Based on a decade's experience of preparing ministry students to become preachers and his own experience as one of today's most gifted preachers, Doug Gay offers an imaginative, practical and inspiring guide for all who are privileged with the task of preaching.
Reforming the Kirk is essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of the Church of Scotland or who wants to understand the deep challenges facing it in contemporary Scotland.
The book delves into the complex relationship between nationalism and Christian ethics, challenging the notion that nationalism is inherently unethical. Doug Gay presents a historical perspective, linking nationalism to state formation in early modern Europe, the decolonization movement, and the post-1989 reshaping of Central and Eastern Europe. He posits that nationalism can represent a legitimate response to imperial domination and a quest for self-determination, highlighting a gap in political theology's understanding of nationalism's role in contemporary society.
Exploring the Emerging Church movement, Doug Gay addresses the polarization surrounding its definition and practice. He proposes a hermeneutical process involving audit, retrieval, unbundling, and remixing of traditional Christian practices. By doing so, he aims to bridge the gap between proponents and critics, offering insights into contemporary ecclesiology. This work has the potential to serve as a foundational text for understanding the evolving landscape of Christianity and the innovative worship communities within it.