The Hospitality of God: Discovering and Living Kingdom Hospitality is a nonfiction Christian Living book written by Caleb Camp. What is Kingdom Hospitality? Camp found out first-hand in 1999. His early years spent in what he describes as a dysfunctional family eventually led to a life of drinking, drugs and crime. Early efforts at rehabilitation had all failed, even the horror of life in the general population of a prison was not sufficient incentive for him to turn his life around. God, however, had different plans for him. Camp and his fiancee found the answers they were seeking at the Passion Conference, which had been hosted by college students. They met a man who suggested they go to Turkey for their honeymoon, which became a prayer tour of seven churches, and found themselves returning to that country again and again, drawn by the hospitality that was so much a part of Turkish culture. In this book, Camp shows how that spirit of hospitality is actually the essence of Christianity. To do so, he discusses passages from both the Old and New Testaments that show how actively caring about others, even the hated Samaritans, was an essential part of Christ’s message to man. Each of his chapters concludes with a series of thought-provoking questions for Self or Group Study.

The Hospitality of God: Discovering and Living Kingdom Hospitality was of particular interest to me as I’ve noticed a distinct divide between those Christians who seem in lockstep with Conservative politics and others who seem more concerned with living Christian lives. While I have had trouble reconciling myself with the former, President Jimmy Carter has always seemed to be, for me at least, the epitome of what it means to be a Christian. In my mind, I can instantly visualize him in working clothes, spending his retirement years building Habitat for Humanity houses and actively making life better for others. Camp’s book became a bridge for me to see how the two different aspects of Christianity could be reconciled. I applauded his outright rejection of Conservatism as the only political option for a Christian, and I loved learning about his experiences in Turkey and the Middle Eastern culture of hospitality. Camp’s suggestions for how we all can embrace Kingdom Hospitality are practical calls to action. Some are easily acted upon; others take a bit more effort -- all are well worth exploring. The Hospitality of God: Discovering and Living Kingdom Hospitality is most highly recommended.

The Hospitality of God by Caleb Camp is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on the topic of hospitality in the church. Even though hospitality is barely spoken about, it is intriguing how much the Bible speaks of it, especially through many biblical characters that practiced it as part of their culture and faith. The writer of Hebrews also exhorts followers of Christ to show hospitality to strangers in Chapter 13, verse 2: “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” One of the outstanding features of this book is the deep revelation that Caleb Camp reveals, explaining how God Himself has extended His kindness and hospitality to the world through the sacrifice of His own son, Jesus Christ.

In The Hospitality of God, Caleb Camp shares his story of how he came to Christ through acts of hospitality extended to him by the church even though he felt that he did not deserve it. This was the major reason he kept on coming back to the church. Camp’s story inspired me. I have hardly ever heard any teaching on the topic of hospitality, which made me curious in the first place of what was contained in The Hospitality of God. The author’s contrast of the Turkish culture to western culture was eye-opening. Caleb Camp shares how an emphasis on individualism has eroded kindness and generosity in the church. Still, he appreciates the challenges facing the practice of hospitality, but does not hesitate to share the importance of it in the Christian faith. The book was definitely informative and unexpectedly enlightening, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to gain in-depth knowledge on the topic.