The wonderful folks at Plough Publishing are back with one of their best spiritual guides yet - Jesus Changes Everything: A New World Made Possible, an exploration of the words and theological wisdom of the man whom Time magazine once dubbed "America's theologian" for his ability to deliver theologically sound zingers and insights into today's ethical questions.

While I'd long been aware of Hauerwas, it was really during my seminary years that I became more fully immersed in Hauerwas's writings. Now then, true confession. I really didn't resonate with him during my seminary years, though in the years that have followed I've gained a much deeper appreciation for his words, wisdom, and insistence that Christians should welcome their status as outside and embrace the radical alternative Jesus has always had in mind for us.

"Jesus Changes Everything" is a collection of key readings from Hauerwas's major books and writings. Thus, those fully familiar with Hauerwas may not find as much to appreciate here but here's hoping this collection introduces him to an entirely new generation.

I'd have a hard time calling Hauerwas either liberal or conservative (which I have a feeling would please him just fine). He's a provocative writer with substance underneath it - as I was reading this collection, I found myself often nodding my head as I was reminded time and again that following Jesus is supposed to come at a cost and shake things up.

Hauerwas is a theologian and Christian ethicist, professor emeritus of theological ethics and of law at Duke University. He's authored or edited over 50 books. In 2001, Time named him "America's Best Theologian," though his reply was "best" is not a theological category. He was raised in a lower-middle class home and at one point was apprenticed to his father as a bricklayer. This background seems to inform his theology. Throughout this collection, you'll breathe in Hauerwas's emphasis on the importance of the church and you'll recognize glimpses of systematic theology, philosophical theology, and a host of other areas. I can't help but think it took me a few years of active ministry to really embrace Hauerwas and to understand the fullness of his writings.

For the curious, this collection is a fantastic place to start. While it may not offer the fullness of Hauerwas's writings and teachings, it's a wonderfully developed and easy to understand spiritual guide that will serve as a great introduction to one of the great contemporary American theologians.

A wonderful collection of updated essays on a variety of topics. It’s like a mini Hauerwas Reader for anyone interested in tracking Hauerwas’ thinking. As such, this book fills a significant gap in Hauerwas’ work: an engaging and easy to reader primer for his work and thought. I will recommend this as where to start from now on.

Excellent work by both Stanley Hauerwas and Charles E. Moore. Highly recommend!

Jesus Changes Everything is not for the faint-hearted. It calls Christians to take their faith seriously, urging them to abandon complacency for a life shaped by the gospel. While some may find his arguments challenging, they are a timely reminder of the church's potential to be a transformative presence in the world. For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of what it means to follow Jesus in today's complex world, this book is a compelling and essential read.

Jesus Changes Everything
A New World Made Possible
by Stanley Hauerwas
Book 7 of Plough Spiritual Guides series
Pub DateMar 11 2025
Plough Publishing |Plough Publishing House
Christian| Nonfiction \(Adult\)| Religion & Spirituality


What can we do to make the gospel central to our lives?



Hauerwas has been provoking Christians with his insistence that following their Master will impact all areas of life, both personal and societal.


According to the lanky Texan dubbed “America’s theologian” for his insightful insights into current ethical issues, Christians should embrace their status as outsiders instead of complaining about the loss of cultural and political power. Jesus has always had a radical alternative in mind for them.


I give Jesus Changes Everything five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

In 'Jesus Changes Everything', Hauerwas inevitably testifies against the cheap grace and the feel-good and false Christianity that is so often peddled by today's Christian churches. In this beautiful written piece of literature, Hauerwas shatters the mainstream mentality of the Gospels and replaces it with a radical call to follow Jesus that mirrors the discipleship of Jesus' own followers when he was here on earth and the very first Christians. Like a sharp-eyed eagle searching for prey, the authors writings probe the conscience of the reader but yet with a gentleness of a soft scolding. Undoubtedly, a book that will be treasured and have a special place on my bookshelf!

These essays were easy to read. They didn't use heavy language or is too wordy in a way normal people can't understand. They challenged even my views and opened my eyes. This is definitely something Christians should read as part of their studies.

In today's social/political environment, this book offers some unique insights to things that have become common. many of our activites have become so intertwined that seeing them as separate from each other is difficult. But in this book, with the reminders, and maybe a new point of view for some, of who we are as Christians, we are challenged to consider what the true meaning of life as a christian means and looks like.

I’d first like to thank you for given me the opportunity to review your book.

Where to began with this book but only the truth. This was a well written book that I really enjoyed.
So many individuals like to state that you do not come in the world with directions, but what a lie that is. The Bible is all the directions you need in this world and Stanley Haurwas you did a wonderful job adding to it.
This a wonderful guide if you are ever unclear of things when it comes to our Lord and the lives that he is wanting us to lead. I also appreciate the scriptures that came along with it this read. Needless too say, I am totally floored with your book and I hope for the opportunity to read more.
This is not to be missed out on!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you kindly.

This book changes everything. Stanley Hauerwas in "Jesus Changes Everything," edited by Charles E. Moore, is able to shed light on the powerful, yet simple, truths of true discipleship. The book is divided into chapters which illuminate Jesus' teachings on discipleship and His kingdom, which is not of this world.

Some specific topics include "Our Daily Bread" which focuses on Jesus' admonition to pray only for daily bread. "On Judas' Side" challenges our societal attitudes about money and our relationships with the poor. "Sowing Seeds of Peace" expounds Jesus' teaching of forgiving those who hurt us and the importance of cultivating peace... to forgive as we have been forgiven.

As I read, I was challenged to remove myself from the kingdom of this world, the arrogant and self-serving culture to really embrace the principles of Jesus' teaching. Hauerwas is a dynamic teacher who commands attention from his audience.

I highly recommend this book. It cannot but change how you see, remove the world's blindness, and make you
understand the freedom that comes with living true Christian principles. I'm rereading it.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I've been reading Stanley Hauerwas for over twenty years. His writings are worth wrestling with. But warning! They might just pull you out of joint.

Jesus Changes Everything is a collection. This publication does not contain anything new. Rather, it gathers and groups selections from Hauerwas' work into one concise, accessible volume. Coupled with Tish Harrison Warren's excellent introduction,and Charles E. Moore's description of Hauerwas and his significance for the church, this book is an excellent entry point for anyone seeking to familiarize themselves with the provocative, witty, and incisive perspectives of a man who, to his own surprise, became a "famous" American theologian.

The selections within this work explore Hauerwas' primary themes: discipleship to Jesus, the kingdom of God, the "alternative" way of life embodied by the church, the rejection of violence, peacemaking, and Christian witness. Hauerwas has strong words for Christians in America. He is shocking, but so was Jesus. The vision of discipleship presented by Hauerwas is anything but saccharine, standard-issue, status quo stuff. It's revolutionary, but runs counter to familiar revolutionary ways.

I liked this little book. I still consider Stanley Hauerwas one of my Christian guides. Stated differently, he's a witness worth paying attention to, as he points to Christ. Many will profit from this introduction to his work.