Words Unspoken

Synopsis: This is a chance to explore the meaning of Christian faith for those in and outside of churches: adults who left the church in their youth, the many religious refugees pushed out by churches, as well as those in churches looking for serious reflection. With short chapters written in conversational style, it refuses to dumb down the presentation or offer false promises. There are no tricks, no bait and switch. It simply gives an account of the good news for our time. Christian faith is risky business. It requires that we consider the way the good news is subverted by religion itself and American culture. Most important, it means examining our own resistance to the message of Jesus. In the end, it involves a willingness to participate in a future marked by the unfolding glory of God. Endorsement: "Words Unspoken is a richly written resource, which begins with a deeply sensitive and personal perspective: the parent of post-Christian adult children. From that personal concern, Peter Schmiechen begins, with honesty and vulnerability, as a contemporary pilgrim and theological thinker, giving daunting integrity to each chapter. With the critical insight of a seasoned theologian and teacher, he confronts us with seminal questions that are deeply relevant in our time . . . Yet, it is done with a personal faith and Christian hope. Words Unspoken is a rare gift from a rare theologian." --Nathan D. Baxter, Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania Author Biography: Peter Schmiechen is President Emeritus at Lancaster Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he also taught theology. His writings have focused on the meaning of Jesus Christ and the church, the most recent being Defining the Church for Our Time: Origin and Structure, Variety and Viability (2012). In recent years he has spent time thinking how best to share faith with his children and grandchildren.