Truly the Community: Romans 12 and How to Be the Church

By Marva J. Dawn

Book Overview

Originally published in 1992 as The Hilarity of Community, this edition includes a new title, preface, and entirely new cover design. Truly the Community continues to be one of the best sources for understanding what it means to live together as the church of Christ.

Many writers, both secular and religious, have decried the lack of intimacy and community in our contemporary culture. Few of them, however, offer practical suggestions for counteracting the isolation and alienation felt by so many people today. But Marva Dawn does this--and more--in Truly the Community. Through an intensive study of Romans 12, Dawn offers specific guidance for building vital Christian community life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802844669
• ISBN13: 9780802844668
• Release Date: November 1997
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 319 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Truly the Community Romans 12 How to Be the Church

Can be read individually or with a group. It also is a great devotional. Extremely helpful in bringing understanding of each person's part of how to be the church in a fruitful way.

Truly the Community

This book is inspirational and insightful into what the church of Jesus Christ ought to look like not only today but in every generation. It is a study of the body of Christ as revealed in Romans 12. Verses 1 and 2 lay the foundation by addressing our calling to present our bodies as a living sacrifice by God's mercy, and to be transformed from within rather than outward conforming to this world. The verse by verse commentary is a blessing for all believers as well as challenging us to become the people God called us to be. Throughout the book Marva Dawn uses the word "Hilarity" to describe the Christian community. She doesn't use this word in the contemporary sense but is referring to the Greek word "hilarotes" which the Apostle Paul used in Romans 12:8 to invite those who have the gift of showing mercy to use this gift with cheerfulness. Showing mercy with cheerfulness is to be demonstrated in every relationship and in every action the people of God face no matter what gift they have been given. Not only is this book an excellent read for individuals but it also provides questions after each chapter for group discussion. Thank you Marva Dawn using your gift to encourage the church.