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.