Alan Hirsch, award-winning author on missional spirituality, leadership, and organization; Founder of Movement Leaders Collective and Forge Missional Training Network
“One New Humanity is a powerful and timely call for the Church to rediscover its role as a reconciling presence in a divided world. Werner and Kristin offer profound insights into reconciliation, identity, and peace in the midst of both global and personal conflict. They do a great job in showing how Christ’s redemptive work forms a “new humanity” that confronts and dismantles systems of division, hostility, and shame. The result is a well-written, intellectually stimulating, and profoundly inspiring vision of restored glory, healed shame, and embodied peace. Love it!”
Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement, Hendricks Center, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
“One New Humanity takes a thorough and important look at a major blindspot in Western theology, namely how a corporate perspective in the core salvation text of Ephesians 2:11–22 helps us appreciate the grace of God and our calling to be one. In doing so, it helps us to realize that salvation and the call to be God’s people possess a broader scope than many people realize. In most cases, the book avoids generalizations that plague how we see salvation. The book shows there is more to our faith than merely being personally saved. It helps us see that the work of God is more marvelous than many imagine.”
I’Ching Thomas, Associate International Director, Operation Mobilization
“One New Humanity is a profound exploration of human identity, glory, and peace through the lens of Ephesians 2. The authors, representing two very different generations, bring a unique depth to this oft-neglected theme. The diverse cultural backgrounds of the wide range of sources they draw from also lend significant credibility to their work. This book reminds us that the gospel is not just about saving sinners from sin but, more importantly, about a greater plan that God has to restore shalom to the world and humanity as God had intended. This work is a timely resource as we seek to understand the transformative power of the gospel of peace in our fractured world.”
Dr. Jay Mātenga, Executive Director, World Evangelical Alliance Mission Commission
“Oh how readily we conform to the pattern of this world! As tribalism takes hold of global Christianity, and separatist theologies threaten to create new apartheids, we are in desperate need of a transformative biblical theology of unity in diversity. Nothing stunts Christian maturity like individualism wrapped in homogeneity. One New Humanity reveals biblical roots able to nourish a healthier future for Jesus’ bride, the global Church, her local expressions, and her participation in God’s purposes locally and globally. In Christ we are called to mutual submission, allowing the Holy Spirit to bring about relational harmony in the tensions of difference. This is our greatest witness to the world, and in One New Humanity, Caynor and Mischke reveal why.”
Dr. Marvin J. Newell, Ambassador at Large, Missio Nexus; author: A Third of Us: What it Takes to Reach the Unreached
“This is much, much more than just another missions book. These pages comprise a seminal, in-depth, and thorough consideration of Ephesians 2:11–22 from important missiological and exegetical perspectives. Yet, its core message is very practical in application as the two authors expertly weave current events and issues into what should entail the praxis of missions today, centered on “making peace” to forge One New Humanity. Caynor and Mischke masterfully tag-team throughout the book, bringing a comprehensive — and at times uncomfortable — exposure to the true application of this missional passage today.”
Helen Paynter, Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence; author, Blessed are the Peacemakers: A Biblical Theology of Human Violence
“This remarkable book brings together a deep biblical study with the fruits of both sociological analysis and contextualized field-work to offer a compelling case that reconciliation and peace-making are at the very heart of the gospel. The pursuit of peace is not an optional vocation for some Christians, but a baptismal calling for us all. It is a book I will be returning to again and again.”
Maher Haddad, Palestinian-American author, Christian media producer and international missionary
“As a Palestinian Christian who has suffered from Christian racism and racial inequality due to misinterpretations of the Bible, reading this book gives me hope for a better future. I envision a time when my Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ and I will be treated as equals, united in the love of Jesus, who broke down the barriers of hatred that divided us. Thank you, Werner and Kristin, for writing One New Humanity at this crucial time—our world is in desperate need of the Gospel of Peace.”
Paul R. Gupta, PhD, Chairman, Hindustan Bible Institute & College, Chennai, India
“Werner Mischke and Kristin Caynor made a very intentional effort to research Ephesians 2:11–22. Their research places the text into the socio-cultural context of the New Testament and the Bible’s broad narrative. As a result, we better understand humanity’s fallen nature and the scope of God’s work in Christ to reconcile persons, peoples, and groups in conflict. They offer a fresh understanding of the text in its historical and exegetical context. Their message to the global church and our ever-changing polarizing world—is to embrace one another in the context of truth and Christ’s gospel of peace. I highly recommend a thorough study of One New Humanity as our world enters a new era with all its changes—politically, culturally, technologically, and spiritually.”
Terry M. Wildman, Lead Translator and Project Manager for the First Nations Version New Testament, published by InterVarsity Press
“In One New Humanity, Werner Mischke and Kristin Caynor raise a deeply spiritual question: What does it mean to be human? They reveal sin as more than just personal failure; it is a force interwoven through generations, cultures, and systems. They highlight how these distort our sense of harmony and well-being by confronting shame, violence, and individualism. Drawing from early Christian thought and social science, they illustrate how Jesus’ Gospel of Peace transforms cycles of conflict and violence, offering a new way to embrace humanity. Their reference to the True Human Being for Jesus resonates with the Indigenous worldview underlying the First Nations Version, portraying him as the model of restored humanity, one who embodies the Creator’s vision of peace, dignity, and reconciliation. In this timely book, the authors invite readers to walk this path, seeking the Creator-given way of being truly human.”
Dr. Greg J. Lund, Pastor, Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church
“It is rare to find a book that illumines both the past and the present in a way that gives hope for the future. Authors Kristin Caynor and Werner Mischke shine a light on the violence of Imperial Rome in Jesus’ day. They also critique today’s culture of polarization and shame-driven violence. Drawing from Ephesians 2, they weave biblical insights and personal stories, showing how the reconciling power of Christ brings hope and unity where we find it humanly impossible. I highly recommend this book.”
