Review: “On Our Way” edited by Dorothy Bass & Susan Briehl
The new book, On Our Way: Christian Practices for Living a Whole Life sums up my best hopes for how young adults might live well in today’s world. Because of that, I found the book both delightful and tragic at the same time since it calls us to think deeply about how we are living today. Often, I found myself underlining a sentence and saying under my breath, “Yes…YES!…but that’s so hard.”
Edited by Dorothy Bass and Susan Briehl, On Our Way is a collection of essays responding to the deep hunger of a rising generation. The writers, 12 pastors, activists, professors, and other thoughtful-types clearly write from their hearts as they plumb the depths of scripture and tradition for good words on our contemporary world. The following summary statement provides the framework for the book:
To embrace a way of life abundant requires us to be attentive. No one can live this way in isolation from others: life abundant depends upon and arises within life together. It does not lead into a fantasy future or purely spiritual realm but into the real world. There, Christian practice these practices not for our own sake but for the good of all, and not by our own power or vision but in response to God, whose own grace and call provide this way of life.
Chapters include essays on Living as Community, Care for Creation, Singing Our Lives to God, Peacemaking and Nonviolence, Knowing and Loving Our Neighbors of Other Faiths, and more. My favorite was a chapter entitled “Making a Good Living” by Douglas Hicks in which he deals with materialism, money, and intentional living. He ends by cautioning, “Do not let anyone tell you that living a relatively simple lifestyle is an easy practice of faith. it is one of the most difficult.”
I began reading On Our Way because I thought it might help me in my work with young adults. It will. Greatly. But, a few chapters into it I realized I wasn’t reading only for work anymore. The book had begun speaking to me personally as well, helping me reflect on my own way of living in the world.
The one regret I have concerning On Our Way regards its cover not its contents. The understated cover doesn’t shout “Read me: I’m an awesome young adult ministry book!” nor are hip words like “missional,” “emergent,” “curate,” or even “vocation” splashed across the cover. Without a blurb from Brian McLaren on the back, I fear it might take its time getting into the hands of church leaders. And that’d be a shame.
That said, I have a high regard for the folks at Practicing Our Faith, and I trust their judgement. And, heck, the book’s quality should speak for itself. I highly recommend it for young adult groups, pastors, educators, and all who ask questions how to live well and live faithfully in our world today.
For video conversations with Dorothy Bass, the authors, and links to a corresponding DVD resources go here. They’re great too!
Review: Metaxas’ “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy”
I read many books, but seldom biography. Perhaps that’s due to negative experiences with book report assignments growing up. Who knows? Upon a social media acquaintance’s recommendation, however, I picked up a Kindle copy of Eric Metaxas’ biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. Quickly, I found myself looking forward to evenings in which I could read the thick biography. It’s an absolute triumph of a book.
Many aspects of Bonhoeffer’s remarkable life compelled me. First and foremost, I enjoyed learning about the man whose theology I had only really encountered in snapshots — quotes from Cost of Discipleship, snippets of his Advent and Christmas sermons, prayers, etc. I had a taste of Bonhoeffer’s strong words and generous spirit, but not the context in which to view them. For example, though I constructed an Advent worship service last year around Bonhoeffer’s Advent/Christmas sermons, I didn’t understand that they were written during the Nazi party buildup in Germany, while Bonhoeffer was already plotting with the opposition and organizing the Confessing Church.
Second, I was very intrigued with the window into the holocaust that Metaxas’ gives the reader. I have studied a bit of the history of WWII, but mainly from American perspectives. Certainly I’ve run into many moral components of the holocaust in philosophy, ethics, and religion courses, but it is so difficult to get the full context of what was happening in Germany at the time. Bonhoeffer allows a window into the slow rise of Hitler and the Nazi party that I didn’t previously know much about.
Finally, Bonhoeffer the man is wonderful to read about because he is so damn well-rounded and, well, extraordinary. A skillful pianist, poet, theologian (but even better pastor), preacher, philosopher, historian, son of a brilliant scientist, speaker of many languages, singer, humorist, family man, prophetic Christian, and more, the sheer breadth and depth of Bonhoeffer’s knowledge and skill astounds me. I’m left wondering: do we simply not make women and men that way any more, or was Bonhoeffer truly set apart?
