 2016. He served the John Templeton Foundation in 2017 as senior strategist for communication. He lives with his family in Pennsylvania.
Content
Introduction 1 The Discovery of Power Part 1: The Gift of Power: In the Beginning It Was Not So Exploration: Genesis 1 - 2 - Original Power 2 Power Is a Gift 3 Idolatry 4 Injustice A Note: Evangelismand Social Action 5 Icons Exploration: John 2 - The Wedding Wine Part 2: The Grip of Power: It Will Not Be So Among You Exploration: Exodus 20 - The Ten Words 6 The Hiddenness of Power 7 Force, Coercion and Violence 8 The Lure of Privilege Exploration: John 13 - Jesus, Power and Privilege Part 3: Institutions and Creative Power: From Generation to Generation 9 The Gift of Institutions 10 Principalities, Powers and Broken Institutions 11 Becoming Trustees Exploration: Philemon - The Peculiar Institution Part 4: The End of Power: We Had to Celebrate 12 Disciplined Power 13 The Sabbath Ladder 14 The End of Power Exploration: Luke 15 - Prodigal Power Acknowledgments Notes
