Loving Samaritans - by Terry Crist (Paperback)

About the Book

A profound retelling of Jesus's encounter with the woman at the well (and other Samaritan stories) which helps readers regain conviction and enthusiasm for the Christian faith while providing a reminder of how to love as God loves---across divides.

Book Synopsis

You can live a radically inclusive life without compromising your beliefs or the truth of the gospel.

Humanity is more divided now than ever, gridlocked over social issues, race, gender, climate change, immigration, and our responsibility to vulnerable people. How did we get here? And what can we do to build bridges where walls exist?

As a pastor committed to building deep relationships with people whose life experiences are different than his own, Terry Crist knows the beauty and challenge of connecting across dividing lines of race, economic status, faith, and much more. And in this book, he shares how you can too.

Profoundly weaving the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well with his own stories and examples from culture today, Terry addresses how we've strayed from the unity God intended and how we can trade judgment for grace, disputes for harmony, apathy for empathy, and hate for love and acceptance. By the end of this book, you will be able to:

• Identify how you personally see the world and why it matters
• Recognize those on the margins who are right around you
• Imitate Jesus's love for all humanity in the interactions you have with others
• Extend dignity to those suffering from mental illness, homelessness, and addiction
• Maintain thriving relationships when family members are on opposing sides of issues
• Be an ambassador of reconciliation in your community

It doesn't have to be one or the other--you can both love God and love your neighbor.

Review Quotes

Alas, a national prophetic word from a national Christian pastor of a local church! With great courage, clarity, and biblical foundations, Pastor Terry Crist calls the American church and Christians to repentance and love of all neighbors. He has lived everything he is preaching; it's not just a lot of words. Loving Samaritans provides a path to holding on to your faith while loving those who are outside it or who live contrary to what your faith teaches. He calls us back to Jesus' life and teachings. A rare and must-read book for anyone wanting to build bridges, share Jesus, or simply love others. Bob Roberts Jr., author; president, Glocal.net, Multifaith Neighbors Network, Institute for Global Engagement, Glocal Ventures

Although Christians are supposed to be known by our love for one another, we have somehow become known for our hate for people who don't look or vote like us, including our Christian brothers and sisters. In Loving Samaritans, Terry Crist calls us all back to the place where we are known by the one thing that Jesus said matters as much as how we love God: how we love our neighbor. This book is masterfully written and a must-read for all who call Jesus Lord of their lives. Nona Jones, author, Killing Comparison; preacher; tech executive

As much as you will be amazed and astonished by Terry Crist's peerless storytelling and his radical rethinking of the familiar, you will be even more amazed and astonished by the fathomless and fulsome love of Jesus. I was sad when the book ended, and will return to it like a pilgrim to a holy site, seeking ongoing inspiration and guidance. Leonard Sweet, author; professor; publisher; founder, PreachTheStory.com

In a world full of polarizing opinions and fearmongering sound bites, Pastor Terry has written a book to help the church look more like her savior, Jesus. In a world that is growing more and more polarized and tribal, we need this book. In the years that I've known Terry Crist, he has embodied the message of this book. Pastor Terry is a friend, a pastor, an orator, and so many other things. But it is undeniable that he has chosen to love Samaritans. The church needs this book. Our world needs this book. Manny Arango, pastor; speaker; author, Brain Washed

In Loving Samaritans, author Terry Crist takes readers on an emotional and inspiring journey that reaffirms our faith in Jesus' compassion, kindness, and invitation to be a good neighbor. This beautifully crafted book weaves authentic stories and personal experiences, reminding readers of the extraordinary capacity for goodness within us all. People are looking for presence over perfection. This book offers a compelling exploration of empathy, generosity, and grace. It will touch your soul, uplift your spirit, and give you hope. Terry has lived this book, and his words lovingly invite us all to do the same. Jeanne Stevens, founding lead pastor, Soul City Church

In Loving Samaritans, Terry has given the church a gift and a framework that will help move us forward as we navigate the turbulent times in which we live. Terry is honest, loving, and hopeful while facing head-on the most important issues of our day. This is an important book for this hour. Christine Caine, founder, Propel Women

It seems as if Christians are more divided than ever. Rather than living on mission, we have become increasingly polarized from our brothers and sisters who might see social issues differently than we do. Sadly, we have created an us-versus-them culture. In his book Loving Samaritans, Terry Crist invites us on the journey of radical love. Using Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well and other Samaritan stories, as well as difficult circumstances from his own life, Terry offers a path for us to walk in truly living out the message of Jesus. This book is an important one! Holly Wagner, cofounding pastor, Oasis Church; founder, She Rises; author, Find Your Brave

It's hard to think of a message more timely and necessary in our world today than this clarion call to radical kindness. We've all been hurt. We've all hurt others. Especially Christians. Something has to change. I particularly appreciate Terry Crist's vulnerability in the chapter 'Insiders and Outsiders, ' his consistent focus on Jesus, and his thoughtful commentary throughout. Here we have the brilliant mind and tender heart of a seasoned pastor grappling with one of the most important issues of our time. Pete Greig, 24-7 Prayer International

Loving Samaritans is a clear and courageous message to awaken the body of Christ and embrace the call to love God and neighbor. Terry Crist has given us a practical perspective on how to embody Jesus' presence in our communities. David Docusen, author, Neighborliness: Love Like Jesus. Cross Dividing Lines. Transform Your Community

Loving Samaritans is an incredible exploration of timeless teachings, weaving together the threads of faith, compassion, and unity. Through its poignant retelling of biblical stories, this book reignites the flame of soul-stirring conviction. It offers a powerful blueprint for embracing love as a force that transcends boundaries. Tim Timberlake, senior pastor, Celebration Church; author of the bestselling The Art of Overcoming

Loving Samaritans urges us to reflect on our actions and evaluate how we show love toward others. It is a thought-provoking read, evoking a sense of conviction while also providing encouragement and practical guidance. Terry courageously tackles sensitive subjects that many shy away from, bravely addressing important issues. Dan Blythe, Alpha Youth global director; author; speaker

My friend Terry has written a tour de force. This is not an ethereal and sanitized set of ideas disconnected from reality. What is inside is an invitation to actually deal with the world God has invited us to love. Good doctors don't ignore the pain. They go to it. In this book you are in the hands of a very good doctor. This book is a gift. A. J. Swoboda (PhD, University of Birmingham), associate professor of Bible and Theology, Bushnell University; author, After Doubt

Pastor Terry Crist boldly reminds the church of the radical love of Jesus and our duty to love our neighbors as ourselves. Evan Craft, Christian recording artist