Description: There are numerous issues in the public square confronting the Western church. While there are any number of books available on each of the topics engaged in this collection of essays--just war, family planning, rest, immigration, politics, economic recession, fair trade, and health care--there is no compact guide that approaches each of these issues from an evangelical perspective. Coffee Shop Conversations does just that. The book does not aim to address each issue exhaustively; instead, it offers an evangelical approach to these topics, with the hopes that the door will be opened for further conversation. This book brings together the expertise of several evangelical scholars who are committed to serving the church through scholarship. The volume is therefore ideal for student ministry, Sunday school classes, small groups, and individuals interested in engaging the wider culture from a stance that is well reasoned and committed to biblical faith and practice. Endorsements: "Scholarly without being pedantic, helpful without being burdensome, this new work by a variety of young scholars provides discussion on a variety of needed topics. As an ethicist myself, I am always delighted to see young scholars delve into areas of needed discussion. I am excited this book has been written and that these essays might well receive a much broader audience. Of times when believers ought to be salt and light, that day is now I commend this group for moving us from where we are to where we ought to be " --Frank S. Page, President and Chief Executive Officer, Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee "Coffee Shop Conversations is as provocative as it is informative. The authors do not presume to offer 'definitive' answers to our generation's most pressing ethical problems, but they will certainly get us thinking. You'll disagree with some of it (I did) and you'll benefit from all of it. I can't imagine a more interesting book to use as a discussion starter with friends in any Christian setting." --Gary M. Burge, Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College and Graduate School About the Contributor(s): Russell L. Meek is an adjunct instructor and doctoral student at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also serves as the associate editor for Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament and is an assistant book review editor for Journal of Hebrew Scriptures. N. Blake Hearson is an associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor of small groups at two churches and has been a member of the faculty at Columbia Evangelical Seminary.