A House Divided

Book Details

Author: Benjamin D. Giffone
240 pages

Summary

COVID-19 is firmly in the past for most of us today. However, the social harms of the pandemic are only just beginning to be recognized in the global church. In truth, many Christians all over the world experienced spiritual harms which linger today. This book kickstarts the much-needed conversation about responses to the COVID pandemic in the church. Giffone identifies pre-existing pathologies in theology and practice which were revealed in the crisis, and which still threaten Christian communities.

A House Divided advocates the importance of corporate worship, which was suspended during the pandemic. Tragically, the uncritical adoption of technology in recent decades has led Christians to undervalue the experience of God through embodied practices such as the Lord’s Supper, baptism, and fellowship. Moreover, Giffone demonstrates that church leaders too often abdicated their spiritual responsibilities to secular authorities. Using the theme of flawed leadership in the book of Ezekiel, Giffone argues that leaders, and their congregations, can be  restored through truth-telling and repentance.

Full of theological insight, sobering reflection, but ultimately hopeful prescriptions—this book applies biblical principles to current issues. Anyone who cares about the future of the church—scholars, pastors, church leaders, and lay people—will find this book provocative and engaging.