I wholeheartedly recommend Bonhoeffer. At 624 pages, it takes a bit to read, but I always found myself looking forward to picking it up again. (Oh, and by the way, I think Bonhoeffer, were he living today, would definitely be a prodigious blogger. He was constantly writing to hundreds of friends, family members, and colleagues, both individually and in circular letters.)
I’ll close with a quote from the pastor himself:
There is no way to peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared, it is itself the great venture and can never be safe. Peace is the opposite of security. To demand guarantees is to want to protect oneself. Peace means giving oneself completely to God’s commandment, wanting no security, but in faith and obedience laying the destiny of the nations in the hand of Almighty God, not trying to direct it for selfish purposes. Battles are won, not with weapons, but with God. They are won when the way leads to the cross.
Metaxas, Eric; Timothy J. Keller (2010-04-20). Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy (p. 241). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
Review: “The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry” by Root & Dean
I’ve never been a youth ministry sort of guy. When I was looking for a call out of seminary, oftentimes folks would assume that since I was in my 20s I’d be going into youth ministry. They did not know me. Don’t get me wrong: I love youth and youth ministry, but it is not my primary calling. And, believe me, youth out there, it really is “me, not you.”
That said, when I heard Andrew Root and Kenda Creasy Dean had come out with a book on theology and youth ministry, I was most interested, for these fine professors know that youth ministry is not some subset of “real ministry,” but true tough theological work. Their book, The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry shows just that.
The work is in two parts, the first on “Theological Starting Points” and the second on “Theology Enacted.” Root and Dean go to great lengths to claim their work as a theological task, and boy did they convince me. Root writes,
“If youth ministry is to have a future that avoids these deadly traps of self-justification and isolation, it must move boldly into deep theological construction. What I mean is that we must begin to see ourselves not primarily as youth ministry directors but as theologians who do constructive theology in the context of ministry with the adolescent population.”
This book is perfect for that Senior Pastor who scoffs at youth activities as simply games and lock-ins; this book is perfect for youth directors who know their work is deeper and richer than it’s perceived, but are searching for the theological means to describe it.
That said, perhaps the book’s main flaw is somehow inherent to its purpose: in so proving the theological richness of youth ministry, the book’s sheer complexity would make it a very challenging read for the average youth ministry volunteer. Thankfully, helpful discussion questions conclude each chapter, but the work stands so far above the fluff some expect of youth ministry that for these folks, Theological Turn will be a bit of a shock.
From its opening pages to its close, Theological Turn does good very well to ground youth ministry as it should. Also compelling, however, is the constant reminder that, as is put in the Introduction, “young people are not bored by theology. They are bored by theology that doesn’t matter.” Those who read Theological Turn will get a wonderful reminder of why theology matters in the first place.
Review: Pros & Cons of my move from Android to iPhone 4S
Reviewing an Apple product is seen by some as akin to critiquing the Godhead itself. So I will tread lightly. But, I do want to note some pros and cons of my new iPhone 4S as compared to my previous phone, the HTC Droid Incredible 2.
Upsides of iPhone 4S
- form factor – the phone just feels and looks sooo much better. It feels like a honed piece of art, my Android just felt like a manufactured phone. (Btw, my insurance policy from SquareTrade came with the slickest slim case around. And I can get you 20% off insurance policy. Let me know.)
- App Store options are better and higher quality
- overall slickness of operation — email just works and syncs with Mail on my laptop; it doesn’t crash; no fiddly menu buttons.
- Siri, the “personal assistant” who accepts voice commands like, “make an appointment tomorrow for me at noon with Frank,” or “remind me to call Megan when I leave work.” A tad gimmicky, maybe, but enough of a “I’m in the future” feeling that it’s a big bonus. Also pretty sweet for no hands texting.
- battery life is amazing compared to Android. A – maze – zing!
