The Fractured Kingdom: Uniting Modern Christianity through the Historical Jesus

(Hardback)

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Bestselling biblical historian, Jean-Pierre Isbouts, weaves the origin stories of Christianity and the Lord's Prayer into a reinvigorating and urgent rallying cry for unity in the modern church

Modern Christianity is in the midst of a veritable schism along the fault lines of society's culture wars. Only if we understand the origins of this split can we find our way to unity. Though few may realize it today, Jesus's ministry unfolded in a crisis very similar to the one society is now battling. In fact, were it not for the truly catastrophic conditions in early 1st century Galilee, his reimagining of the three quintessential virtues of the Torah social justice; compassion toward one another; and an abiding love of God would have likely failed to attract a wide following.

Brilliantly tracing Jesus's vision for the "Kingdom of God" from its origin up through modern times, Dr. Isbouts leads us to a possible antidote for the fiercely partisan moment in which we find ourselves: the Our Father. Then taking readers on a historically exhilarating tour of the Lord's Prayer, The Fractured Kingdom shows us why the only doctrine Christians agree on might be our last hope for forging a more equal, compassionate, and loving society. What results is an eminently readable and undeniably essential work that addresses some of the most pressing issues now confronting communities of faith around the world.

Reviews

Dr. Jean-Pierre Isbouts hits the mark beautifully by pointing all of us living in an all-too divided nation to a different and better way forward, a way of love that is grounded in the familiar prayer that Jesus taught us. Readers will find a foundation for healing and wholeness in these pages. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and author of Love is the Way and The Power of Love

"I never cease to be amazed at the extraordinary insights and expansive knowledge of Jean Pierre Isbouts. The Fractured Kingdom speaks to not one generation, but manypast and futureabout the perils of religious division. But, instead of leaving us there, Isbouts invites us to grab hold of the promises that an authentic, godly and life-giving faith can offer the great divides of our time. With the craftmanship of a gifted maestro, Isbouts book is a symphony of possibility that reaches a crescendo of hope." Russell J. Levenson, Jr. OStJ, Rector, St. Martins Episcopal Church, and author of Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush

"The one subject Jesus spoke about more than any other was the Kingdom of God. In The Fractured Kingdom, Jean-Pierre Isbouts, using the Lords Prayer as a lens, vividly explicates what Jesus meant by Gods Kingdom. I believe this is a book for all of us who call ourselves Christians, regardless of what branch of the Church we call home. Isbouts shows us that what unites us is bigger than what divides us and Jesus needs all of us to be about the work Kingdom building." Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dean, Washington National Cathedral

Author Bio

Prof. Jean-Pierre Isbouts is one of the leading biblical historians writing today. A bestselling author, he has written numerous National Geographic books on biblical history, with an approach that examines Judeo-Christian traditions through a strictly non-denominational lens. A Professor Emeritus in Human Development at Fielding Graduate University, Dr. Isbouts is a frequent Smithsonian lecturer and also serves as the managing editor of Fielding University Press, which he founded in 2013. He lives in Santa Monica, CA..