What Does the Lord Require?: Meditations on Major Moral and Social Issues

By James L. Killen Jr.

Book Overview

Contemporary life is filled with a host of contentious moral and social issues. There are many thorny topics, both personal and political, which bring out a cacophony of opinions that can overwhelm us. While we are inundated with questions, there often seem to be no clear answers. So how should we respond? As Christians, we must constantly ask ourselves, "What does the Lord require of me?" In this outstanding collection of meditations, James Killen examines many of today's hot-button issues with an eye toward helping readers think through their beliefs and responsibilities. Mindful of our call to live in faithfulness to God's purpose, each essay draws on the Bible and the Christian faith to discern how God would have us respond to the emerging situations of our world's history. What Does The Lord Require? is topical, inspiring reading -- and with thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each meditation, it's an excellent resource for adult classes or study groups, as well as for a sermon series that is sure to connect with congregations. Among the issues addressed are: * religious pluralism * economic justice * materialism * environmental stewardship * gender roles * suicide * abortion * personal integrity * homosexuality * AIDS * race relations * war The timid pulpit is too often the platform of pastors who choose not to unsettle their parishioners. As a result, words that address the critical social and moral issues of our day go unspoken. The messages of this book inspire the reader to new heights of courage as these difficult issues are presented with clear, forthright challenges. You will be informed and motivated as the cost of discipleship awakens your Christian journey in the 21st century. Joe A. Wilson United Methodist bishop James Killen does a remarkable job of reminding us that being a Christian is more than "individual religiosity." Rather, it encompasses every facet of our existence, personal and corporate. These meditations explore issues that Christians cannot afford to ignore. A must read Brig. Gen. Hiram "Doc" Jones, USAF (retired) Former Deputy Chief, Air Force Chaplain Service James L. Killen has pastored a variety of congregations during a 45-year career in the ministry, ranging from a small open country parish in northeast Texas to Trinity United Methodist Church in Beaumont, Texas, a 2,000-member church with a television ministry serving all of southeast Texas and southwestern Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Houston and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Killen's work has appeared in several publications, including Preaching, Pulpit Digest, Circuit Rider, The Upper Room, and the Abingdon Preaching Annual. He is also the author of Who Do You Say That I Am?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0788023063
• ISBN13: 9780788023064
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: CSS Publishing Company
• Length: 189 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

How should Christians respond politically: It's in the scriptures

In a clearly written, and straightforward manner, What Does the Lord Require? explores the Bible to obtain guidance regarding 21st century social issues. The book presents accessible and logical interpretations of scriptural imperatives without being simplistic or pedantically complex. These are applied to the current, yet eternal, problems confronting mankind, e.g., stewardship of the earth, war, poverty, disease. The applications are direct and consistent with the relevant Biblical context and content. In the same genre as God's Politics (Jim Wallis) What Does the Lord Require? addresses how Christians should respond, the author identifies actions which are "required" of believers, including compassion, recognizing that human frailties exist and that the human condition may present few absolutely "right" choices. Thus, while standing firmly on the side of unambiguous expectations, the author also stands for the requirements of forgiveness, reconciliation and acceptance. This book also addresses the political nature of the Lord's requirements. Allocation of resources, public and private, to meet the needs of the poor, the hungry, the sick and the imprisoned, is not only a moral decision but also a political one. The author asserts that the Lord's requirements apply to both the private and public realms of human behavior. He discusses the use of Christianity's name to advance public policies which are in conflict with scriptural directives. In his reasoned, "Methodist" way, the author returns the reader to Christianity's source document, bringing its message to the discussion of humanity's problems and the Christian's proper response. The book is a gentle reminder that what the Lord requires is defined by the Lord and not by political power-seekers. Immensely readable, the book's length gives evidence that the author has handled the subject matter succinctly and has presented his conclusions with precision. The book reads as the author originally delivered the words to his congregants, as a reasoned discussion with friends. What Does the Lord Require? is a valuable contribution to clear and thoughtful public discourse about personal beliefs and public policies.

Review of "What Does The Lord Require

Dr. Killen takes his readers further than most of us have been willing to go in discerning what God actually wants of us. He presents the many problems of our society that we know so well and gives us relevant Biblical passages that lead us to think seriously about what we should do. He tells us we can make a difference. He tells us we should make a difference. The book is divided into short chapters to be read for one day's meditation. Take these one day at a time because each gives you a lot to consider. Absorb that day's thought, stop, and think about it. Then be ready for another new idea and challenge in the next day's reading. Dr. Killen does not give us easy answers but hard questions. Yet, as we read, we begin to know, at least in part,what the Lord does indeed require us to do. Dr. Killen tells us:The world needs to hear again the good news that God is at work in our lives and in our world to save us and all people from everything that prevents or destoys life in its fullness. The world needs to hear again the call of God to live up to the very highest possibility that God has opened to us. And the world, especially the people of conscience in the world, even more especially those who are committed to Jesus Christ, needs to hear the calling of God to participate in the saving work that God is doing in the world."