Joy (ePub)

Published in cooperation with Yale University and taking cues from theologians such as Miroslav Volf and recent reflections on joy as the crown of the good life, this ecumenical group of contributors insists that reclaiming joy for youth ministry is crucial in light of modern secularism, which has eviscerated the world of such things as mystery, wonder, grace, and transcendence. The modern world urges us to work and consume compulsively; to value its creatures only for their use or to serve our egos. While consumption sometimes yields momentary fun or happiness, only rarely does it yield joy. This book contrarily asserts that to reclaim joy is to retrieve a practicable virtue of the Christian faith, express gratitude for God's gracious gifts, move us to worship, and empower us for active love of God and neighbor.

This book points to a Christian faith that is grounded in a consequential way of life, including substantive moral ethical virtues and a sacramental ontological vision in which all of life participates with God. It focuses on practices that enhance joy by pointing to the contingency of human life and our participation with God's redemption work for all creation. At root, a Christian life is ordered by worship and practices that recognize, celebrate, and respond in joy in light of humanity's contingency and God's gratuitous liberation of all creation.

Contributors

Steven Argue, Kyle David Bennett, Kenda Creasy Dean, Michal Beth Dinkler, Amanda Hontz Drury, Fred P. Edie, Wesley W. Ellis, Sarah F. Farmer, Nyle Fort, Christian Gonzalez, Pamela Ebstyne King, Alaina Kleinbeck, John Leedy, Stephanie Paulsell, Andrew Root, James K. A. Smith, Miroslav Volf, David F. White, Anne E. Streaty Wimberly, Almeda M. Wright, Vanessa Zoltan