Discover a daring collection of Facebook posts that looks at the Christian faith outside the framework of the sacrificial logic of a violent God. Witty, provocative and hopeful, What the Facebook? is a different kind of theology with a wonderful new perspective about the character of the one Jesus called, "Abba." Michael Hardin's sequel to The Jesus Driven Life delves deeply into problems of God's image and the Church's image that plague Protestant Christianity. He offers challenging and incisive critiques, and charts exciting ways that Protestants, and other Christians, can learn to follow Jesus in the 21st century. "In What the Facebook? Hardin has completely rewritten the rules of the game, transforming his Facebook account from a social network into a theological salon par excellence that not even Mark Zuckerberg could have anticipated." Kevin Miller "Michael Hardin is one of our most important theologians today. Read What the Facebook? and discover how this great teacher is using social media to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ like never before." Adam Ericksen "Sometimes funny, sometimes furious, and always compelling, What the Facebook? is serious theology engaging American mass culture-Michael Hardin is one of my favorite thinkers." Brian Zahnd "What the Facebook? is an invaluable resource for the lay theologian wanting to seriously explore leading edge theological thinking with a master. Once you've completed this book, you'll want to keep it handy for ready reference." Steve Hansen "By far one of the most compelling voices in Christian theology today, Michael Hardin's What the Facebook? is a must read for anyone who desires to think outside of their tired theological box and delve more deeply into the riches of the Gospel of Jesus." Brandan Robertson "Few theologians are willing to engage with people on Facebook. It is a brave thing to do Michael's posts have helped many to rethink their concepts of God, man, atonement, violence and the satan. Whether you agree or not, these posts will be highly informative." Andre Rabe

Description: Do ""eschatology"" and ""peace"" go together? Is eschatology mostly about retribution and fear--or compassion and hope? Compassionate Eschatology brings together a group of international scholars representing a wide range of Christian traditions to address these questions. Together they make the case that Christianity's teaching about the ""end times"" should and can center on Jesus's message of peace and reconciliation. Offering a peace-oriented reading of the Book of Revelation and other biblical materials relevant to Christian eschatology, this book breaks new ground in its consistent message that compassion not retribution stands at the heart of the doctrine of the last things. Besides its creative treatment of biblical materials, Compassionate Eschatology also makes a distinctive contribution in how several essays engage the thought of Rene Girard and his mimetic theory. Girard's project is shown to reinforce the biblical message of eschatological peace. Endorsements: Compassionate Eschatology is an extraordinary book that reveals the biblical teaching of the non-violent, peace-filled, non-judgmental, and ecological end of the world. Influenced by the thought of Rene Girard, the authors chorus: in the midst of the dragon and beasts, the lamb of God will prevail over their vicious power of exploitation, disruption, vengeance, violence, and destruction with the incesstant love of God. This eschatology does not deny all human efforts in history, but fulfills them with God's grace and compassion. Reading this book uplifts me to face today's challenges with tomorrow's strength. This hope-filled book is a must read for all pastors and lay people. -Andrew Sung Park Professor of Theology and Ethics United Theological Seminary, Dayton OH ""A fascinating, stimulating collection from a diverse group of scholars, filled with exciting insights. Compassionate Eschatology interweaves close readings of the Bible-with Revelation as its central text-theology and current events to shed light on the 'times of the end.' The authors reveal, each from their own angle of vision, how God's ultimate purpose is not destructive vengeance, but the healing into harmony of all creation."" -Wes Howard-Brook author of ""Come Out, My People "" God's Call Out of Empire in the Bible and Beyond About the Contributor(s): Ted Grimsrud is Professor of Theology and Peace Studies at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia. His most recent books include A Pacifist Way of Knowing (co-editor, 2010), Theology as If Jesus Matters (2009), and Embodying the Way of Jesus (2007). Michael Hardin is Executive Director of Preaching Peace, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He is author of The Jesus Driven Life (2010), and co-editor of Peace Be With You (2010) and Stricken by God? (2007).

Is it the church's role to sustain cultures and empires? Or should churches take a prophetic stand in relation to the human situation? Can the church both stand for justice and continue in the way of peace? This book offers proposals for those who want to carry forth Christ's benediction of peace. As Nancy Heisey, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Church History, Eastern Mennonite University, observes, "From a concrete story of a real congregation trying to be faithful among its neighbors to discussions of just policing, white superiority, and excommunication for refusal to forgive, this collection offers a challenging and worthwhile read for those who care deeply about how Christian commitment to peace is lived out in our complex world." James E. Brenneman, President, Goshen College, says that "This volume captures not only the good news proclaimed in Christ's benediction to his disciples but also the imagination of its contributors--who propose creative, inspiring, practical and prophetic ways to create a more peaceful planet. Let's hope the contagion spreads." J. Denny Weaver, Co-Author; Defenseless Christianity; and Author, The Nonviolent Atonement, thinks that Peace Be With You offers some soul-satisfying responses to empire. But equally as important, other essays offer needed critique of ways the peace church is drifting toward assimilation to American empire and the ways of empire."