- camera is very high quality and FAST
Downsides of the iPhone 4S
- the Apple maps program does not give verbal directions, as did my Android. I miss this.
iCloud syncing is much slower than syncing on Android — e.g. when you put an event in iCal on your laptop or phone, it doesn’t sync to the other device until the phone is plugged in overnight. Same with Address Book. This is silly, and potentially problematic.One can change this by going to Settings / Mail, Contacts, Calendars / Fetch New Date set to Push / Advanced / iCloud / FetchMy old Android linked people’s Facebook profile info — pic, phone number, address — to their Contacts page on phone. I miss this.(I’m told this can be done through the Facebook app. I tried it and it didn’t work, but I’ll give it some time as 1200 folks’ pictures, etc. is a lot of syncing. Update later….)- no ability to tether to my laptop for internet without paying Verizon big bucks.
- setting the volume all the way down, by pressing the minus key on the side, still leaves it at one level of noise. I wish I could take that to nothing and have the phone simply vibrate.
- screen on my Android was maybe 20% larger than iPhone screen (though the iPhone feels more portable, like I’m less likely to drop it)
Yes, there’s a much longer conversation to have about Apple’s app policies versus Google’s, as well as the fact that Google allows many phone manufacturers to use their operating system while Apple does not. Indeed, Apple is not Jesus. Steve Jobs is not God. But, overall, my iPhone 4S is more magical than my old Android, and not by a little.
My indoctrination into the cult of Apple deepens.
UPDATE: check out the comments for further clarification of several points.
Review: Mark Pierson’s, “The Art of Curating Worship”
For various reasons, the worship experiences I’ve been leading for The Project F-M have looked very little like Sunday morning worship in most Lutheran or Presbyterian churches. At one event, we met in a park, responded to psalm 51, enjoyed prayer stations spread out over the area on several quilts, and grilled burgers. At another, we met in an old train depot, watched a video clip, and lit some candles.
As I’ve planned these events, I’ve organized a complicated assortment of worship practices that “feels right” to me. That’s not to say it’s about worship that makes me feel good—what some friends have called worship as “spiritual masturbation”—rather, I’m getting at the idea that there’s no straightforward guide to worship with a group of “spiritual, not religious” folks who are suspicious of the church. So, instinctually as a pastor and leader, I do what I expect might work. Now that I’ve read, The Art of Curating Worship: Reshaping the Role of Worship Leader by Mark Pierson, I have some help.
Mark Pierson’s book describes his curating philosophy as a worship leader in the Baptist Church in New Zealand. Those aware of the experiential worship movement towards interactive prayer stations, Open Space, guerrilla worship, etc. will not be bowled-over with surprise. If anything, the book could be strengthened by shortening and adding some pictures (for real!). But overall, it’s a good, thoughtful foray into the new world of experimental worship practices.
Pierson lays it out clearly in the introduction:
I’m concerned that too few church leaders and so-called worship leaders have more than a single, narrow model for what they do in public, corporate worship. I’m concerned that they seem unaware they are boring their communities to death with shallow, bland worship. I’m concerned that many of these people have spend several years in theological institutions that haven’t prepared them for the realities of worship and spiritual formation with a congregation. I’m concerned that my young grandsons won’t be able to find communities that will nurture their faith without them having to undergo cultural circumcision. All this grieves me greatly.
I take it he’s one of those tell-it-like-you-see-it people! Basically, Pierson loves the church, but also really strives to bring fresh art and culture into worship. He thinks—and shares stories of when—this sustains people in their faith in ways traditional worship does not. The book is a very postmodern, let’s-give-it-a-try, questions-are-good, Jesus-messes-with-our-assumptions type of work. It should definitely be required seminary reading.
Much of the book consists of stories from Pierson’s personal experiences curating worship. While those are helpful, I would have appreciated a broader perspective. Also, the book has little scholarly work to show for it, leaving it open to an all too-common (and worthy) critique with emerging literature: it shows little appreciation for what has come before. That said, a short book can only do so much, and Pierson showed no flippancy towards liturgical studies, he just decides that’s not his turf.
Despite it’s flaws, I’m aware of no better book to really get folks asking questions about how to worship differently. For those in traditional worship settings, The Art of Curating Worship might be a help for folks seeking to claim what about their traditional worship practices they cherish.
