The Future of Faith (edition 2010)

A celebrated professor and theologian at Harvard Divinity School, Harvey Cox is a prolific writer who focuses on the intersection of religion and culture. The Future of Faith (2009) posits that Christianity is now entering its third Age. The Age of Faith, starting with Christ and his disciples, lasted for a couple centuries, and is characterized by explosive growth in decentralized groups energetically living to create God's Kingdom on Earth.

With Contantine's legitimization of Christianity, with its attendant clerical class, the Age of Belief emerged. Taking us up to recent times, this era has seen Christianity become bogged down in creeds and 'belief' which are stated checklists as to membership. Cox sees these as being used, not so much to differentiate Christians from those of other faith traditions, but to attack and persecute other Christians for not quite measuring up to whatever standard is in vogue.

I found most interesting our current transition to the Age of the Spirit with revitalized centers in Africa, South America, and Asia (outside of the traditional Western strongholds.) The focus is less on hierachy and doctrine and more on a vigorous localized spirituality living out Christ's calling. Cox sees movement away from concern over the afterlife and more to active participation in our world.

Those coming from a strongly creedal tradition might find some of his statements oversimplification. For those, this book offers the opportunity to honor creedal heritage and foundation, while enriching it with a renewed faith and spirituality. I like that Cox emphasized less tenets 'about' Jesus than faith 'in' him, with 'faith' being more related to awe, love and wonder. ( )

An enjoyable, informative reflection of Christianity, touching on topics such as fundamentalism, literalizing the symbolic, apostolic authority, the history and development of Christianity, as well as the fallacy of the belief of one unified early Christianity, and so much more. I absolutely love the points about faith degenerating from something full of life and spirit into a mere set of creeds and obligatory beliefs, as well as the points about how the culture and traditions we’re raised in shape our understandings in a way that becomes foundational to our worldviews. A quick, easy read full of information that is imperative for a Christian’s understanding of the faith s/he follows. ( )