Book Review: Why Cities Matter by Justin Buzzard and Stephen Um

"The city is more important than ever. Right now, more people live in cities than at any other time in human history. Never before has the majority of the world's population been an urban population" (pg. 15). These are the words that begin Justin Buzzard and Stephen Um's book, Why Cities Matter. We are seeing cities increase in population at an accelerated rate in ever before. Many people in small towns think the city is nothing but trouble, but Buzzard and Um show why they are important.

Both authors come from two opposite sides of the country to offer their insights. Buzzard pastors a church in California while Um pastors a church in Boston. One wears t-shirt and jeans when he preaches. The other wears a suit. Buzzard and Um work together to offer a biblical perspective at the importance of cities, which being raised in one of the largest cities in the U.S., I appreciate what they have written.

Buzzard and Um talk about the past life of the city and where it stands right now. They discussed that the city is a center of worship, not the worship of God, but the worship of whatever or whoever they nave made into a god. They also discuss the characteristics of a city followed by looking at the cities in the Bible. Buzzard and Um talk about contextualization as one lives in the city. This book was just a "why cities rock" book, a way for Christians to be on mission for the city. Christians are obligated to be engaged with the culture of the city in order to be on mission. One of the ways to be engaged with the city is be familiar with the history of the city. Finally, there is a discussion on having a ministry vision for the city as you work with your church to reach people with the gospel in your city.

This is one book that every Christians will benefit. I know for people in small towns, they might pass this book, but they need to read it too. I appreciate the message that Buzzard and Um share because I think many people look at cities with not so much enthusiasm, but as a big heaping pot of sin with little hope of change.

Thanks Crossway for letting me review this book.