Anybody read this? I just finished it, and can't decide if I liked it or not. (I'm odd that way.)
If you read it, here's my question - was it helpful? Did this book make your life, theology, friendships, etc. better or more "holistic" (as the book likes to say)?
I would love to hear your thoughts!
If you read it, here's my question - was it helpful? Did this book make your life, theology, friendships, etc. better or more "holistic" (as the book likes to say)?
I would love to hear your thoughts!
4 comments:
I have read this book. I thought it was pretty good. I found it hard not to envy the relationship that Neo has with Christ. I could also relate really well with the struggles that Dan goes through. Overall, I can see how it could "bother" a person. The story got me to really evaluate my own personal relationship with the Lord. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 7.
To me the tricky part of the book is that McLaren pretty much says, "I was mad about this UNTIL I got it." Naturally, he's got a point he's trying to make, but as I read it, I would find myself perhaps disagreeing with the item at hand and then thinking:
"Am I really discerning here? or am I just like McLaren - scared of what's being said here?"
While that's not a particluarly enjoyable conversation to have with yourself, it's a vital part of maturing in the journey, I guess.
I read it a few years ago then again a few months ago. (I needed another go at it.) While I don't agree with every point he makes, especially in the latter 2 books of the trilogy, I love that he's challenging us to think. One of the other books has a chapter devoted to saying, "I don't know the answer," and being OK with that, which is hugely opposite to what is often being taught in mainstream churches.
Oh yeah, the question, "Am I discerning or just being critical?" is probably common. I think that's why McLaren stresses this should be an ongoing conversation. Staying in communion with other believers, and the Spirit, will hopefully keep us in the right direction.
Post a Comment