Faithful Presence

James Davison Hunter is a professor of religion, culture and social theory at the University of Virginia. His new book "To Change the World" challenges me, as in the glimpse of his thinking in an interview I read in Christianity Today, and has lead me to want to read his book. It has three main essays, the first having to do with the common view of "culture of ideas" which he views as being characterized by idealism, individualism, and pietism. His second essay argues that the public witness of the church has become too much of a political witness. And in the third essay, he presents a third alternative, and different paradigm, where "faithful presence" is faithful to God, and a fulfillment of His command to love our neighbor. I really want to read this book. Maybe Christians, of all stripes, will read and discuss this book.