Asphalt Jesus: Finding a New Christian Faith Along the Highways of America

PRAISE FOR ASPHALT JESUS

"Elnes has hit one out of the ballpark with this remarkablyenergetic and accessible narrative presentation of what twenty–first century Christianity looks like in the lives of those who are becoming it right now.This book is an exhilarating gift to all of us."
Phyllis Tickle,compiler, The Night Offices

"Eric Elnes′s book Asphalt Jesus is as exciting as the adventure itdescribes. He and his fellow walkers went from Phoenix to Washington, D.C., on foot to dramatize the crisis of American Christianity that is lost in the negativity of fundamentalism. Dramatically they hold out another vision that captivates millions. This is a ′must read′ if you are concerned with what ishappening to Christianity in the United States."
John Shelby Spong,author, Jesus for the Non–Religious

"No one will ever be able to accuse Eric Elnes of ′Talkin′ the Talk, but notWalkin′ the Walk!′ This beautifully told story is more than just the diary of a remarkable journey undertaken by an intrepid band of religious progressives. It is an odyssey into the heart and soul of the American religious scene. Readers will think they have made the journey themselves, met a whole new group of friends, and discovered a forgotten landscape and an abiding truth: we are all on the same journey, and we need to listen to, and respect, one another."
Dr. Robin Meyers,UCC minister and professor; author, Why the Christian Right Is Wrong: A Minister′s Manifesto for Taking Back Your Faith, Your Flag, Your Future

Preface.

The Phoenix Affirmations.

1. The Idea That Wouldn′t Go Away: Listening to God.

2. Phoenix Rising.

3. Hellfire, Damnation, and Garbage Dumps.

4. Jesus First Baptist Church.

5. The Trickster Shows Up–Again!

6. Asphalt Jesus.

7. Faith in Podunk.

8. Silence of the (Christian) Lambs.

9. A Little Light That Shined.

10. Art and Soul.

11. "Perfesser Creek–Water".

12. Faithful Doubting.

13. A Letter from God.

Discussion Guide by C. Howie Howard.

Notes.

CrossWalk America.

The Author and the Core Walk Team.

Eric Elnes, Ph.D., is the senior pastor of Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ (www.artin worship.com), a community committed to a progressive, inclusive Christianity. He is the cofounder of CrossWalk America (www.CrossWalkAmerica.org), a nonprofit organization that hosted the walk and continues to help those interested in progressive Christian faith find each other, explore, and articulate their beliefs.