What if we lived in a world of abundance?

In the Beatitudes, Jesus offers nine sayings that move us beyond our first instincts and instead embrace the deeper reality of the kingdom of God. They name the illusions and false beliefs that have kept us chained and imprisoned. We've learned to live from a mentality of anxiety and greed, but what if a world of abundance with solace and comfort are actually near? We've learned to live by striving, competition, and comparison,but what if we all have equal dignity and worth?

Mark Scandrette shows how the Beatitudes invite us into nine new postures for life. Instead of living in fear, we can choose radical love. It's often assumed that the good life is only for the most wealthy, attractive, and powerful. Poor, sad, and suffering people are left out. But the ninefold path of the Beatitudes is for everyone. Whatever your story, whatever your struggle, wherever you find yourself, this way is available to you.



Mark Scandrette is an internationally recognized expert in practical Christian spirituality. He is the founding director of ReIMAGINE: A Center for Integral Christian Practice and he is on the creative team for NINE BEATS collective. A sought after voice for creative, radical, and embodied faith practices, he frequently speaks at universities, churches and conferences nationally and internationally and also serves as adjunct faculty in the doctoral program at Fuller Theological Seminary. Hismost recent books include The Ninefold Path of Jesus, FREE, Practicing the Way of Jesus, and Belonging and Becoming (with Lisa Scandrette). Mark lives with his wife and their three young adult children in an old Victorian in San Francisco's Mission District.



Introduction: Nine Postures for Life



1. The Way of Trust



2. The Way of Lament



3. The Way of Humility



4. The Way of Justice



5. The Way of Compassion



6. The Way of the Right Motive



7. The Way of Peacemaking



8.The Way of Surrender



9. The Way of Radical Love



Conclusion: Living the Ninefold Path



Acknowledgments



Appendix 1: Ninefold Path Prayer and Examen Questions



Appendix 2: Summary of the Ninefold Path



Appendix 3: The Beatitudes and Personality



Notes