Book excerpt: Mean Christianity: Finding Our Way Back to Christ’s Likeness explores the Christian faith as an intentional, daily commitment to others—a cathartic and uncomfortable journey that leads travelers to Christ’s likeness. The book considers how and why individual Christians and the corporate body of Christ have come to be perceived negatively by so many. It describes the primacy of Christ as the central tenet of Christianity, and offers seven “Jesus” life themes for every Christian. These themes, based on a qualitative study of the canonical gospels, assist readers with the development of a framework for a Christlike life. The book defines Mean Christianity and considers its causes and costs. Readers are confronted with both the possibility of meanness in the faith and in their actions, and encouraged to consider a Christlike life as an alternative to meanness. Finally, readers are introduced to the concepts of forgiveness, grace, and mercy as a part of God’s broader plan for reconciliation and fullness in life.