Leading Christian Resource for Avid Readers, Support New Schools with Every Purchase.

Gospel of the Absurd

by R. Scot Miller
Hardcover |English |1498296483 | 9781498296489

Gospel of the Absurd

by R. Scot Miller
Hardcover |English |1498296483 | 9781498296489
Overview

Gospel of the Absurd is a project that originates in the anarchic experiences of a crack cocaine addict who was knocked off his high horse by an experience of Jesus. Having spent years as an enemy of the faith, R. Scot Miller came back to faith with the passion of a new convert infused with a subversive's heart for turning the world upside down. In the process of stumbling every bit as much as he learned to walk in the light, Miller begins to understand that the subversive claims of the gospel of Jesus as the Christ are not only the most meaningful response to the absurdity of the world, but that such absurdity demands a community of action that makes the subversive Christ the credible response to a culture and Christendom run amok with power and greed. Gospel of the Absurd is about an ethic informed by an absurd claim--that being the claim that voluntary sacrifice of privilege is the proper response to human brokenness and the systems of domination that have lured the church into apostasy. Miller then explores whether the church, by prioritizing care ethics over legislative or coercive justice, is the salvific experience Jesus is calling us to engage in. ""Miller presents a truly postmodern, apocalyptic, and uniquely Christian ethic that defies both conservative and liberal moral visions--not by virtue of a predictablevia mediaalong the familiar linear trajectory of socio-political US culture, but by returning the biblical narrative to the center of discourse for contemporary communities of faith. Eschewing universalized authority while affirming the centrality of the gospel, this significant work will challenge anyone who dares to engage its relentless scrutiny."" --Mark M. Mattison, creator of The Paul Page ""The church has spent much of its history subverting its messianic origin and its prolific vocation to the totalizing agenda of liberal democracy. Miller's book exposes this subversion and articulates an ethic rooted in absurdity--the gospel. Here is a call to embody salvation, rather than possess or distribute it as an object of consumer exchange. A community that lives this gospel absurdity upends the power that crushes creation, with a powerlessness that gives life."" --David L. Johns, Union College ""The complexities of ethics and ethical engagement remain critical elements of social (justice) work. As we seek a better grasp it is important to consider varying perspectives, particularly those of the historically silenced. InGospel of the Absurd, Miller executes this thought process through the lens of core social work thought leaders and black feminist pioneers to demonstrate 'care ethics' in a way that centers on the necessity of community. In doing so, he unabashedly renounces white supremacy by examining experiences of black suffering as a demonstration to white theologians of what it truly means to bear the cross."" --Radiah Shabazz, racial justice organizer, On Earth Peace R. Scot Miller is a Quaker, and a minister in the Church of the Brethren. A Detroit anarchist who traded angst for a life of faith and farming, he believes that the embodying of gospel ethics is the most credible public witness. His family farms in Hastings, Michigan. He also serves variously as a substance abuse therapist, adjunct professor, and outreach worker. He is a member of Common Spirit Church of the Brethren in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
ISBN: 1498296483
ISBN13: 9781498296489
Author: R. Scot Miller
Publisher: Wipf and Stock
Format: Hardcover
PublicationDate: 2017-08-02
Language: English
PageCount: 182
Dimensions: 5.98 x 0.44 x 9.02 inches
Weight: 14.56 ounces

