I just started re-reading "A New Kind of Christian" by Brian McLaren. Reading the introduction was an encouragement to me as I continue on this path that began in Modernity and extends out into the mysteries of the future. Just to know that there are others who are unsettled, frustrated, desiring to be liberated from a paradigm that seems more and more broken as the days go by...just to know that others have experienced the depression and fear that can come from something new that God is doing...just to be reminded once again that there really is no right way to go except forward...all of that is an encouragement to me.
I look forward to reading about the journey of a fictional pastor once again as he struggles to go down the path God has provided for him. I look forward to gleaning some new thoughts because so much has changed in my own life and thoughts since I first read the book (which was probably not more than a year ago). If you haven't read it yet, I encourage you to do so.
I've read four McLaren books so far (Generous, Other Side, Finding Faith and More Ready), but not either of these (New Kind and Further...) The premise of these seems a bit cheesy, but given Brian's writing I'm sure they are illuminating. Maybe I'll get them for holiday reading...
Posted by: dave paisley | December 15, 2004 at 03:51 PM
I really liked them. I understand why people might want to cut through some of the "plot" and get to the information, but it didn't really hold me back.
On my second reading, some of "A New Kind..." seems a little stilted. The one character is giving the other tons of information that could probably just be put in a chart or something. But doesn't that complaint sound a bit too modern? Just forget the narrative and give me some hand dandy propositions! ;-0
Anyway, I would definitely recommend them, especially "The Story We Find Ourselves In."
Posted by: Bill | December 15, 2004 at 06:37 PM
I've enjoyed both books ... the impatient side of me would have prefered charts and quick propositions (my wife would be like that) and yet, the narrative slows me down .. maybe that's what I need. :-)
Posted by: Sivin Kit | January 12, 2005 at 12:05 PM
Maybe it helps people to see a character struggling with these concepts. Instead of Brian just expounding on all his new ideas he depicts someone asking many of the questions we, ourselves, might ask.
Posted by: Bill | January 12, 2005 at 12:09 PM