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Cargando... Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Powerpor Andy Crouch
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Inscríbete en LibraryThing para averiguar si este libro te gustará. Actualmente no hay Conversaciones sobre este libro. This is one of those books that I think will be really impactful for me. Crouch examines God's creative intent for human power (flourishing and imagebearing). Here is my full review: http://thoughtsprayersandsongs.com/2013/10/13/from-the-will-to-power-to-gods-wil... sin reseñas | añadir una reseña
Power corrupts - - as we've seen time and time again. People too often abuse their power and play god in the lives of others. Shady politicians, corrupt executives and ego - filled media stars have made us suspicious of those who wield influence and authority. They too often breed injustice by participating in what the Bible calls idolatry. Yet power is also the means by which we bring life, create possibilities, offer hope and make human flourishing possible. This is ''''playing god'''' as it is meant to be. If we are to do God's work - - fight injustice, bring peace, create beauty and allow the image of God to thrive in those around us - - how are we to do these things if not by power? With his trademark clear - headed analysis, Andy Crouch unpacks the dynamics of power that either can make human flourishing possible or can destroy the image of God in people. While the effects of power are often very evident, he uncovers why power is frequently hidden. He considers not just its personal side but the important ways power develops and resides in institutions. Throughout Crouch offers fresh insights from key biblical passages, demonstrating how Scripture calls us to discipline our power. Wielding power need not distort us or others, but instead can be stewarded well. An essential book for all who would influence their world for the good. No se han encontrado descripciones de biblioteca. |
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This is an engaging and reflective work by Crouch. He argues that power is not something to be viewed as evil, but is a gift given by God, to be wielded carefully by his image-bearers. Of course humans have not always used this gift well. And because it is power, its misuse causes tremendous damage.
I found two area of the book especially insightful. First, Crouch argues that institutions are a primary way that power is multiplied, and through which most good and lasting changes are made in creation and culture. Institutional power can also be misused, and when that happens the damage is especially destructive because it involves a multiplied form of human power going wrong. But the response to the negative potential of institutions is not reason to abandon them. Rather, institutions are a gift, and so need to be embraced in order for God's image bearers to participate in God's kingdom work.
The second insightful piece is Crouch's commentary on the book of Philemon. Here he demonstrates how the Apostle Paul used his own power, but did not usurp others' power in doing so, in attempting to bring about a solution for the runaway slave Onesimus. Paul's approach relativized the assumed power structures of the day, ultimately placing all power under God's purview. Paul demonstrates how power should be used for God's purposes as his image bearers, and not misused to remove power from other image bearers.
This would be an excellent book for church leaders, or even for a group of leaders to read as a study. ( )