Gospel of the Absurd is a project that originates in the anarchic experiences of a crack cocaine addict who was knocked off his high horse by an experience of Jesus. Having spent years as an enemy of the faith, R. Scot Miller came back to faith with the passion of a new convert infused with a subversive's heart for turning the world upside down. In the process of stumbling every bit as much as he learned to walk in the light, Miller begins to understand that the subversive claims of the gospel of Jesus as the Christ are not only the most meaningful response to the absurdity of the world, but that such absurdity demands a community of action that makes the subversive Christ the credible response to a culture and Christendom run amok with power and greed. Gospel of the Absurd is about an ethic informed by an absurd claim--that being the claim that voluntary sacrifice of privilege is the proper response to human brokenness and the systems of domination that have lured the church into apostasy. Miller then explores whether the church, by prioritizing care ethics over legislative or coercive justice, is the salvific experience Jesus is calling us to engage in. ""Miller presents a truly postmodern, apocalyptic, and uniquely Christian ethic that defies both conservative and liberal moral visions--not by virtue of a predictablevia mediaalong the familiar linear trajectory of socio-political US culture, but by returning the biblical narrative to the center of discourse for contemporary communities of faith. Eschewing universalized authority while affirming the centrality of the gospel, this significant work will challenge anyone who dares to engage its relentless scrutiny."" --Mark M. Mattison, creator of The Paul Page ""The church has spent much of its history subverting its messianic origin and its prolific vocation to the totalizing agenda of liberal democracy. Miller's book exposes this subversion and articulates an ethic rooted in absurdity--the gospel. Here is a call to embody salvation, rather than possess or distribute it as an object of consumer exchange. A community that lives this gospel absurdity upends the power that crushes creation, with a powerlessness that gives life."" --David L. Johns, Union College ""The complexities of ethics and ethical engagement remain critical elements of social (justice) work. As we seek a better grasp it is important to consider varying perspectives, particularly those of the historically silenced. InGospel of the Absurd, Miller executes this thought process through the lens of core social work thought leaders and black feminist pioneers to demonstrate 'care ethics' in a way that centers on the necessity of community. In doing so, he unabashedly renounces white supremacy by examining experiences of black suffering as a demonstration to white theologians of what it truly means to bear the cross."" --Radiah Shabazz, racial justice organizer, On Earth Peace R. Scot Miller is a Quaker, and a minister in the Church of the Brethren. A Detroit anarchist who traded angst for a life of faith and farming, he believes that the embodying of gospel ethics is the most credible public witness. His family farms in Hastings, Michigan. He also serves variously as a substance abuse therapist, adjunct professor, and outreach worker. He is a member of Common Spirit Church of the Brethren in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

$63.24
    Condition
Arrives: -
Free 30 days return & refund.
In Stock

Secure transaction.

Overview

Gospel of the Absurd is a project that originates in the anarchic experiences of a crack cocaine addict who was knocked off his high horse by an experience of Jesus. Having spent years as an enemy of the faith, R. Scot Miller came back to faith with the passion of a new convert infused with a subversive's heart for turning the world upside down. In the process of stumbling every bit as much as he learned to walk in the light, Miller begins to understand that the subversive claims of the gospel of Jesus as the Christ are not only the most meaningful response to the absurdity of the world, but that such absurdity demands a community of action that makes the subversive Christ the credible response to a culture and Christendom run amok with power and greed. Gospel of the Absurd is about an ethic informed by an absurd claim--that being the claim that voluntary sacrifice of privilege is the proper response to human brokenness and the systems of domination that have lured the church into apostasy. Miller then explores whether the church, by prioritizing care ethics over legislative or coercive justice, is the salvific experience Jesus is calling us to engage in. ""Miller presents a truly postmodern, apocalyptic, and uniquely Christian ethic that defies both conservative and liberal moral visions--not by virtue of a predictablevia mediaalong the familiar linear trajectory of socio-political US culture, but by returning the biblical narrative to the center of discourse for contemporary communities of faith. Eschewing universalized authority while affirming the centrality of the gospel, this significant work will challenge anyone who dares to engage its relentless scrutiny."" --Mark M. Mattison, creator of The Paul Page ""The church has spent much of its history subverting its messianic origin and its prolific vocation to the totalizing agenda of liberal democracy. Miller's book exposes this subversion and articulates an ethic rooted in absurdity--the gospel. Here is a call to embody salvation, rather than possess or distribute it as an object of consumer exchange. A community that lives this gospel absurdity upends the power that crushes creation, with a powerlessness that gives life."" --David L. Johns, Union College ""The complexities of ethics and ethical engagement remain critical elements of social (justice) work. As we seek a better grasp it is important to consider varying perspectives, particularly those of the historically silenced. InGospel of the Absurd, Miller executes this thought process through the lens of core social work thought leaders and black feminist pioneers to demonstrate 'care ethics' in a way that centers on the necessity of community. In doing so, he unabashedly renounces white supremacy by examining experiences of black suffering as a demonstration to white theologians of what it truly means to bear the cross."" --Radiah Shabazz, racial justice organizer, On Earth Peace R. Scot Miller is a Quaker, and a minister in the Church of the Brethren. A Detroit anarchist who traded angst for a life of faith and farming, he believes that the embodying of gospel ethics is the most credible public witness. His family farms in Hastings, Michigan. He also serves variously as a substance abuse therapist, adjunct professor, and outreach worker. He is a member of Common Spirit Church of the Brethren in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
ISBN: 1498296483
ISBN13: 9781498296489
Author: R. Scot Miller
Publisher: Wipf and Stock
Format: Hardcover
PublicationDate: 2017-08-02
Language: English
PageCount: 182
Dimensions: 5.98 x 0.44 x 9.02 inches
Weight: 14.56 ounces

