God and Community Cohesion: help or hindrance? Alan Billings

Alan Billings offers much more in this book than evident by the title. Helpful references to church attendance figures for example, and some major reports with comment and reflection, all add to this being a well researched, written and interesting read. Although not written for creating community in new housing areas, the general principles are relevant everywhere. The title not only very topical, but also political and highly charged. Masterfully, Billings gently leads us down a carefully considered path, with good evidence and clear thinking to help the reader consider thorny questions. Now you might expect a Christian leader reflecting on community engagement to answer the book title question with a general ‘yes’, but in this regard I was ready to read more about the how and where, and with what pitfalls or recommendations and resources were available. Maybe that is another book he could write? Certainly there is good stuff here, based on plurality, acceptance and mutual exchange.
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