The Journey of God: Christianity in Six Movements, By Jonathan D. Lyonhart
The Journey of God
Paperback
  • Length: 272 pages
  • Dimensions: 6 × 9 in
  • Published: June 24, 2025
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • ISBN: 9781514009246
Other Formats:

The Journey of God is an exploration into the rich tapestry of Christianity, designed to captivate both mind and soul. The Journey of God transcends traditional theology writing, weaving a compelling narrative that journeys throughthe six pivotal acts of the Christian story—Creation, Fall, Nation, Redemption, Church, and End. Each chapter unfurls as part novel, part sermon, and part philosophical inquiry, challenging readers to engage with deep theological questions in the order they naturally arise.

Through this unique format, you’ll explore the complexities and nuances of Christian thought from multiple perspectives. While blending literature, philosophy, science, history, comedy, drama, and more, The Journeyof God explores topics such as:

  • Does science challenge faith?
  • Why do humans have so much capacity for good and for messing things up?
  • Is there objective right and wrong, and who decides?
  • Why did Jesus have to die?
  • What’s the point of the church when so many people have been hurt by it?
  • Do all religions teach the same basic things?

Whether you’re a layperson, scholar, or minister, The Journey of God invites you to deepen your understanding and devotion while reflecting on the intertwined narratives of faith and reason. Whether used in seminary classrooms or personal study, The Journey of God stands as a contemporary, refreshing introduction to Christianity, offering a well-rounded understanding of the faith that is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually uplifting.

"Oh, my stars, what a find! J. D. Lyonhart tells the story of the Bible like an art film mash-up of Barbie and Aristotle . . . and so faithful to Scripture. I have been searching for a book to give my friends in our post-Christian city—something intelligent, human, convincing, and quirky, all at once. Now, here it is. I'm buying multiple copies. My fourteen-year-old daughter has put her hand up for one."Mark Glanville, director of the Centre for Missional Leadership at St. Andrew's Hall and author of Preaching in a New Key and Improvising Church
"J. D. Lyonhart continues to bring his wit, vulnerability, and sharp theological mind to his latest book, The Journey of God. This journey is an invitation to enter a story, a story of being lost and finding home in the Christian story. Dialogue partners from all disciplines abound (e.g., philosophy, science, theology, and modern film) to instruct and inspire you. Prepare to be captivated, encouraged, and to laugh out loud!"Jennifer M. Matheny, associate professor of Christian scriptures at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University
"J. D. Lyonhart's The Journey of God creatively explores God's grand narrative and our place in it. Written with a playful, tender wit that confronts complexities with shrewd insight and curiosity, J. D. retells the entire biblical story with fresh insight, cinematic expression, and a plea to behold the beauty embedded in the broken, the dignity shrouded by despair, and the hope beheld by God 'in the beginning' that guides us to his end. The Journey of God is a powerful and provocative read for the seeker and the saved alike."Shane J. Wood, professor at Ozark Christian College and author of Thinning the Veil
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Read an Excerpt

CONTENTS

Timeline of Contents
Introduction

Movement I: Creation
1. Creation Begins
2. Creation Is Not God
3. Creation Is Good
Movement II: Fall
4. Humanity in God's Image
5. Humanity Gone Wild
Movement III: Nation
6. Abraham Finds Faith
7. Moses Meets I Am
8. Goodness Is Commanded
9. Beauty in the Promised Land
10. King David and His Boy
11. Justice Exiles the Nation
MovementIV: Redemption
12. Jesus Is Born
13. Jesus Is Walking Around Saying Stuff
14. Jesus Is Dying to Meet You
Movement V: Church
15. The Spirit Arrives
16. The Church Begins
17. The Apostle Paul Converts
18. The Church Expands
19. The Church Today
Movement VI: End
20. The End of the World as We Know It
21. Highway to Hell or Stairway to Heaven?

Conclusion
Endnotes
Scripture Index

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Jonathan Lyonhart

J. D. Lyonhart (PhD, Cambridge) is a British-Canadian theologian, philosopher, author, and ordained minister, as well as an advocate for the learning disabled and neurodiverse. He is an associate professor of Christianity and philosophy at the University of Jamestown, a fellow at the Cambridge Center for the Study of Platonism at Cambridge University, and a cohost of the Spiritually Incorrect Podcast.