I almost let this book slip by me and consequently, our readers. Because of the tremendous need for healthy relationships, vibrant Christian communities, and the loneliness that has captivated so much of our culture, I wanted to make you aware of this book. It helps us not only to remember the necessity of reading the Bible but also demonstrates how to read it, first in its original setting and then with application for the 21^st century.

Hermeneutics, the art of interpretation, and application based on good understanding of the text are missing in too much preaching and teaching in today’s church. We often miss much of God’s message because we try to understand the Word first in our 21st century world rather than starting with the original context. Or we go to the other extreme and forget to show the people how to make the connection between the two.

This book is a topical commentary on the book of 1 Corinthians. I believe Corinthians has so much to say to our contemporary world because we deal with so many situations similar to those of the people of Corinth. Vander Broek points out the difficulty in understanding many of the passages in Corinthians, such as those on the male and female relationship, gifts, worship, and the Lord’s Supper, because we do not fully understand the original audience and setting to whom Paul wrote these words.

Let me say up front that the author raises some deeply thought provoking and penetrating questions. He examines how Paul deals with the barriers that hinder real community and meaningful relationships. Some will have trouble with some of the conclusions but each of us should be willing to struggle with, discuss, rethink, and pray about some of the barriers mentioned.

Breaking Barriers works its way somewhat topically, yet sequentially through 1 Corinthians. The chapter headings show the seven barriers to Christian community and unity in that community. Some of the things that become barriers to developing a real sense of community among Christians are the very things that should promote those relationships in the strongest way. The list includes leadership, ethics, men and women, Christian freedom, class differences, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection.

Take, for instance, men and women in community. Some of you will struggle with some of Vander Broek’s conclusions, especially those regarding equality. But you will not be able to gloss over the challenge to avoid letting gender be used as a barrier between men and women in the church. He points out how easily cultural roles and stereotypes can erect hurtful and unnecessary barriers to developing relationship with the opposite sex. You will appreciate his explanation and application of Paul’s high view of marriage. He brings up topics such as: how marriage partners relate to each other and the community at large; how singleness is valued, and even the significance of how men and women dress. He also deals with marriage, not in some neo-Platonist manner but in a way that correlates to God’s reality. For those who interpret “headship” as authority, you will raise an eyebrow over his interpretation of “source,” but that will not distract from the seriousness of the topic.

Another interesting topic is Christian freedom. What is a Christian free to do and not to do? How do we exercise our freedom in Christ in a manner that creates community vs. raising barriers? That issue was dividing the Corinthian Christian community. What was the issue and why was it a barrier? Personal freedom, even the freedom we have in Christ, is not an end in itself. It really makes no sense in the context of the community around us. Paul raises real questions that require serious thought but he does not always give specific answers. This means that we have to understand what he is saying and, with the Holy Spirit’s help, make application in a way that builds community in love.

A last example deals with class differences particularly as that relates to worship and the Lord Supper. The Corinthians were building giant barriers in their worship, especially in their observance of the Lord’s Supper. The author has some of the most helpful and interesting thoughts on the phrases “discerning the body,” “examine ourselves,” and “remember” that I have read. Understanding the context of the Corinthian situation may lead you to see a double message in those areas that could bring new meaning and insight to the sacraments.

Another thing that makes this book so important and timely is that our postmodern world is looking for and reaching out for community. Relationships are a key to demonstrating the realness of our Christian faith. If there is one place where outsiders should witness relationships that work, a place where community and safe relationships can be built, it should be church. Working through this book will provoke you to challenge your church with the importance of developing a healthy community. Don’t miss this challenging and soul-searching commentary on 12 Corinthians.

-Charles Dunahoo

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