Living with Purpose in a Polarizing World

How should Christians navigate an increasingly polarized post-Christian world? There is strong evidence of the cultural shift away from Christianity in the United States, which has already happened in other parts of the world. Compounding the shift is the division among Christians in how this is handled. The authors have observed four basic responses: (1) assimilation and acceptance of new cultural norms, (2) withdrawal from cultural engagement, (3) anger directed toward society (and toward other Christians who don't seethe issues as they do), and (4) seeking power to “take back society.” This creates two separate challenges: walking with Christ in the midst of cultural shifts and representing Christ as one church before the watching world.

Scripture speaks into this dilemma in important ways. First, how do we navigate these societal challenges? Micah calls us to “seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly.” Jesus calls us to be salt and light while knowing that “in the world you will have trouble.” Second, Scripture is filled with narratives of God’s people living out their faith in the face of a world hostile toward their God. We can learn from them. Third, Jesus calls us to represent him with oneness before the watching world.

In this book, the authors take us through eight examples of Old Testament biblical narratives and modern examples and ask, “And who knows whether for just a time like this you have come to this position in your life?”