1. The focus of infrastructure, group identity, and security in the forms of economics and politics strengthened the communities of Ezra-Nehemiah by “reestablishing identity, faith, and community” for a group of people that were once separated and scattered and became locationally connected (159).
2. The strengths of the reforms in Ezra and Nehemiah presented by Smith-Christopher include political and religious leadership, administrative excellence, increased spiritual disciplines and faithfulness, and a strengthened community. Smith-Christopher’s explanation of Ezra 9&10 indicates the reforms strengthen the identity of the Hebrew people who faced oppression. The reestablishment of holy feasts and holidays, and ultimately the dedication of the temple were positive reforms.
Smith-Christopher explains the weaknesses of the reforms when the Jewish people try to get too close to the central Persian authorities regarding their appeal for rebuilding the temple during a temporary shutdown of the building project. This is problematic because there is unnecessary attention given to the Jewish community about the rebuild which could have created more issues down the road (157). Another weakness is the exclusion of others in the community (i.e. marriage),
3. One of the values for the modern church is to lead with caution when building nice, fancy structures. The tendency for communities can be to build something shiny and pretty without having the faith and actions of the people to give significance to the building. A true community exists when people gather for support, study and service (156). I also think Smith-Christopher's discussion on balancing Church traditions with the needs of today is relevant (159).