Escaping from a prison work gang, a group of murderous convicts journey through the wilds of the Rocky Mountains during the 1860s gold rush in search of riches beyond their imaginations. The gang's ruthless leader, Clarence Whitney, forces one of them, Michael George, a young Metis half-breed, to participate in their mayhem and wanton acts of murder or face death. When Whitney and the gang pillage a native village, taking a village elder hostage, Michael and the elder secretly work together to undermine Whitney and the others. Survivors from the village, including a powerful native shaman, work their ritual magic to exact their own brand of mystical revenge. As Michael, the elder, and the gang come closer to the gold and their uncertain fates, Michael discovers that destiny and supernatural justice have more in store for him than he expected. Energetically written and brilliantly told, Allan Michael Hardin's Dreamwalker is a thrill ride of a book, sometimes terrifying, sometimes inspiring, but always exhilarating. Told with a narrative voice that conveys action and historical authenticity, Dreamwalker both captivates and entertains without compromising one ounce of excitement.

Escaping from a prison work gang, a group of murderous convicts journey through the wilds of the Rocky Mountains during the 1860s gold rush in search of riches beyond their imaginations. The gang's ruthless leader, Clarence Whitney, forces one of them, Michael George, a young Metis half-breed, to participate in their mayhem and wanton acts of murder or face death. When Whitney and the gang pillage a native village, taking a village elder hostage, Michael and the elder secretly work together to undermine Whitney and the others. Survivors from the village, including a powerful native shaman, work their ritual magic to exact their own brand of mystical revenge. As Michael, the elder, and the gang come closer to the gold and their uncertain fates, Michael discovers that destiny and supernatural justice have more in store for him than he expected. Energetically written and brilliantly told, Allan Michael Hardin's Dreamwalker is a thrill ride of a book, sometimes terrifying, sometimes inspiring, but always exhilarating. Told with a narrative voice that conveys action and historical authenticity, Dreamwalker both captivates and entertains without compromising one ounce of excitement.

Relive once more the action packed, shoot 'em up western in the tradition of Zane Grey. Ride with Marshal Woodrow Kinslow as he brings an embittered Colorado landowner to justice. An accident claims the life of a young son of a Colorado rancher, Johnathan Birk. Although, he reluctantly agreed to let homesteaders onto land that he claimed for his own, the death of his son sends him on a vengeful crusade to rid the valley of all the homesteaders. Marshall Woodrow Kinslow is shot at on a high country trail by Ansen Miller, the homesteader who accidentally killed Birk's son. Kinslow listens to his story and decides to take him to see a judge. Birk and his hired guns kill Miller and wound Kinslow. Upon recovery, he goes to a Federal judge, gets some warrants and returns to dispense his own brand of frontier justice. Ride with Marshal Woodrow Kinslow as he brings an embittered Colorado landowner to justice. An accident claims the life of a young son of a Colorado rancher, Johnathan Birk. Although, he reluctantly agreed to let homesteaders onto land that he claimed for his own, the death of his son sends him on a vengeful crusade to rid the valley of all the homesteaders. Marshall Woodrow Kinslow is shot at on a high country trail by Ansen Miller, the homesteader who accidentally killed Birk's son. He mistakes the marshal for one of Birk's men. After the dust settles, Kinslow listens to what Miller has to say and decides to help the man get to a judge so he can his side of the story. Birk and his hired guns catch up to them where they kill Miller and wound Kinslow. Upon recovery, Kinslow goes to a Federal judge, gets some warrants and returns to dispense his own brand of frontier justice.

Relive once more the action packed, shoot 'em up western in the tradition of Zane Grey. Ride with Marshal Woodrow Kinslow as he brings an embittered Colorado landowner to justice. An accident claims the life of a young son of a Colorado rancher, Johnathan Birk. Although, he reluctantly agreed to let homesteaders onto land that he claimed for his own, the death of his son sends him on a vengeful crusade to rid the valley of all the homesteaders. Marshall Woodrow Kinslow is shot at on a high country trail by Ansen Miller, the homesteader who accidentally killed Birk's son. Kinslow listens to his story and decides to take him to see a judge. Birk and his hired guns kill Miller and wound Kinslow. Upon recovery, he goes to a Federal judge, gets some warrants and returns to dispense his own brand of frontier justice. Ride with Marshal Woodrow Kinslow as he brings an embittered Colorado landowner to justice. An accident claims the life of a young son of a Colorado rancher, Johnathan Birk. Although, he reluctantly agreed to let homesteaders onto land that he claimed for his own, the death of his son sends him on a vengeful crusade to rid the valley of all the homesteaders. Marshall Woodrow Kinslow is shot at on a high country trail by Ansen Miller, the homesteader who accidentally killed Birk's son. He mistakes the marshal for one of Birk's men. After the dust settles, Kinslow listens to what Miller has to say and decides to help the man get to a judge so he can his side of the story. Birk and his hired guns catch up to them where they kill Miller and wound Kinslow. Upon recovery, Kinslow goes to a Federal judge, gets some warrants and returns to dispense his own brand of frontier justice.

Foreword by Willard Swartley

???We considered him stricken by God, but . . .???

Did God really pour out his wrath against sin on his Son to satisfy his own need for justice? Or did God-in-Christ forgive the world even as it unleashed its wrath against him? Was Christ??'s sacrifice the ultimate fulfillment of God??'s demand for redemptive bloodshed? Or was the cross God??'s great ???No??? to that whole system? This distinctively panoramic volume offers fresh perspectives on these and other difficult questions reemerging throughout the church today.

Contributors: James Alison
Kharalambos Anstall
Mark D. Baker
Sharon Baker
Anthony Bartlett
Marcus Borg
Ronald S. Dart
E. Robert Ekblad
Michael Hardin
Brad Jersak
Andrew P. Klager
Brita Miko
C. F. D. Moule
Wayne Northey
Nathan Rieger
Richard Rohr
Miroslav Volf
J. Denny Weaver
Rowan Williams
N. T. Wright