Every Square Inch: An Introduction to Cultural Engagement for Christians

by Bruce Riley Ashford

Overview

Jesus is Lord over everything. So his lordship should shape every aspect of life. But what impact does faith really have on our day-to-day existence? And how should we, as Christians, interact with the culture?

In Every Square Inch, Bruce Ashford skillfully navigates such questions. Drawing on sources like Abraham Kuyper, C. S. Lewis, and Francis Schaeffer, he shows how our faith is relevant to all dimensions of culture.

The gospel informs everything we do. We cannot maintain the artificial distinction between "sacred" and "secular." We must proclaim Jesus with our lips and promote him with our lives, no matter what cultural contexts we may find ourselves in.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683598640
Publisher:	Lexham Press
Publication date:	10/30/2024
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.00(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Bruce Riley Ashford (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of theology and culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also serves as provost and dean of the faculty. He has worked in the mission field in over forty countries. He is the author of The Theology and Practice of Mission: God, the Church, and the Nations.

Editorial Reviews

"The God who sent the Savior to rescue us as individual sinners also cares deeply about the larger world in which we individuals live. And that includes the world of culture—our art, our games, our family patterns, our political systems, and much more. In this excellent and highly readable book, Bruce Ashford spells that out clearly and with much wisdom."
—Richard Mouw, Professor of Faith and Public Life, Fuller Theological Seminary

"Bruce Ashford is one of North America's most brilliant theologians. In this book, he proves himself to be a true son of Abraham and Abraham Kuyper. This book will help equip you to think through the questions facing your church and community in the 21st century, including those questions you may not have thought yet to ask."
—Russell D. Moore, President, Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

"Reading Every Square Inch is like reliving my personal journey of discovery, which in many respects, mirrors Bruce Ashford's immersion into another cultural context, viewing the USA from the outside-in, and wondering what Christianity offers regarding the big questions of life, society, and culture. Every Square Inch is a splendid introduction to the Christian calling to live under the lordship of Christ in every sphere of life. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and its message impacts every area of life. Here is the greatest story ever told (arts) about what the world is truly like (science) now that a crucified messiah is King of the world (politics), a King who has formed a generous people in His image (economics) and now commissions us to teach others to obey all Christ's commands (education)."
—Trevin Wax, managing editor of The Gospel Project, author of Gospel-Centered Teaching, Clear Winter Nights, and Counterfeit Gospels, and blogger at Kingdom People

"As in each generation, the Christian has both the privilege and responsibility of spreading everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. In a globalized, and increasingly pluralistic context, the task is often easier said than done. Dr. Bruce Ashford exemplifies in his life that grace for the task has been provided, and he excels with his pen in declaring the all-encompassing reign and relevance of the Lord Jesus. As a personal friend and grateful beneficiary of both his life and work on this subject, I commend Every Square Inch to all who desire to know how the universal rule of Christ impacts every area of life."
—William "Duce" Branch, aka The Ambassador, hip-hop artist, founding member of The Cross Movement

"Bruce Ashford has a real gift to take complicated concepts and put them in words all of us can understand. In Every Square Inch, he does just this as he helps us to think Christianly and comprehensively for the glory of Christ in all things. I will be recommending this book for those who want to cultivate a Christian worldview way of thinking and living."
—Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

From the Publisher