"Integral Christianity is an absolutely superb application of Integral Theory in all its dimensions to Christianity itself, resulting in a truly Integral Christianity. This book is highly recommended for not only individuals of any major religion, but also for agnostics and atheists looking to make sense of ultimate issues and absolute realities. The answers to many of your questions can be found here!”—Ken Wilber, The Integral Vision
This book presents a model of Christianity that incorporates the insights of a Jesus-centered theology of biblical interpretation, integral philosophy, and over fifty years of pastoral experience in leading evolutionary change in the local church. The perspectives of integral theory and practice, articulated by Ken Wilber, help uncover the integral approach that Jesus advocated and demonstrated in the metaphors of his time – and that traditional Christianity has largely been unable to see.
Smith incorporates elements of traditional, modern, and postmodern theological viewpoints, including progressive, New Thought, and emerging/emergent ones. However, he goes beyond all of them and moves to a Christianity that is devoted to following both the historical Jesus and the Risen Christ whose Spirit beckons to us from the future. Smith says, “The oldest thing you can say about God is that God is always doing something new. Jesus pushed his own religion to newness by including the best of its past, and transcending the worst of its present. He calls us to do the same, whatever our religion is today. Jesus continues to be a prototype for all spiritual paths in their task of keeping up with the Spirit’s evolutionary impulse to welcome the next stage.”
"Clarifying, honest, courageous, and genuinely helpful. All sincere believers and seekers should welcome this book."—Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, founder of the center for Action and Contemplation, author of Things Hidden
"Paul Smith gives us a fine book on integral Christianity. It speaks directly to Christians as well as other religious persons everywhere. Highly recommended."—Allan Combs, author of Consciousness Explained Better and Radiance of Being
"So far as I am aware, this is the first attempt to systematically apply Wilber's integral paradigm to Christian faith and practice. It works not only because he understands Wilber very well, but because he knows Christianity like the back of his hand...it's triply credible because of the joy and luminosity of his being that shines through on every page."—Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault, author of The Wisdom Jesus
"The integral church clearly delineated here recovers mystical spirituality often missing in modern and post-modern churches. This outstanding book makes a strong case, based on the teachings of Jesus, that everyone is Divine."—Rev. Dr. Jann Aldredge-Clanton, author of In Search of the Christ-Sophia
"Integral Christianity is a wonderful guide for Christians seeking a personal and world-transforming spirituality." —Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, author of Jesus Against Christianity: Reclaiming the Missing Jesus
"An impassioned book that helps chart a future course of development for the Christian church, showing how the integral philosophy of evolution can illuminate our quest to find God."—Steve McIntosh, author of Integral Consciousness and the Future of Evolution
"I'm not where he is, but if you are like me, and appreciate well reasoned and passionate arguments on cutting edge mystical spirituality that needs consideration, you will say 'thank you' to Paul Smith, even if you don't agree with him."—Tony Campolo, Eastern University, author of Following Jesus without Embarrassing God
"In accessible and inspiring language, pastor Paul Smith links the integral and developmental ideas of Ken Wilber to the Christian church. If you have ever wondered why Christians and Christian churches disagree so much, this model, with poignant illustrations, perfectly explains why. Reading part one is like getting a map of the entire Christian territory and helps explain why things are the way are. For example, using the Integral theory, Smith outlines the unique and important characteristics of each level of Christian experience starting with Tribal Church, Warrior Church, Traditional Church, Modern Church and Postmodern Church. Not only is the book a map of the past and present territory of Christianity, it is an invitation into the unfolding future – the deeper, fuller levels of seeing and being that is a hallmark of the Wilber-Integral model and the possibility of the Integral Church."—ContemplativeChristians.com