Synopses & Reviews
Eric O. Jacobsen challenges Christians to gain a practical, informed vision for he city that includes a broad understanding of the needs and rewards of a vital urban community. National advertising and publicity campaign.
Synopsis
Christians often talk about claiming our cities for Christ and the need to address urban concerns. But according to Eric Jacobsen, this discussion has remained far too abstract. Sidewalks in the Kingdom challenges Christians to gain an informed vision for the physical layout and structure of the city.
Jacobsen emphasizes the need to preserve the nourishing characteristics of traditional city life, including shared public spaces, thriving neighborhoods, and a well-supported local economy. He explains how urban settings create unexpected and natural opportunities to initiate friendship and share faith in Christ.
Helpful features including a glossary, bibliography, description of New Urbanism, and companion website (www.sidewalksinthekingdom.com) make this book ideal for study groups. Pastors, city-dwellers, and those interested in urban ministry and development will be encouraged by Sidewalks in the Kingdom.
Table of Contents
1. Broken promises : sprawl and the American -- 2. From the garden to Jerusalem -- 3. Waiting for Jerusalem -- 4. Learning to see our cities : a theological approach -- 5. Public spaces and incarnational ministry -- 6. Mixed use, pedestrian scale, and the whole person -- 7. Beauty, quality, and other "nonessentials" -- 8. Local economy and the permanence of place -- 9. Critical mass and making friends -- 10. Strangers and hospitality.