Skin on Skin helps Christians develop an authentic, satisfying faith centered on helping those in need.
Every five hundred years or so, the ground trembles and change electrifies the air--because CHANGE is needed.
Globalization and dramatic technological advances are only part of this massive change. We are in a major SOCIAL SHIFT, as well, that includes the rethinking and reconfiguration of CHRISTIANITY.
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Christians searching for a more relevant and meaningful way to live their faith are becoming the hands and feet of Jesus. They are open to the needs of the marginalized, redefining what it means to be Christian.
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This EMERGENCE is leading people to take political action, fueled by their Christian values, for the common good. They are also developing transformational relationships with those who are experiencing poverty.
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They have come to realize that CHRISTIANITY is a WAY OF LIFE. In fact, early followers called the compassionate, communal and generous life style "the Way."
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Author Bio
Jack Bender is the author of Disregarded: Transforming the School and Workplace through Deep Respect and Courage, which encouraged one industry leader to remark that Disregarded was the best book available on structure and agency. In Skin on Skin: Living the Way of Jesus by Walking with the Poor, Bender reads the signs of the times and asks, “What responsibilities do Christians have for those struggling with poverty?”
Well aware of his own hypocrisy, Jack readily admits that writing Skin on Skin was difficult, “while having a plank in my eye.” We begin where we are and move forward.
Jack’s career path has included U.S. Army Officer, prison music director, public school teacher,and band director. Other work experiences include certified mediator, future search facilitator, mobile DJ, computer programmer, speaker, and heavy equipment operator.
Bender is very active musically in church and community and supports the St. Vincent De Paul Center associated with St. Francis De Sales Church in Holland, Michigan. Jack has been married to artist Cindy M. Bender for forty-nine years. They have two adult children and four grandchildren.
Besides the non-fiction books Skin on Skin and Disregarded, Bender has authored two collections of poetry: Moonflower and Other Poems I Didn’t Write and Three Simple Words and More Poems I Didn’t Write.
Contents
Section 1: Poverty............................................................... 1
Section 2: Government, Politics, Justice........................... 25
Section 3: God................................................................... 45
Section 4: Hebrew Bible.................................................... 61
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Section 5: Jesus, the Synoptic Gospels.............................. 95
Section 6: Christianity...................................................... 125
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Section 7: Church, Universal and Local........................... 161
Section 8: Becoming/Transforming.................................. 173
Section 9: Accompaniment............................................... 183
Notes.................................................................................. 195
Biblical References............................................................ 203
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Suggested Reading............................................................ 205
Gratitude............................................................................ 207
Author Bio......................................................................... 209