Coming Home: Discipleship, Ecology and Everyday Economics is a thought-provoking and timely book that seeks to bridge the gap between faith, daily living, and the significant ethical and environmental challenges facing our world today. Author Jonathan Cornford emphasises the importance of understanding how the structure of our household economy-including aspects such as work, leisure, consumption, investment, and use of time-affects our relationships with others, the earth, and God. By examining these connections, Cornford provides a Christian vision of daily life that integrates both the profound and the practical.
At its core, Coming Home aims to demonstrate that faith in Christ should indeed make a tangible difference in our everyday lives. The book tackles subjects that are central to everyone who believes that their faith should inform their actions and decisions. Cornford's approach is to join biblical theology with a rigorous analysis of contemporary issues, offering readers a framework to navigate the complexities of modern life while remaining faithful to Christian principles.
One of the central themes of Coming Home is the idea that our personal and collective choices have far-reaching implications. For instance, how we spend our money, the way we consume resources, and the manner in which we allocate our time can either contribute to or help mitigate the pressing environmental and social issues of our time. Cornford encourages readers to reflect on their own lifestyles and consider how they can live more sustainably and ethically in accordance with their faith.
The book also delves into the concept of household economy, urging readers to rethink their everyday activities through the lens of Christian stewardship. This involves not only making more responsible choices but also cultivating a deeper awareness of how our actions impact the world around us. Cornford provides practical advice and insights on how to align one's daily practices with broader ethical and theological commitments, fostering a more holistic and integrated approach to living out one's faith.
Furthermore, Coming Home is not just a call to individual action but also an invitation to collective transformation. Cornford highlights the importance of community and shared efforts in addressing the ethical and environmental challenges we face. By working together and supporting one another, Christians can create meaningful change and contribute to the well-being of both people and the planet.
In summary, Coming Home is a compelling and insightful guide for Christians seeking to live out their faith in practical and impactful ways. It offers a hopeful and life-giving path through troubled times, grounded in a deep understanding of biblical theology and a keen awareness of contemporary issues. By linking faith with action, Cornford provides readers with the tools and inspiration needed to navigate the complexities of modern life while staying true to their Christian values.
