The Forgotten Ways

Alan Hirsch's book, The Forgotten Ways, is causing me to ask a lot of good questions of my theology, my ecclesiology & missiology.  It's good, challenging stuff and I recommend you pick it up.  I've been meaning to read/review this book for some time and it has been too long in coming.  Over the next few weeks or so I'm going to make the effort to post a few quotes, reflections, and/or questions about the book and the issues it raises.  Please feel free to interact with the ideas.

I wish I had time to do the book more justice, but Scot McKnight (for one) spent a good deal of time on the book (Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).  You might also want to check out Jordan Cooper's epic first half review here. I encourage you to go to these links for a good recap of the arguments of the book.

If the heart of discipleship is to become like Jesus, then it seems to me that a missional reading of this text requires that we see Jesus's strategy is to get a while lot of little versions of him infiltrating every nook and cranny of society by reproducing himself in and through his people in every place throughout the world. (p 113)

Comments

[Robert]

Steve...I agree this is a great book. It has caused me to rethink and maybe reform some of my ideas of mission and the church.

[brad brisco]

I find much to like about this book. It is certainly provocative yet I believe theologically sound. I know of 40+ guys who are reading it together. We have two networks of guys (one here in KC and one in another part of the state) who meet once a month (in fact we are meeting tonight) as well as several others who are reading it and discussing together online. I really appreciate the approach Hirsch takes with the "Apostolic Genuis." I have recommended and/or given away more copies of Forgotten Ways than any other book I have read. I look foward to your thoughts.

[UberGoober]

Steve,

Thanks for the links to the McKnight blog posts on this. I've had the Hirsch book in my "to read" stack for a while (since I read Exiles by Michael Frost). I'm going to start it tomorrow and I intend to track with your review. Looking forward to it.

[michael mcminn]

Awesome book. Look forward to hearing your thoughts as well as the conversation among other commenters.

[alan hirsch]

Hey Steve, just realized you might have started with a review of sorts. Just another link for people to follow. this English guy did the best summary of the lot.
http://outofthecocoon.squarespace.com/display/ShowJournal?moduleId=878954&categoryId=92933

[alan hirsch]

Steve, did you ever finish this review? Did I miss something? I would really value your thoughts on it.

[Steve McCoy]

Alan, a lot of stuff in my life has been put on the back burner with my wife's recent diagnosis and upcoming surgery. I'm still trying to get to it bro. Thanks for your patience.