Convinced that several crucial historical trends are moving in the wrong direction, John Cobb and his coauthors urge Christians to live in countercultural waysas individuals and as communities. Consumerism, inequality, imperialism, and global warming, they contend, are of such magnitude that the only real response for progressive Christians is to actively resist them.

In part 1, they explore how the Word of God calls Christians to resist the worlds dominant forces and reflect on how prayer can provide the conviction and commitment necessary for sustaining such a life. In part 2, they examine particular destructive forces, showing how these trends attained dominance and analyzing their effects.

Part 3 then explores two theological movements that have stressed the need for resistance: Latin American liberation theology and feminist theology. Concluding, in part 4, they give specific examples of how individuals and churches can live in countercultural ways.

John Cobb has in his esteemed career been awarded the Grawemeyer Award for Religion and held numerous positions at schools across the United States.