On Easter 2006, Eric Elnes and several companions set out to walk from Phoenix, Arizona to the nation's capital. They dreamed of fostering deeper conversations about what it means to be progressive Christians in an age of fundamentalism. On their journey they discovered thousands of people in every state--red and blue--and every kind of church who welcomed them and shared their hunger for relationship and conversation about what it means to be Christian. Asphalt Jesus tells the story of the journey and further articulates a joyous and loving faith that moves beyond simple categories of Christian Right and Christian Left.

Asphalt Jesus builds on the author Eric Elnes's previous book, The Phoenix Affirmations. Arising from the three great loves that the Bible reveals (love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self), these twelve affirmations reflect commitments to environmental stewardship, social justice, and artistic expression as well as openness to other faiths. Transcending theological and culture wars, inclusive and generous in spirit and practice, these principles allow believers and seekers alike to affirm their Christian faith in a fresh way.

"'Arizona pastor Elnes (United Church of Christ) had an 'idea that wouldn't go away': develop principles of a 'more generous and affirmative' faith to counter the dominance of conservative Christianity in the media, and to witness for this faith by walking with other Christians 2,500 miles from Phoenix to Washington, D.C. Using as a guide these biblically based principles, emphasizing love of God, neighbor and self (described in his previous book The Phoenix Affirmations), Elnes recounts the cross-country journey as the walkers tried to spread the news that a vital alternative is flourishing in America's churches. The CrossWalk America travelers discovered extraordinary hospitality — and sometimes hostility — across surprising denominational lines as they searched for common ground with other Christians. The book shines when Elnes focuses on the walkers' encounters with people and churches in small towns across the U.S., but lags as he interprets biblical stories and discusses the Phoenix Affirmations. Less a narrative than a series of extended anecdotes, the book raises questions it doesn't answer about the walk and its impact on participants' faith.' Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Tales of a new and progressive Christian faith

On Easter 2006, Eric Elnes, author of The Phoenix Affirmations, and several companions set out to walk from Phoenix, Arizona, to Washington, D.C., in hopes of fostering deeper conversations about what it means to be a progressive Christian in an age of fundamentalism. They found thousands of people in every state– red and blue– and in every kind of church who welcomed them and shared their hunger for a more generous, inclusive Christian faith. Asphalt Jesus tells the story of the journey and further articulates a joyous and loving faith that moves beyond simple categories of " Christian Right" and " Christian Left."

Eric Elnes (Phoenix, AZ) is the pastor of Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ, a community committed to a progressive, inclusive Christianity.