Salt, Light and Cities on Hills: Evangelism, Social Action, and the Church - How Do They Relate to Each Other? (Tinker)

Is it possible to co-ordinate evangelism and social action in such a way that it reflects faithfully the pattern of the New Testament; enabling each to reinforce the other while avoiding the extremes of exclusive gospel proclamation on the one hand and the collapsing of evangelism into social action on the other? How has the present situation of tension and controversy amongst evangelicals on this issue come about? Are there lessons which we can learn from our evangelical forebears? How does what they believed and acted contrast with their 21st century theological offspring? What might a biblically shaped and theologically informed co-ordination between evangelistic activity and social action look like on the ground in 21st century Britain? These are some of the questions Melvin Tinker explores in this book in the hope of moving beyond caricatured, entrenched positions to a better rounded and clearly recognisable evangelical appreciation. The work of leaders such as John Stott and Tim Keller are considered in this new book. Passages from Isaiah and the Sermon on the Mount are given careful consideration and practical examples from the author’s own ministry in Hull are given. This is a book that is both readable and important for all who are looking at the shape of evangelism in Britain today.

Author

Melvin Tinker has served as Vicar of St John Newland since 1994, Melvin read Theology at Oxford University and trained for ordination at Wycliffe Hall. He has previously been curate at Wetherby Parish Church, Chaplain to Keele University and vicar of All Hallows, Cheadle. As well as speaking around the country and abroad, Melvin is the author of over fifty published articles dealing with a wide range of subjects relating to ethics and theology. 

Endorsements

"This excellent book provides not only a succinct and thorough overview of the major issues, but also outstandingly helpful reflection on the key Biblical texts. Written by a church leader, and therefore a practitioner, it is full of useful material. I recommend it most highly for anyone wanting to think seriously about the relationship between the Gospel and social action." - William Taylor Rector of St Helen’s Bishopsgate, London 

"Tinker’s book shakes up settled patterns of thinking about evangelism and social responsibility. And a good thing, too! His clear-eyed understanding of the gospel, invigorating exegesis, and a seasoned outlook enable him to bring clarity and insight to this discussion. I very much appreciate his work." - David F. Wells Distinguished Research Professor Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary