This was a collection of works by Hauerwas and would be a perfect devotional for Christians. I would highly recommend to someone wanting to read Hauerwas and not knowing where to start.

I got an ARC of this book.

I made some mistakes. I thought this was a graphic novel. The publisher that offered it to me tends to have really indepth and fascinating graphic novels around religion and history. I was excited to get a graphic novel about Jesus and see what I hadn't seen before. This is not a graphic novel, instead it is a collections of writings.

The writings go a bit over my head. I have not studied the source material enough to really be able to keep up with Hauerwas and his thinking. Sometimes I would be nodding along and thinking I was getting it, then bam the next sentence was a seemingly unrelated thing entirely. I might need to revisit this when I am done with my study Bible and try again. There clearly is something important about Hauerwas's writing to get this collection made and the introductions spoke so highly of him.

What little I was able to grasp intriqued me. So I am leaving this as unrated. I need to do some more reading before I can truly give this book a fair chance. I was interested in all the challenges that Hauerwas gave though. Who is a true disciple of Jesus and who is just a fan. That distinction was something that seems incredibly necessary.

Jesus Changes Everything A New World Made Possible by Stanley Hauerwas

Those of us not knowledgeable about the intricacies of theological differences, from ancient times to the present, must be thankful for those thinking so hard about Christians’ responses to Christ’s reconciliation for the world. Informed by theological scholarship, Stanley Hauerwas is clear. Following Jesus Christ has great cost, and he does not believe that making the world right relies on individualism or social justice but on a model that is hard to grasp. His words pierce. If we as individuals choose to love, we risk praising our own goodness. Any group movement, from Christian nationalism to secular progressivism will result in pride and its effects, including violence. He calls us to a community of “The Church” that rejects what he calls a benign faith. It does not privilege individualism, the nuclear family, personal identity, or romantic marriage. Disciples of Jesus must reject the trappings of power, be it political, economic, or even religious.

He asserts that love is not the central message of Christian community, but discipleship. God’s story, he says, is what transforms us to be capable of love, and offering love and acceptance to a person who is as yet untransformed by Jesus Christ does not show love. “One can now be a ‘Christian’ without having to become Jesus’ disciple.” His statement does not contain the word “nominal,” suggesting a deep divide. The Beatitudes, he says, are not about a better society but are “imaginative examples of life in the kingdom of God” because God’s plan has already worked for reconciliation in the world. This requires a particular kind of community that must learn to rely not only on God but on each other to keep all members faithful to this belief. St. Augustine’s words “Love and do what you will” are not compatible with The Church’s model.

It must exist apart, not entangled in the world with its wrongness. Violence and suffering, money and sharing, corruption and a new order must be evaluated in the right way to do the work of reconciliation. His message suggests that there is one way to follow Jesus Christ, and it is the one that Hauerwas believes looks only to the person of Jesus Christ. Yet, he does not clearly identify or explain the core attributes in the person of Jesus Christ with whom we must totally adhere as Christians. He praises Calvin’s statement that being wealthy and redeemed also necessitates being poor in our hearts. But he does not mention Calvin’s theocracy that allowed burning of a perceived heretic, even though Hauerwas describes the model community of The Church as one that will suffer persecution, must be willing to die, but must never kill.

Many who come to a variety of churches are searching for acceptance and strength. How do these searchers and those Christians who welcome them connect with the model community of The Church? “Love one another” takes many forms in definition and action. Christ’s voice remains in shared worship, solitary confinement, marriage, and any other circumstance. Yet, it seems that for Hauerwas, The Church’s right reason in response to a suffering world is more important than the compassion that Christ demonstrated throughout his ministry.

I recommend the book for thinking and discussion about these hard questions, preferably with a theologian.

Hauerwas is, as always, a very engaging and challenging thinker who is never cliche, never dull, and never what you quite expect

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

I'm new to reading Stanley Hauerwas, although I've seen his work mentioned multiple times in the past. I was given a free copy to review by Plough and was excited to read the book.

The book is divided into a series of 25 very short chapters containing a Bible verse or short passage at the beginning and then Hauerwas's reflections on the passage. I believe that the books is a collection of thoughts and material from his other writings.

Tish Harrison Warren wrote the Introduction which is followed by a short essay by Charles E. Moore entitled "Who is Stanley Hauerwas?" which provides context on Hauerwas's thoughts and approach.

I found the book to be very readable and liked the fact that I could read it in small bites. One could use it as a devotional or a short study.

Some of the reflections resonated strongly with me, naming and describing, rip tides in Christianity in the West that I've sensed but haven't been able to identify. There were other reflections that reminded me of who Jesus is and his calling on those who seek to live in the church. There were others that I had trouble digesting as I wasn't sure I was able or perhaps willing to go as far as Hauerwas's conclusions but his thoughts did get me to start thinking about whether I've missed what he is seeing or whether there might be other conclusions to be drawn than he did. Either way I found myself going away and reflecting on what I had read.

I think one of the key takeaways, for me, was Hauerwas's conviction that Jesus is about truth, the church is to reflect Jesus's church, not just as a moral ethic or ideal, but to actually reflect Jesus's life to the world and that reflection will result in suffering and persecution as the church holds to truth in a dishonest world. Hauerwas believes that our current western church has some ways to go in holding to Jesus's truth but it is really our only option if we take Jesus at his word.

I appreciated Hauerwas's humility and willingness to admit that he didn't always know exactly what a cruciform life would look like but throughout the book it was clear he believed we have to respond to Jesus's call for the church to reflect Jesus's way in a world that insists on other ways.

I felt this book was well worth the read and I plan to go back and review the many passages I've highlighted.

I have always found Hauerwas has the ability to challenge the way I think and that's one of his strengths. I haven't always agreed with him but I do like my thinking stretched. He has that ability to make you think frequently from new angles and perspectives and not just intellectually. Further his insights are a genuine aid to pastoral ministry. While this is a collection of previously published works it would be beneficial as a review of his writings and thoughts and perhaps introduce new readers to his unique ways of thinking about God and his relationship to the world.

Hauerwas wants readers to to take seriously what Jesus said. He is good at shaking us out of how we regularly think about what it means to be a Christian. “Jesus calls forth a people capable of living in accordance with God's new order in the midst of the existing one.” (531/1334) He has insightful comments on the church, marriage, wealth and politics.

For me, the most insightful part of this book was Hauerwas' comments on the Sermon on the Mount. Rather than instructions on what we are to do, it is a picture of who God is in the world. “The basic message of the Sermon on the Mount is not about what works but rather about the way God is.” (433/1334) Turning the other cheek shows us God is kind to the ungrateful and selfish, for example, rather than an instruction on how we are to act.

Hauerwas is thought provoking in these essays taken from his previously published materials. I recommend this book to readers who really want to think about what it means to follow Jesus in today's world. His ideas may certainly be controversial to some. He says, for example, Christians are citizens of a different kingdom. We do not have to be in control of society to live as Jesus lived. Comments like that one would make this an excellent book for a discussion group or a teaching class. There is much in the book for Christians to consider and think through.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

As always, Stanley Hauerwas leaves you rethinking your perspective on a Christian topic (war? culture? morality?) from the ground up, suggesting that living out the gospel may be more radical than we've been led to believe. The editor does an excellent job of picking salient passages from across Hauerwas' work that capture the essence of his ideas without extra context, yet invite readers to discover the complete books these ideas come from.

I've been reading Stanley Hauerwas for over twenty years. His writings are worth wrestling with. But warning! They might just pull you out of joint.

Jesus Changes Everything is a collection. This publication does not contain anything new. Rather, it gathers and groups selections from Hauerwas' work into one concise, accessible volume. Coupled with Tish Harrison Warren's excellent introduction,and Charles E. Moore's description of Hauerwas and his significance for the church, this book is an excellent entry point for anyone seeking to familiarize themselves with the provocative, witty, and incisive perspectives of a man who, to his own surprise, became a "famous" American theologian.

The selections within this work explore Hauerwas' primary themes: discipleship to Jesus, the kingdom of God, the "alternative" way of life embodied by the church, the rejection of violence, peacemaking, and Christian witness. Hauerwas has strong words for Christians in America. He is shocking, but so was Jesus. The vision of discipleship presented by Hauerwas is anything but saccharine, standard-issue, status quo stuff. It's revolutionary, but runs counter to familiar revolutionary ways.

I liked this little book. I still consider Stanley Hauerwas one of my Christian guides. Stated differently, he's a witness worth paying attention to, as he points to Christ. Many will profit from this introduction to his work.

This book changes everything. Stanley Hauerwas in "Jesus Changes Everything," edited by Charles E. Moore, is able to shed light on the powerful, yet simple, truths of true discipleship. The book is divided into chapters which illuminate Jesus' teachings on discipleship and His kingdom, which is not of this world.

Some specific topics include "Our Daily Bread" which focuses on Jesus' admonition to pray only for daily bread. "On Judas' Side" challenges our societal attitudes about money and our relationships with the poor. "Sowing Seeds of Peace" expounds Jesus' teaching of forgiving those who hurt us and the importance of cultivating peace... to forgive as we have been forgiven.

As I read, I was challenged to remove myself from the kingdom of this world, the arrogant and self-serving culture to really embrace the principles of Jesus' teaching. Hauerwas is a dynamic teacher who commands attention from his audience.

I highly recommend this book. It cannot but change how you see, remove the world's blindness, and make you
understand the freedom that comes with living true Christian principles. I'm rereading it.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I’d first like to thank you for given me the opportunity to review your book.