Gospel of the Absurd is a project that originates in the anarchic experiences of a crack cocaine addict who was knocked off his high horse by an experience of Jesus. Having spent years as an enemy of the faith, R. Scot Miller came back to faith with the passion of a new convert infused with a subversive's heart for turning the world upside down. In the process of stumbling every bit as much as he learned to walk in the light, Miller begins to understand that the subversive claims of the gospel of Jesus as the Christ are not only the most meaningful response to the absurdity of the world, but that such absurdity demands a community of action that makes the subversive Christ the credible response to a culture and Christendom run amok with power and greed. Gospel of the Absurd is about an ethic informed by an absurd claim--that being the claim that voluntary sacrifice of privilege is the proper response to human brokenness and the systems of domination that have lured the church into apostasy. Miller then explores whether the church, by prioritizing care ethics over legislative or coercive justice, is the salvific experience Jesus is calling us to engage in. ""Miller presents a truly postmodern, apocalyptic, and uniquely Christian ethic that defies both conservative and liberal moral visions--not by virtue of a predictablevia mediaalong the familiar linear trajectory of socio-political US culture, but by returning the biblical narrative to the center of discourse for contemporary communities of faith. Eschewing universalized authority while affirming the centrality of the gospel, this significant work will challenge anyone who dares to engage its relentless scrutiny."" --Mark M. Mattison, creator of The Paul Page ""The church has spent much of its history subverting its messianic origin and its prolific vocation to the totalizing agenda of liberal democracy. Miller's book exposes this subversion and articulates an ethic rooted in absurdity--the gospel. Here is a call to embody salvation, rather than possess or distribute it as an object of consumer exchange. A community that lives this gospel absurdity upends the power that crushes creation, with a powerlessness that gives life."" --David L. Johns, Union College ""The complexities of ethics and ethical engagement remain critical elements of social (justice) work. As we seek a better grasp it is important to consider varying perspectives, particularly those of the historically silenced. InGospel of the Absurd, Miller executes this thought process through the lens of core social work thought leaders and black feminist pioneers to demonstrate 'care ethics' in a way that centers on the necessity of community. In doing so, he unabashedly renounces white supremacy by examining experiences of black suffering as a demonstration to white theologians of what it truly means to bear the cross."" --Radiah Shabazz, racial justice organizer, On Earth Peace R. Scot Miller is a Quaker, and a minister in the Church of the Brethren. A Detroit anarchist who traded angst for a life of faith and farming, he believes that the embodying of gospel ethics is the most credible public witness. His family farms in Hastings, Michigan. He also serves variously as a substance abuse therapist, adjunct professor, and outreach worker. He is a member of Common Spirit Church of the Brethren in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

X

Oops!

Sorry, it looks like some products are not available in selected quantity.

OK

Sign up to the Stevens Books Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more

By signing up, I confirm that I'm over 16. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit. our Privacy Policy.