Beauty Will Save the World

by on August 25, 2011

Beauty Will Save the World 8-3C
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Here is the book description for Beauty Will Save the World from my publisher (Charisma House).

(I’d say they they got the book description just about right. A tip of my hat to whoever wrote it.)
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Beauty Will Save the World: Rediscovering the allure and mystery of Christianity
Publication Date: January 3, 2012

Brian Zahnd issues a challenge to Christians to discover new vitality through reenvisioning, reimagining and reforming the church according to the pattern of the cruciform.

For thousands of years artists, sages, philosophers, and theologians have connected the beautiful and the sacred and identified art with our longing for God. Now we live in a day when pragmatism and utilitarian “morals” have largely displaced beauty as a value. The church is no exception—even salvation is commonly viewed in a scientific and mechanistic manner and presented as a plan, system, or formula. We have technology, convenience, security, and a measure of prosperity, but where is the beauty?

In Beauty Will Save the World, Brian Zahnd presents the argument that this loss of beauty as a principal value has been disastrous for Western culture—and especially for the church. The full message of the beauty of the gospel has been replaced by our desires to satisfy our material needs, to empirically prove our faith, and to establish a Caesar-style kingdom in our world. Exactly those things that Christ was tempted with—and rejected—in the wilderness.

Zahnd shows that by following the teachings of the Beatitudes, the church can become a viable alternative to current-day political, commercial, and religious power and can actually achieve what these powers promise to provide but fail to deliver. Using stories from the lives of St. Francis of Assisi and from his own life, he teaches us to stay on the journey to discover the kingdom of God in a fuller, richer way.
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So what do you think? Would you be interested in reading a book that fits this description?

BZ

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  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1316012630 John Poundstone

    Yes, I’d buy it based on that description.  Don’t know how to do it differently, and I understand it needs to be universal and utilitarian.  That said, it’d be cool if somehow it could be or contain more beauty and the allure thereof.  Am so eager to get my copy… :-)

  • Jiffmom

    Most definitely would I buy this book!

  • Steve Parsons

    Brian I will read anything you write. But, as you know, I’m a big fan of theme of Beauty. Beauty will save our beautiful broken world. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Erik-Borger/108000379 Erik Borger

    Well said, looking forward to reading more!

  • Jean Ann Rucker

    We have been studing the Beatitudes in Bible Study and I would love to read this book…

  • http://www.kurtjohnson.info/ KurtJohnson

    Looking forward to it!

  • Robnrobin

    definitely

  • http://www.michaelwilson.org Michael Wilson

    Most assuredly. It would be great if it is available on the Kindle.

  • Justn

    And the nook.

  • Pingback: Saints and Sages | BrianZahnd.com

  • http://brianzahnd.com Brian Zahnd

    “Beauty Will Save the World” will be available on all the e-readers.

  • Jody2of5

    Yes, would like to read his gleaning and understanding of the Beatitudes.

  • Anonymous

    Brian, I finished “Beauty Will Save the World’ a couple weeks ago and wanted to let you know what a good companion it was for me.  I appreciate this book so much.  I am a pastor in KY of a large church for a small town.  I have written a manuscript for a book that focusses on a vision for the church that embodies the mission and spirit of the cross.  It’s a cruciform ecclesiology if you will.  I quoted your book several times, especially the first chapter where you speak of the beauty of the cross.  I am trying to publish it, and I am looking for endorsements.  I was hoping you might consider being one.  If you are, my email is nathan@heartlandworship.com.  If not, then I at least wanted you to know my appreciation for your book.  Thanks.