GrapevineThe Spirituality of Gossip by Jerry A. Camery-Hoggatt |
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"Pssst. Did you hear about the guy who claims gossip can be Christian? I was skeptical until I read this book. Camery-Hoggatt blends stories and illustrations, experiences and ideas, to broaden our understanding of Christian communication. Pass it on!" -- Arthur Paul Boers, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Gossip has always been an integral part of community. Sometimes its effects are ruthless, leaving the reputations and spirits of individuals ruined. But gossip can also be a healthy way of making meaning out of ordinary events, teaching values, establishing community parameters, and creating a sense of belonging.Jerry A. Camery-Hoggatt shows that, more than any other factor, our gossip controls the spiritual climate of our churches, communities, and homes. Grapevine: The Spirituality of Gossip exposes the destructive power of everyday, ordinary talk, but also shows the way to healing, uplifting, grace-full gossip."Grapevine offers a rich vintage of stories and illustrations describing the power of words. Parents will reflect on how they talk to, and about, their children. Study groups and Sunday school classes will be challenged to consider how their talk reflects, and affects, their walk of discipleship. Church leaders, boards and committees will benefit from this insight into the power of words to include and build up, or to exclude and destroy people in a community of faith."—Henry Paetkau, Denominational Minister, Mennonite Church Canada
About the Author
Jerry Camery-Hoggatt is professor of New Testament and Narrative Theology at Vanguard University of Southern California. He is the author of several books on the Gospel of Mark and other concerns related to the interpretation of the Bible.