Saving Christians: The Gift of a Multifaith World

"In Saving Christians: The Gift of a Multifaith World, Joel Simpson navigates the depth and complexity of the diverse faiths through which persons across the world seek to encounter the divine, negotiate difference and live in proximity to one another with respect.  His great gift is to imagine a posture beyond toleration and acceptance to one of love and learning.  This is a profound journey of curiosity, humility and courage, and the fruit is essential spiritual guidance for the world that God has given us.”  -Bishop Ken Carter, Western North Carolina Conference, The United Methodist Church

What if the religious diversity around us isn't a threat to Christian faith, but a gift?

In Saving Christians, Joel Simpson asks a provocative question: Can encountering other religions actually make us better Christians?

Drawing on pastoral storytelling and encounters with Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam, Simpson explores how relationships across religious boundaries can deepen Christian faith and strengthen our commitments to love, justice, humility, and faithful action.

Rather than seeing other religions as competitors or merely objects of study, Saving Christians invites Christians to recognize their religious neighbors as people from whom they can learn and become more faithful Christians. The result is a hopeful vision of Christianity that is confident enough to listen, humble enough to receive, and committed to the work of building God's beloved community.

A book for Christians wondering how to remain deeply faithful while embracing the gifts of a multifaith world.

Joel Simpson is an ordained clergy member of the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church. He has prioritized interfaith relationships in both his personal and parish ministries, crafting sermon series, faith formation classes, and prayer vigils in partnership with parishioners and community members from other religious traditions. A member of the Catawba Valley Interfaith Council, he is a partner with the Poor People’s Campaign and Red Letter Christians.

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Click Here For The Table Of Contents

Click Here For the Book Introduction