By the rivers of Babylon
Book Description
In a time when many Christians speak of living in exile or navigating a post-Christendom world, Robert P. Hoch offers a profound exploration of what this reality truly means for faith communities today. By the Rivers of Babylon transforms abstract theological concepts into concrete understanding by examining the experiences of marginalized communities who intimately know displacement and struggle.
Hoch draws powerful connections between biblical narratives of exile and the lived experiences of contemporary communities facing physical dislocation, ethnic challenges, economic hardship, and political marginalization. Rather than treating exile as merely metaphorical, this work grounds the concept in the real stories of those who understand Babylon's power firsthand.
The book presents worship and mission within North American Christianity through a fresh lens, one that centers the perspectives of visibly marginalized groups. These communities possess unique wisdom about maintaining faith and building meaningful connections while navigating systems that often exclude or overlook them.
Written with accessibility and practical application in mind, this resource equips pastors and church leaders with tools for fostering authentic community formation. Hoch provides concrete descriptions of exilic life that move beyond surface-level discussions, offering substantive language for understanding and responding to contemporary spiritual displacement.
For those seeking to deepen their comprehension of faith in challenging times, this work bridges theological reflection with lived experience, creating pathways for more inclusive and resilient spiritual communities.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
📄 Length: 171 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Immigrants
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Emigration and immigration
- ✓ Explore Randgruppe
- ✓ Explore Church and minorities
- ✓ Explore Church work with minorities
- ✓ Explore Church work with immigrants
