A Review of “A Fellowship of Differents” by Scot McKnight
A Book that Advises Christians to Show the World God's Design for Life Together
Scot McKnight’s A Fellowship of Differents is a remarkable exploration of the early church and its lessons for contemporary Christianity. Having previously read The Blue Parakeet, I was curious whether McKnight could once again deliver a book of the same caliber, combining theological depth with accessible prose. He not only met but exceeded those expectations, offering a work that I know I will cherish and refer to for years to come.
In this review, I will delve into what makes A Fellowship of Differents such a standout work, focusing on its use of scripture, its portrayal of Paul, its warm tone, and McKnight’s compelling arguments regarding grace, love, table fellowship, holiness, newness, and flourishing. Finally, I will highlight the book’s significance for modern Christians navigating the complexities of faith today.
A Vivid Portrait of the Early Church
One of the book’s greatest strengths is McKnight’s skillful use of scripture to depict the early church. His thorough and engaging portrayal of the early Christian communities breathes life into their stories, making their struggles and triumphs resonate with the challenges facing churches today. McKnight’s descriptions are vivid, offering readers a sense of what it was like to live and worship in those formative years of the faith.
Through his scriptural exploration, McKnight presents the church as a diverse body of believers united by their shared faith in Jesus. This picture of unity amidst diversity is particularly poignant in today’s fragmented religious landscape. His thorough analysis reminds readers that the early church faced divisions and differences, yet found ways to come together under the banner of Christ.
Understanding Paul Through New Eyes
McKnight’s illustrations of Paul were particularly eye-opening. I found that his portrayal of Paul was more illuminating than biographies I’ve read. McKnight presents Paul not just as a theologian or missionary but as a passionate advocate for unity and grace within the church. By weaving Paul’s teachings into the narrative, McKnight helps readers understand his character and his heart for the church in a way that feels personal and relatable.
This depiction of Paul as both a leader and a tentmaker offers a holistic view of his ministry, emphasizing the importance of living out one’s faith in every aspect of life. Paul’s dedication to fostering community and promoting the gospel serves as an inspiring model for believers today.
Warm and Inviting Prose
One of the most striking aspects of A Fellowship of Differents is McKnight’s writing style. His use of language is warm and welcoming, like a fireplace on a cold day. This tone makes the book an enjoyable and comforting read, even as it challenges readers to think critically about their faith and their churches. McKnight’s approachable style invites readers to engage deeply with the text without feeling overwhelmed by theological jargon or academic formality.
Key Themes in the Book
McKnight addresses six key themes in the book—grace, love, table fellowship, holiness, newness, and flourishing. Each theme is explored with depth and clarity, offering practical insights for believers and churches.
1. Grace: Creating Space for “Yes”
McKnight’s call for followers of Jesus to embrace grace is one of the book’s most compelling points. He urges Christians to create space for saying “Yes” to others, welcoming them into the faith without demanding immediate conformity to rigid theological standards. Too often, McKnight argues, churches become so focused on enforcing rules and maintaining doctrinal purity that they end up harming those who are struggling to find their place in the faith. This emphasis on grace is a refreshing reminder of the central message of the gospel: that Jesus came to bring life and redemption, not condemnation.
2. Love: Actions that Speak
McKnight presents love not as an abstract concept but as a series of actions that demonstrate care for others. Love, as he describes it, asks questions, works for the benefit of others, and shares generously. This practical definition of love is both inspiring and challenging, encouraging readers to live out their faith in tangible ways. McKnight’s illustrations of love in action provide a powerful framework for understanding what it means to truly love one another as Christ loved us.
3. Table: The Heart of Fellowship
The idea of gathering at the table as a central aspect of fellowship is another highlight of the book. McKnight ties this practice to the early Christians’ agape feasts, emphasizing that table fellowship is more than just a metaphor—it’s a way of life. While he doesn’t suggest that churches need to completely restructure their practices overnight, he does encourage readers to reflect on the significance of sharing meals and creating spaces of genuine connection. This theme is a beautiful reminder of the relational nature of faith and the importance of hospitality.
4. Holiness: More than Being “Weird” for Christ
McKnight’s exploration of holiness is both thought-provoking and transformative. Too often, he admonishes, the church only equates holiness with being separate from the world around us or Christians acting”weird” to the surrounding culture. McKnight cautions against this as the sole aspect of holiness. True holiness, he argues is not produced by us but conferred by God, it means living a life that avoids sins and it also means devotion to God.
5. Newness: Embracing Transformation
The theme of newness runs throughout the book, as McKnight calls on the church to promote new freedom, new faithfulness, new guidance, and new politics. He supports these ideas with scripture, highlighting the transformative power of the gospel. McKnight’s vision for the church is one that embraces change and renewal, spreading freedom and hope to a world in need. This call to embrace newness is both encouraging and challenging, reminding readers that faith is not static but dynamic and ever-growing.
6. Flourishing: Living Out the Gospel
Finally, McKnight emphasizes the importance of flourishing as the church wherever we are in the world. Drawing on Paul’s example as a tentmaker, he encourages believers to integrate their faith into every aspect of their lives, spreading the gospel through their words and actions. This theme is a powerful reminder that the church is not confined to a building or a Sunday service—it is the body of Christ, called to bring light and hope to every corner of society.
A Timely Message for the Modern Church
A Fellowship of Differents* is a timely and much-needed book for the modern church. McKnight addresses some of the most pressing issues facing Christians today, from division and rigidity to the challenge of living out faith in a complex and rapidly changing world. His call for unity amidst diversity is particularly relevant in a time when churches are often divided along theological, cultural, and political lines.
What sets this book apart is McKnight’s ability to tackle these issues with both conviction and compassion. He challenges readers to move beyond rigid, dogmatic theology and embrace the heart of Jesus—a heart that welcomes, loves, and seeks to build bridges rather than walls. This is not a call to abandon doctrine or compromise on truth but rather an invitation to live out the gospel in a way that reflects the radical grace and love of Christ.
Conclusion: A Book Worth Cherishing
In A Fellowship of Differents, Scot McKnight has delivered a book that is as profound as it is accessible. His vivid portrayal of the early church, warm prose, and insightful exploration of key themes make this a book that I will cherish and refer to often. McKnight’s message of grace, love, and unity is one that the modern church desperately needs, offering hope and guidance for believers navigating the complexities of faith today.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of what it means to be the church. Whether you are a pastor, a church leader, or a layperson, A Fellowship of Differents offers valuable insights and practical wisdom for living out your faith in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus. This is not just a book to read—it is a book to live by.