Offering an antidote to the church's cultural irrelevance, this book helps us to cultivate and live out the joy of God as the key to having a transformative impact on the world.

"Bouncy title, thoughtful subtitle, tight writing, and nuanced analysis: Joy for the World lays out enjoyably what we need to understand to save freedom of religion. Greg Forster brilliantly shows that we should expect, embrace, and work to preserve a crowded and uncomfortable public square, because if we're scared by it the naked public square that results will weaken Christianity and America." -Marvin Olasky, Editor in Chief, World Magazine "The miracle of Christianity is that it offers a joy that goes beyond emotion and a hope that goes beyond time. In Joy for the World, Greg Forster presents a picture of this joy that inspires readers to hope and live in such a way that they transform their communities, their culture, and their world." -Ed Stetzer, Billy Graham Distinguished Chair for Church, Mission, and Evangelism, Wheaton College "This book is against sequestration-the sequestering of Christian life into 'spiritual' enclaves and churchly ghettos. But it also wants the church to be the church-uncompromised, vibrant, and filled with joy. Both are necessary for the Christian community to be an agent of transformation in the civilization in which God calls it to serve, witness, and bear fruit. Greg Forster argues for a renewed form of holistic obedience, and he does so not only with joy, but also hope. Recommended with enthusiasm!" -Timothy George, Founding Dean, Beeson Divinity School; General Editor, Reformation Commentary on Scripture "When I speak or host my daily radio talk show, I deal with three categories of Christians. Many believe we should be isolated from the culture or conclude that Christians who engage the culture can't make a significant difference in the world. Others believe we should engage the culture, but don't know how. Then there is the remnant trying to engage the culture that could use some instruction and encouragement. This book is for all three. Forster encourages us to be salt and light, explaining how Christians can make a difference and be a significant witness for Christ. This is a book for all Christians." -Kerby Anderson, President, Probe Ministries; Host, Point of View radio talk show "Forster's deft grasp of history, philosophy, and theology enables him to offer up this rigorous yet accessible book. He offers rich, unique insights into the story of how Christians lost their civilizational influence. More importantly, he describes how a vigorous embrace by the church of whole-life discipleship-that shapes our personal, family, workplace, and community lives-can create Jesus-followers who are genuinely good citizens and good neighbors." -Amy L. Sherman, Senior Fellow, Sagamore Institute for Policy Research; author, Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good "Greg Forster offers a passionate call for Christians to pursue industrious, thoughtful, and patient labor in all of their life's callings for the humble and biblical goal of blessing their neighbors. Those tempted to dismiss their ordinary occupations as necessary evils will find much to challenge and motivate them in these pages. Especially helpful are Forster's chapters on economics and politics, and their stimulating discussion of work, citizenship, and neighborliness." -David VanDrunen, Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics, Westminster Seminary California "With a refreshing depth of biblical, historical, and cultural insight, Greg Forster presents a compelling way forward for the church to rebuild influence in American society. Joy for the World opens up broad vistas of the Spirit-filled life with its transforming power, yet remains wisely tethered to the hopeful realism necessary for living with true joy in a fallen world. This book is tailor-made for every follower of Jesus who desires to embrace an integral and influential gospel-centered faith lived out and embodied in every nook and cranny of life. I highly recommend it." -Tom Nelson, author, Work Matters; Senior Pastor, Christ Community Church, Overland Park, Kansas; President, Made to Flourish

About the Author

Greg Forster (PhD, Yale University) serves as the director of the Oikonomia Network at the Center for Transformational Churches at Trinity International University. He is a senior fellow at the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, the editor of the blog Hang Together, and a frequent conference speaker.

Timothy J. Keller (1950-2023) was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York. He was the bestselling author of The Prodigal God and The Reason for God.

Collin Hansen (MDiv, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is the vice president of content and editor in chief for the Gospel Coalition and the Executive Director of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. He hosts the Gospelbound podcast and coauthored Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age. He serves as an elder for Redeemer Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and also on the advisory board of Beeson Divinity School. You can follow him on Twitter at @collinhansen.

Timothy J. Keller (1950-2023) was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York. He was the bestselling author of The Prodigal God and The Reason for God.

Book Information
ISBN 9781433538001
Author Greg Forster
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Crossway Books
Publisher Crossway Books
Weight(grams) 383g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 20mm