Where to began with this book but only the truth. This was a well written book that I really enjoyed.
So many individuals like to state that you do not come in the world with directions, but what a lie that is. The Bible is all the directions you need in this world and Stanley Haurwas you did a wonderful job adding to it.
This a wonderful guide if you are ever unclear of things when it comes to our Lord and the lives that he is wanting us to lead. I also appreciate the scriptures that came along with it this read. Needless too say, I am totally floored with your book and I hope for the opportunity to read more.
This is not to be missed out on!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you kindly.

In 'Jesus Changes Everything', Hauerwas inevitably testifies against the cheap grace and the feel-good and false Christianity that is so often peddled by today's Christian churches. In this beautiful written piece of literature, Hauerwas shatters the mainstream mentality of the Gospels and replaces it with a radical call to follow Jesus that mirrors the discipleship of Jesus' own followers when he was here on earth and the very first Christians. Like a sharp-eyed eagle searching for prey, the authors writings probe the conscience of the reader but yet with a gentleness of a soft scolding. Undoubtedly, a book that will be treasured and have a special place on my bookshelf!

These essays were easy to read. They didn't use heavy language or is too wordy in a way normal people can't understand. They challenged even my views and opened my eyes. This is definitely something Christians should read as part of their studies.

In today's social/political environment, this book offers some unique insights to things that have become common. many of our activites have become so intertwined that seeing them as separate from each other is difficult. But in this book, with the reminders, and maybe a new point of view for some, of who we are as Christians, we are challenged to consider what the true meaning of life as a christian means and looks like.

Jesus Changes Everything
A New World Made Possible
by Stanley Hauerwas
Book 7 of Plough Spiritual Guides series
Pub DateMar 11 2025
Plough Publishing |Plough Publishing House
Christian| Nonfiction \(Adult\)| Religion & Spirituality


What can we do to make the gospel central to our lives?



Hauerwas has been provoking Christians with his insistence that following their Master will impact all areas of life, both personal and societal.


According to the lanky Texan dubbed “America’s theologian” for his insightful insights into current ethical issues, Christians should embrace their status as outsiders instead of complaining about the loss of cultural and political power. Jesus has always had a radical alternative in mind for them.


I give Jesus Changes Everything five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Jesus Changes Everything is not for the faint-hearted. It calls Christians to take their faith seriously, urging them to abandon complacency for a life shaped by the gospel. While some may find his arguments challenging, they are a timely reminder of the church's potential to be a transformative presence in the world. For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of what it means to follow Jesus in today's complex world, this book is a compelling and essential read.

A wonderful collection of updated essays on a variety of topics. It’s like a mini Hauerwas Reader for anyone interested in tracking Hauerwas’ thinking. As such, this book fills a significant gap in Hauerwas’ work: an engaging and easy to reader primer for his work and thought. I will recommend this as where to start from now on.

Excellent work by both Stanley Hauerwas and Charles E. Moore. Highly recommend!

The wonderful folks at Plough Publishing are back with one of their best spiritual guides yet - Jesus Changes Everything: A New World Made Possible, an exploration of the words and theological wisdom of the man whom Time magazine once dubbed "America's theologian" for his ability to deliver theologically sound zingers and insights into today's ethical questions.

While I'd long been aware of Hauerwas, it was really during my seminary years that I became more fully immersed in Hauerwas's writings. Now then, true confession. I really didn't resonate with him during my seminary years, though in the years that have followed I've gained a much deeper appreciation for his words, wisdom, and insistence that Christians should welcome their status as outside and embrace the radical alternative Jesus has always had in mind for us.

"Jesus Changes Everything" is a collection of key readings from Hauerwas's major books and writings. Thus, those fully familiar with Hauerwas may not find as much to appreciate here but here's hoping this collection introduces him to an entirely new generation.

I'd have a hard time calling Hauerwas either liberal or conservative (which I have a feeling would please him just fine). He's a provocative writer with substance underneath it - as I was reading this collection, I found myself often nodding my head as I was reminded time and again that following Jesus is supposed to come at a cost and shake things up.

Hauerwas is a theologian and Christian ethicist, professor emeritus of theological ethics and of law at Duke University. He's authored or edited over 50 books. In 2001, Time named him "America's Best Theologian," though his reply was "best" is not a theological category. He was raised in a lower-middle class home and at one point was apprenticed to his father as a bricklayer. This background seems to inform his theology. Throughout this collection, you'll breathe in Hauerwas's emphasis on the importance of the church and you'll recognize glimpses of systematic theology, philosophical theology, and a host of other areas. I can't help but think it took me a few years of active ministry to really embrace Hauerwas and to understand the fullness of his writings.

For the curious, this collection is a fantastic place to start. While it may not offer the fullness of Hauerwas's writings and teachings, it's a wonderfully developed and easy to understand spiritual guide that will serve as a great introduction to one of the great contemporary American theologians.