View from the urban loft : developing a theological framework for understanding the city / [print]
Sean Benesh.
- Eugene, Or. : Resource Publications, (c)2011.
- xx, 190 pages ; 23 cm
Theological questions painted on an urban canvas -- Parameters of city-reaching -- What is a city? -- The scope of the city -- Origins -- The ancient world -- God's template for urban living -- Renewing the city -- Jesus and the ancient urban church -- Development of the modern city -- Layers of the city -- Pilgrims and place -- Theology of the built environment -- High-density, walkable, and bike-friendly cities -- Pedestrain-oriented church planting -- Authentic neighborhoods and a transformed city.
As the world hurtles towards urbanization at an ever-increasing pace, there arises the need for further theological reflection on the city. Globalization, international immigration, and densification in cities are having a transformative impact on the urban landscape. Urban mission is at the forefront of many denominations, church planting networks, ministries, and mission organizations yearning for citywide transformation. How are we to think biblically and theologically about the city? View from the Urban Loft will take readers through the development of cities throughout history, act as a guide to navigating the current forces shaping urban environments, and seek to uncover a theology of the city that gives Christians a rationale and a biblical understanding of the meaning and purposes of the city and then how to live in it for the glory of God.