Dr. Timothy A. van Aarde, Senior Pastor, Australind Baptist Church, WA and Associate, Department of New Testament and Related Literature, Faculty of Religion, University of Pretoria
“The authors have sought to bring principles of sociology such as polarisation and depolarisation—and theology—into dialogue. They assert we are in a moment of crisis, not primarily crises of ideology, or thought or theology or political power. It is a crisis of glory and, therefore, a crisis of community and belonging. This work is Christ-centred, deals in brutal honesty with sin, and expresses the hope of God’s shalom in light of the new humanity we have become, are becoming and will fully be one day. In this book you will find practical examples of both the failures of humankind and the breaking in of the glory of God in the new humanity.”
Julie Canlis, PhD, Seasonal lecturer, Regent College; author, A Theology of the Ordinary and Calvin’s Ladder
“Ephesians is where Paul sets out his most simple, and central vision: that belief and practice, theology and relationships, can never be severed. They must be held together for dear life (and the life of the world). Urgently, Paul ranges over all of human experience, showing again and again where our ordinary lives can be brought into the large encompassing work of Christ. As a tribute to Paul, Mischke and Caynor personalize Ephesians in every nook and cranny of their own history and experience, as a true biblical commentary should. And should it surprise us that the message is nothing short of revolutionary?”
Steve Hawthorne, Editor, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
“This book focuses on Jesus Himself as fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy, interpreted by Paul in Ephesians, that God’s people would speak and become God’s peace to peoples far from Him. I found a few things to disagree with, but there is much to learn from the experience and exegesis of the authors.”
Al Tizon, PhD, Affiliate Associate Professor of Missional and Global Leadership, North Park Theological Seminary
“Kristin Caynor and Werner Mischke have written a beautiful book for all who long for peace in a broken world. Richly theological, practically missiological, and deeply personal, One New Humanity connects the dots between divine and human glory and sin and violence, and it makes a compelling case for how peace is central to the good news of Jesus, to which we bear witness in a broken world. Highly recommended!”
Bassem Melki, Assistant Professor of Peace Studies, Arab Baptist Theological Seminary
“One New Humanity is a groundbreaking and deeply compelling work that speaks directly to the heart of the church’s calling in a divided and polarized world. This book doesn’t just inform—it transforms. As a Christian from the Middle East, I found its message both convicting and hopeful. In a region where honor, shame, and reconciliation shape our daily lives, Caynor and Mischke’s insights resonate profoundly. They do not offer abstract theology, but a deeply biblical vision of peace rooted in Christ Himself. This book forces us to wrestle with history, power, and exclusion while presenting the gospel’s radical alternative—unity in Christ that transcends all barriers. It is an urgent call for the global church to embody the reconciling love of Jesus, healing wounds, confronting injustice, and reimagining community in His name. Many churches have lost credibility in their communities due to internal divisions and political conflicts. If you long for a vision of the church that embodies Christ’s reconciling love, this book will stir your heart and strengthen your faith.”
Yvonne W. Huneycutt, DMin
Global teacher, trainer, and author with the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course; author, Propelled by Hope
“Werner and Kristin offer a prophetic voice for the church in our times of conflict and rage. With fresh eyes examining the teachings in Ephesians concerning the new humanity formed in Christ Jesus, they call us to new efforts to pursue unity across all human barriers. Readers may agree or disagree with applications to current events or missiological practice, but that is the point, isn’t it? We will never have uniformity in beliefs and opinions in the church, yet Christ calls us to unity that transcends individual and corporate humanity. One New Humanity builds a biblical foundation to stimulate spiritual motivation toward oneness with one another in Christ.”
Cameron D. Armstrong, Program Director, ThM/PhD Orality Studies, Asia Graduate School of Theology – Philippines, Asian Theological Seminary
“One New Humanity delivers a theological gut-punch that moves readers to worship through tears and excitement. Exposing humanity’s divinely given yet distorted drive for glory, Caynor and Mischke show how life in Christ radically reverses human shame, trauma, and violence. The vision of God’s people being human as we are intended to be is compelling, convicting, and catalyzing.”
David H. Beyda, MD, Ethics Committee member, Christian Medical and Dental Association Author, Crossing Borders
“Kristin’s story about finding the weight of glory during her mom’s accident hit me hard. That sense of glory being raw, heavy, and redemptive—not shiny or manageable—felt so honest. It reminded me of those moments in my own life when God’s presence wasn’t flashy but deeply comforting in the most challenging times. Werner’s reflections on his German roots and the trauma passed down through generations also really struck me. Asking those tough questions about complicity and violence isn’t easy, but it is necessary. The vulnerability in those stories made the call to peace in Ephesians 2 feel even more urgent and real. What I love most is how the book doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life or faith. It’s not about quick fixes or feel-good answers—it’s about walking the hard road with Jesus toward a unity that can transform us and the world. This feels like such an important message for our time.”
Johnson Rajendran, PhD, Principal, Hindustan Bible Institute and College, Chennai, India
“In a world characterized by divisions, moral decline, and pervasive consumerism—where achieving unity and peace among humanity appears increasingly unattainable—Caynor and Mischke’s One New Humanity emerges as a timely and essential contribution. It provides profound insights into God’s plan of salvation, highlighting its universal inclusivity for people of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. Through a rigorous examination of Scripture and the application of compelling illustrations, the book elucidates how God establishes a “New Humanity” in Christ, integrating them as members of His household. This New Humanity exists in harmonious coexistence within the divine family, reflecting shared glory, rejecting violence, and addressing the wounds of shame through the transformative power of the gospel of peace.”