To Share in the Body

"This is the most elegant theological reading of Mark I have encountered in the last twenty years, and a compelling meditation on a subject most first world Christians prefer to avoid. A model for how Christian theology (and practice!) should be grounded in the gospel story."--Ched Myers, author of "Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark's Story of Jesus""In taut prose, Hovey unpacks the logic of Mark's Gospel, and helps the church discern what God is doing in history, both in Mark's day and in our own. This book is lean, penetrating, and wise. Every page rewards the reader with fresh insight."--William T. Cavanaugh, University of St. Thomas"Craig Hovey digs deep into the heart of Mark's truth, and finds a seam on which there are riches of theological, spiritual, and exegetical profundity. Only a scholar on a trajectory of radical discipleship yet at ease with the practical meaning of theological discourse could write such a book."--Samuel Wells, Duke University"A profound reflection on Mark's Gospel. These timely and poignant words encourage Christians to think about what it means to be a martyred church. Hovey offers a biblical vision of a non-instrumental martyrdom, which can point, witness, and testify to the truth of Jesus Christ. I recommend this remarkable book to any person interested in what it really means to live and to die in the body of Christ."--C. C. Pecknold, University of Cambridge"Truly an extraordinary book. Readers should delight in the sudden insights and revelatory turns of thought that appear on every page."--Robert Jenson, St. Olaf's College"Costly witness to the truth, seeing things with discernment shaped by the Holy Spirit, and living as Christians alert to the radical call of Jesus Christ: these are matters at the heart of Mark's Gospel and of this gripping, perceptive book. It refreshes faith from its deepest sources."--David Ford, University of Cambridge"This book does nothing less than to help Christians negotiate a culture determined by the belief we can get out of life alive. Hopefully it will be read widely."--Stanley Hauerwas, author of "Resident Aliens: Life in Christian Colony"