A Crisis in the Garden

The author grew up in the tradition of Christian faith that is known as the Churches of Christ, non-instrumental. Historically speaking, a common perspective among members of this brotherhood is that they have restored New Testament Christianity, and that believers from the denominations of Christendom are not regarded as fellow Christians. The author identifies and explains how many in the Churches of Christ embrace and practice a form of sectarian legalism. The author then recounts some key factors in his experience and study that enabled him to see things differently. While the author affirms what he regards as the biblically sound and compelling aspects of his religious heritage, he challenges the remaining sectarian legalists in that heritage to reconsider the validity of some of their key assumptions so that they might be able to enjoy a broader and encouraging fellowship with (and more effective influence on) other Christians outside of their own churches. Themes explored and considered include the nature of God, the Bible and conversion (baptism), as well as the Stone-Campbell Movement (aka Restoration Movement) hermeneutics, postmodernism, apologetics, science and cosmology. 302 pages.