Asphalt Jesus: Finding a New Christian Faith Along the Highways of America

By Eric Elnes

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787986089
• ISBN13: 9780787986087
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Asphalt Jesus

A wonderful telling of a brilliant idea! Listening to each other and communicating and caring and sharing and reaching out is what being "Christian" is about, and Eric Elnes is doing just that. We don't have to take a four month march - we can begin where we are, now, and try to keep the "church" alive. God be with us in our efforts.

I couldn't say it better...

For so long, I have thought that the "right-wing" has inappropriately hijacked what is termed to be "Christian" in America. This is a practical way for those who feel that way to fight back and to do so with love and affection...showing what we are "really" made of. Any church facing a need to do strategic planning for the future or group facilitation about the future would do well to read this book first. It will take you outside the box to a place that you will want to go.

At Last! A Voice for the Quiet Faithful!

I just purchased 8 of Elnes' books as Christmas presents because as I read it I realized it explains in clear, gentle words the hunger I have felt for years to be able to express my faith without fear of ridicule. Four years ago I found a faith community where I now feel safe to express my faith as well as my doubts. Elnes' book will allow me to share with those I love the essence of what I have found in "open and affirming" progressive Christianity. The Crosswalk group was walking for me and for the huge number of others who want to know how to love unconditionally and to fully comprehend and accept the unconditional love of God.

An incredible witness!

For anyone who is worried about the public face of Christian faith in the United States, for anyone who loves Jesus but can't stand what the church has done to his message, for anyone who wants to follow God without belittling others, for anyone who's worried that liberal Christianity has lost its biblical foundation- "Asphalt Jesus" is bound to bring you hope. Author Eric Elnes and a host of others walked across the United States, from Phoenix, Arizona to Washington, D.C. in an incredible journey to bring an inclusive, progressive Christianity to the heart of America. This book documents that journey, and what they found surprised them, and may surprise you as well! I won't spoil too much, but let's just say that "Asphalt Jesus" reminds us that despite all the divisiveness political partisanship and the Christian right has fostered over the last few decades, Christians of all stripes- conservative and liberal, moderate and fundamentalist- are looking for something that transcends these traditional ways of thinking about our faith. God is indeed working through us today, and "Asphalt Jesus" is a spirit-filled testimony to the power of God and God's never-ceasing presence. I can only hope Crosswalk America and other organizations devoted to inclusive Christianity will continue spreading the gospel so that all of us- conservative, liberal, moderate- can unite at least!