Decoding the Church: Mapping the DNA of Christ's Body
Snyder (history and theology, Asbury Theological Seminary) and Runyon (English, Spring Arbor Univ.) argue that the essential nature of the church can be discovered by unpacking and reappraising the image of the body of Christ as having at its core an ecclesiastic DNA, or inborn Christian nature. Thus, the church's genetic heritage comes directly from Christ and, as such, entails a mission to the world. Theologically conservative and Protestant in perspective, the DNA argument serves only as a heuristic. The authors posit a fictional congregation to exemplify their arguments in each chapter, leading to their conclusion that a church can "discover its own unique DNA." The authors never truly plumb the depths of the organic nature of being, creation, selection, or randomness-fruitful metaphors usually associated with genetic images. However, readers familiar with these authors will recognize recurring themes-church as community, small-group processes (including questions for discussion and reflection), and biblical models of congregational leadership. Recommended only for seminary collections developing church leadership holdings.Sandra Collins, Duquesne Univ. Lib., PittsburghCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.