Issue #43 — Recent Reading
In this edition, I share what I’ve been reading … for what it’s worth:
The Vanishing Church
Sociologist and pastor Ryan Burge presents fascinating statistics about the polarization and homogenization of the American Church. In other words, this book is not about how the church is vanishing. It’s about how a certain kind of church is vanishing; namely, one that follows Jesus first and does politics/ideology second.
He does three things with the data: presentation, interpretation, and commentary. He’s masterful at the first two, but I mostly wish he’d leave the third one alone. Still, it’s a great read with multiple implications for our church. I won’t draw all those conclusions for you, but I’m glad to lead a group if there’s interest.
Burge also posts prolific amounts of statistics/data via his social media accounts. If you’re online, consider following him — Facebook, Substack, etc.
This book is available through our local library since I had them purchase it (suggest a book and you too can read desired books for free!) Otherwise, find it online.
Made for People
Here’s my summary of this book: An uncompromising, biblical vision for close relationships.
Most of us, including myself, settle for less because it takes intentional effort to cultivate the kinds of relationships he describes. I found myself envious of his relationships, while admitting that I may be unwilling to invest the effort and courage to have the same.
Forewarning: If you’re not in the demographic of the author (i.e., married, 40-something, male with kids at home), you might find some of the specifics don’t apply to your life. But the general ideas in this book should be a welcome challenge for all of us.
A compelling attribute of this book: It is written by a lay person (he’s a full-time lawyer).
I’d be glad to let you borrow this from me. Otherwise, find it online.
Theo of Golden
Millions of people have read this book, including many at Faith. I won’t make much comment on it, except to say this: for those of you that enjoyed this book and aspire to live a life like Theo, I would humbly suggest that you participate in PILGRIM & GUIDE. The overlap is significant, esp. the emphasis on being fully alive in relationships—listening well, being present, evoking stories, helping others feel seen & heard, and so much more. Randy Burgess would love for you to ask him about the connections.
Also, this book reminded me of another book I recommended last Fall: How to Know a Person.
As with others, glad to let you borrow this book.
How Far to the Promised Land
What a great memoir this is! Unvarnished, raw, powerful self-reflection.
As a theologian and follower of Jesus, I could hardly have more respect for the author, Esau McCaulley. His memoir will help you grow as a person and as a Jesus-follower.
As the subtitle says, it is just “One Black Family’s Story of Hope and Survival in the American South,” but that one family’s story has the power to show us a much bigger picture.
I’d be glad to let you borrow this from me. Otherwise, find it online.
And of course, as part of our Lenten series I previously recommended The Wood Between the Worlds. That book was very well received by many of you.
I've only read one of these, and will take Randy Burgess up on the recommendation of PILGRIM & GUIDE, and yours on the Journey to the Promised Land. Thanks for these suggestions.