I will preface this review by saying I know the author as he is a member of my church.
However, I read Strangers and Scapegoats before I was Matt Vos’s Pastor, and I loved the book then as well.
We used this book in our church to do some Deacon training, and it could not have gone better.
If you need a work showing the biblical-theological rationale for why the church should have a heart for those on the martins, then pick up this book. You won’t be disappointed.
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Highly recommend, especially for sociology students
As a sociology undergraduate at a secular college, reading “Strangers and Scapegoats" by Matthew Vos cultivated both my intellectual and spiritual growth.Dr. Vos skillfully applies sociological theory to faith issues, demonstrating how the concept of "the stranger" (aka “out-group”) plays a crucial role in perpetuating divisions and prejudices. The book's emphasis on embracing our identity in Christ and rejecting the tendency to root our identity in how we compare to out-groups resonated with me.I particularly appreciated the guest chapter that shed light on the challenges intersex individuals face, especially within the Church, and found it transformative. All contributing authors encourage curiosity and compassion, intertwining profound biblical truths with stimulating sociological insights.I highly recommend this book, especially to sociology students of faith.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2023
Dr. Vos skillfully applies sociological theory to faith issues, demonstrating how the concept of "the stranger" (aka “out-group”) plays a crucial role in perpetuating divisions and prejudices. The book's emphasis on embracing our identity in Christ and rejecting the tendency to root our identity in how we compare to out-groups resonated with me.
I particularly appreciated the guest chapter that shed light on the challenges intersex individuals face, especially within the Church, and found it transformative. All contributing authors encourage curiosity and compassion, intertwining profound biblical truths with stimulating sociological insights.
I highly recommend this book, especially to sociology students of faith.
Highly recommend, especially for sociology students
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2023
As a sociology undergraduate at a secular college, reading “Strangers and Scapegoats" by Matthew Vos cultivated both my intellectual and spiritual growth.Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2023
Dr. Vos skillfully applies sociological theory to faith issues, demonstrating how the concept of "the stranger" (aka “out-group”) plays a crucial role in perpetuating divisions and prejudices. The book's emphasis on embracing our identity in Christ and rejecting the tendency to root our identity in how we compare to out-groups resonated with me.
I particularly appreciated the guest chapter that shed light on the challenges intersex individuals face, especially within the Church, and found it transformative. All contributing authors encourage curiosity and compassion, intertwining profound biblical truths with stimulating sociological insights.
I highly recommend this book, especially to sociology students of faith.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2023
Vos is a Christian sociologist (no, that’s not an oxymoron) who opens our eyes to the way we often “other” those who aren’t like us. While the obvious example of this is immigrants, Vos takes the "othering" concept and applies it to groups on the margin of the church - prisons, sexual minorities, women, and even those working in factories across the world who make our shoes and other products.
He admits that there are no easy solutions but wants Christians to open our eyes and our hearts to those we might easily overlook. This is the first step - seeing - as we seek to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt 12:31).
Important read for this time in American history
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2023
I'll admit that Vos is a personal friend but please note that my recommendation isn't related to our friendship. While this isn't an easy read, I would highly recommend "Strangers and Scapegoats" to all American pastors and ministry leaders.Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2023
Vos is a Christian sociologist (no, that’s not an oxymoron) who opens our eyes to the way we often “other” those who aren’t like us. While the obvious example of this is immigrants, Vos takes the "othering" concept and applies it to groups on the margin of the church - prisons, sexual minorities, women, and even those working in factories across the world who make our shoes and other products.
He admits that there are no easy solutions but wants Christians to open our eyes and our hearts to those we might easily overlook. This is the first step - seeing - as we seek to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt 12:31).
Images in this review
