The Disparate Ones - by Marty Duren (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Ranging topics from food to war to abortion to political parties to using the word "impactful," author and public theologian, Marty Duren, addresses how Christians should understand themselves in this world. What does it mean to be "in the world but not of the world"? How can Christians, especially in America, address the overwhelming influence of politics on the faith?

With biblical fidelity, cultural clarity, and unusual profundity, Duren covers a broad swath of cultural ground to show what it might look like to Christians to successfully hold the tension of living in two worlds.

In prose at that same time illuminating, scripturally careful, compassionate, and challenging, Duren addresses some of the major concerns of our day, showing that the life lived in Christ should not fall to being a mere rubber-stamp for politicals winds, whether prevailing or not. Instead, those who follow Jesus Christ should look to the city with foundations whose builder and maker is God. This book will help Christians better inhabit our cities on Earth without giving up heavenly treasure for worldly kingdoms. Living in this world requires nothing less.

Review Quotes

"As a Christian and keen social observer, Marty can be trusted to provide insights on a variety of contemporary subjects, while remaining faithful to Biblical authority and nuanced rationale. I can probably count on my hands the people I trust enough to say that. That's what this collection of well-written and deeply personal essays provided for me." Melvin E. Edwards, from the Foreword

"I have known Marty Duren for going on 20 years and I have long admired him as a voice crying in the U.S. evangelical wilderness. His words are compelling because they come from thoughtful reflection, careful research, gritty piety, and the wisdom of a life well-lived. I commend The Disparate Ones for any reader, but especially those seeking to chart a faithful Christian path through the chaos of today's American empire."

The Rev. Emily H. McGowin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Theology

Wheaton College

"These essays were a breath of fresh air-challenging, insightful, and full of much-needed truth. In a day filled with hot takes and over-simplified arguments, Marty offers a thoughtful and nuanced perspective on a broad range of important issues."

Marwan Aboul-Zelof, Lead Pastor

City Bible Church

Beirut, Lebanon

"In a day past, Jesus differentiated to Pontius Pilate the cosmic difference between his kingdom and that of Rome: 'My kingdom is not of this world.' Today, as Marty makes clear, a disparate band of Jesus followers must discern between two poles embedded within a system that defines Jesus as either a community organizer or a king become the projections of our own best ideals. Marty has long wrestled with the liminal space between these two poles within our existing system. Now he has put into print what the rupture of the Kingdom of Jesus means to the questions of our day, in the systems of our own making."

Dr Todd Littleton, Pastor

Snow Hill Baptist Church

Tuttle, OK

I have long appreciated Marty Duren as a conversation partner. Even when we don't agree on every point, his thought-provoking arguments lead me to better articulate my own views. This collection of essays covers everything from hot button issues of the day to the joy of buying books, with its ode to tsundoku giving reason enough to add The Disparate Ones to your library.

Amy Whitfield, Communications Executive

Author, Lottie Moon: The Girl Who Reached the World