Ted Grimsrud aims to introduce Christianity’s “main convictions.” His is no generic introduction, however; rather, Grimsrud wants to theologize “as if Jesus matters.“ Suppose instead he theologized “as if Paul matters.” Or using, say, such earlier church formulations as the Apostles’ or Nicene creeds. Such starting points would have generated a different book. I believe each book could have been a Christian one, illuminating some Christian understandings while shadowing others. The fact that such different books could have been written suggests that the starting point we choose for Christian theologizing is a “living issue” deserving serious discussion and an examination of various ways Christians may view such agenda.

This is what makes Grimsrud’s book fit the Living Issues Discussion Series. To set the conversation in motion, typically books in the series include a vigorous statement of position regarding an issue or set of issues sometimes controversial in faith circles. Then, after a book’s main text, a Responses chapter provides affirming and critical commentary.

The result in this case is a fruitful one. Grimsrud shows us what theologizing as if Jesus matters can look like. Then Brenda Martin Hurst, Douglas Harink, David Neville, and Duane Friesen help us envision Grimsrud’s contributions as part of a mutually enriching discussion in which Grimsrud at times challenges their views and vice-versa yet the five of them together generate an exciting foundation for further thought and discernment regarding—precisely—how Jesus matters.

—Michael A. King, Living Issues Discussion Series Editor