A few weeks after finishing the book, I’m left with more questions than answers, which would be good news to Pierson. He writes, “Don’t be afraid to ask and not be able to answer, even during a worship event…Jesus was asked 180 questions in the gospels. He answered only three directly.” Have questions about how one curator of alternative worship practices his craft? This book’s for you.
Responding to Lillian Daniel’s “Spiritual but Not Religious” Column
On airplanes, I dread conversations too, just as Lillian Daniel wrote in a August 31, 2011 UCC devotional column that is making its merry way around Facebook. But that’s where my agreement ends.
I understand Daniel’s piece was perhaps adapted from her long-form 
work on the subject, so I don’t want to be too harsh regarding just a few hundred words. I read Daniel’s fine book (and reviewed it here). She’s a fab pastor, I have no doubt.
That said, I found devotional column’s tone totally unhelpful — even out-of-touch — as it addressed God’s children who search for language to describe how the church has abandoned them. I feel called, when someone call oneself “spiritual but not religious” to respond with kind curiosity rather then righteous indignation.
Specific comments relating to Daniel’s “spiritual but not religious” assumptions:
- Really? An airplane? Would that be first-class or coach? I meet with people (young adults, mostly) every week who call themselves “spiritual but not religious.” They tend to be underemployed, live month-to-month, and are doing their best to find meaning in their tumultuous lives. Sure, the phrase “spiritual but not religious” needs some unpacking for pastors whose livelihoods depend on people’s public religiosity, but I’ve never heard it as “rebellion against the religious status quo.” Rather, the phrase is more a humble testimony that they just don’t seem to connect with fancy churches. And who can blame them?
- As opposed to what Daniel suggests, the “spiritual but not religious” folks I talk to yearn for community. I have not found one who wants simply to have “deep thoughts all by oneself” as Daniel accuses. What might be true, however, is that the community they seek isn’t offered at most mainline churches with our endowment funds and dress codes and judgmental matriarchs and patriarchs. You see, some “spiritual but not religious” folks sense a certain righteous attitude from these institutions (go figure?). Many were once burned by hugely negative experiences with the church and it’ll take the church reaching out — in love, not in snark — for healing to begin.
- God is working in the lives of the “spiritual but not religious.” I happen to believe they have a huge amount to teach the church about connecting to God, supporting true community, sustaining spiritual practices, and living out St. Augustine’s call for a “faith seeking understanding.” Daniel asks, “Can I spend my time talking to someone brave enough to encounter God in a real human community?” I say, Yes, feel free to do that in your church. But also be brave enough to listen to those encountering God in ways you don’t fully understand. Learn from them.
Church and society are both in pretty rough places these days. So please let’s lay off the snark and tune-up our Christian love for all — for those who use mainline labels to describe themselves and those who are “spiritual but not religious.”
image by John Nyberg
Three Good Books
A few weeks ago I enjoyed a lovely vacation and some solid reading time. Here’s what I read and totally recommend to you.
Room by Emma Donoghue is a page turner like none other I’ve come across in the past year or two. It doesn’t sound like it, for the story is of a child Jack, as he’s raised by his young loving mom in one room. The 11 x 11 room serves as a prison for them, but is also space of amazing creativity, immense feelings, and even beauty. Trapped due to an evil kidnapper, Jack narrates brilliantly as he comes to understand his childhood is unlike any other. It’s intense and affecting, and worth the read for sure.
Burning Bright: Stories by Ron Rash is a wonderful collection of short stories. I came across Rash after reading Serena, and have since enjoyed several of his books. I think of him as sort of an Appalachian Joyce Carol Oates which means the stories are well told, regional, rich, and often utterly depressing.
Devil in the White City by Erik Larson is, I suppose, a historical novel but I don’t usually like historical novels and I loved this book, so I want to call it something different: darn good. The books tells the story of two men with dramatically different dreams: Daniel Burnham, the architect behind the near-miraculous construction of the 1898 Chicago World’s Fair, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer responsible for perhaps 200 murders in Chicago around the same time. It’s a gripping tale of pre-automobile Chicago, America, and humanity at its best and worst.
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