In a world where too many scientists and theologians consider the other as misguided or irrelevant, Ron Rude combines a deep reverence for both disciplines, showing them to be complimentary rather than conflicted. Then, in the tradition of a Biblical prophet, he challenges Christians to reframe their doctrinal narratives and join scientists, and indeed all people, in rediscovering God's original creation plan, where all life and even the reality of death work together, allowing us to thrive in a sustainable, shared existence. In writing (Re)considering Christianity, Rude boldly challenges humanity's selfish exceptionalism that is quickly leading our world to destruction, yet he, again in the tradition of the prophets, never loses hope. (Tim Rauk, pastor and teacher)
For the person considering the Christian faith for the first time, especially one with a scientific background, (Re)considering Christianity will portray a version of God’s story of life and God’s story of Jesus that takes modern understandings of astronomy, geology, and biology seriously. And for the person who may have been practicing the Christian faith for years, but today no long finds the old, foundational understandings believable or sufficient, this work will aid the tough process of uncovering, reconsidering, and beginning to live Christianity’s deeper and wider story/message/claim.
About the Author
Ron Rude is Lutheran campus pastor (ELCA) at the University of Arizona, and author of the award-winning book, Abel Emerging: A Reconsideration of the Christian Story for a Sustainable World (Beaver’s Pond Press, 2010). His interests include hiking, world travel, music, giving haircuts to homeless men at a local soup kitchen, and researching American history through the lives of the U.S. presidents.
He has taught courses at Holden Village (www.holdenvillage.org), the University of Arizona’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and has led retreats and workshops in congregations and at conferences. If not a pastor, Ron would have liked to be a history professor, a barber, or a rock-n-roll drummer.
Go to www.abel-emerging.com to schedule Ron Rude as a speaker, or to interact with him online.
What's Being Said
In (Re)considering Christianity, Ron Rude invites non-Christians to consider Christianity in a way that embraces modern scientific understandings of biology, geology, and astronomy. He invites Christians to re-consider traditional ideas of creation, human nature, original sin, and atonement in light of these scientific realities. In so doing, Ron gives a positive but realistic vision of what the future of Christianity needs to be if we are to adequately address the problems of our time.
—Scott W. Gustafson, PhD, pastor, teacher, author of Biblical Amnesia and Behind Good and Evil
As a science educator, I found (Re)considering Christianity to be challenging and satisfying on both a spiritual and scientific level. Ron Rude weaves in important scientific concepts as he takes on traditional beliefs. This work causes the reader to both reconsider the nature of Christianity and rethink our roles as Christians in an imperfect world.
—Julia Olsen, PhD, College of Education, University of Arizona
Combining a deep reverence for science and theology, (Re)considering Christianity challenges Christians to both reframe basic doctrinal narratives and to join scientists in discovering and learning from the infinite delights found in God’s creation. While identifying the human exceptionalism ideology as leading God’s world toward brokenness, Ron never loses hope.
—Tim Rauk, pastor and teacher, Wooddale Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN
Rude encourages readers to confront the ills affecting God’s ravaged creation. He gives tough theological love needed to follow Christ in a renewed way.
—Mark Fischer, MA in Systematic and Philosophical Theology
