Creative Space for Wanderers
Generation Gap Widening This chapter provides more background into the rest of the book and provides an introduction to the next six chapters. One of the interesting dichotomies is the strong desire for Mosaics and Busters to be part of a tribe while maintaining fierce individualism–perhaps disturbing is a better term. Fewer than one out …
Continue reading “unChristian: 2. Discovering unChristian Faith”
Seeing Christianity from the Outside Our research shows that many of those outside of Christianity, especially younger adults, have little trust in the Christian faith, and esteem for the lifestyle of Christ followers is quickly fading among outsiders. They admit their emotional and intellectual barriers go up when they are around Christians, and they reject …
unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity…and Why It Matters David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons Hope Fellowship is using this book for it’s Connection Groups to discuss scriptural truths that provide a stronger foundation in Christ and His Word. It’s an interesting study that provides insight into what our society really thinks about Christians. Table …
Introduction Mark Mittelberg begins this chapter with a great story of Ronald Reagan’s debate with Walter Mondale, the turning of the tide in Reagan’s campaign was the seminal response to the question about his age (73 at the time). His response: Not at all, and I want you to know that also I will not …
Continue reading “Ten Questions: Conclusion – The questions our friends need us to ask them”
Time to Reflect In this chapter, Brennan Manning provides an opportunity for a guided retreat through 19 mercies, opportunities to hear from our loving Father. Perhaps this is a chance to slow down a moment, to pray, to ready, to listen. I’ll list them here. Perhaps we should all consider taking one a day for …
Continue reading “Ragamuffin Gospel: 19 Mercies: A Spiritual Retreat”
Full Question: Why should I think that heaven really exists–and that God sends people to hell? Summary The question of whether or not there is an afterlife is extremely important; Christians need to be able to articulate their confidence to questioning unbelievers. There is nearly universal belief in the afterlife. Jesus made it clear that heaven …
Continue reading “Ten Questions: #10 – Are Heaven and Hell real?”
Call to Action Apparently, Brennan Manning was scolded harshly by some in the Christian community for this book. Perhaps he speaks as a prophet for our current Christian culture, calling out those who would reduce Christianity to a Sunday morning activity–which happens to include most of us. I suggest “us” in this sense because, like it or …
Continue reading “Ragamuffin Gospel: The Scandal of Grace: Fifteen Years Later”
Full questions: #8. How can I trust in Christianity when so many Christians are hypocrites? #9. Why are Christians to judgmental toward everyone who doesn’t agree with them? Summary Mittelberg begins by relating how an actor’s job is to portray someone based on a script and story–it’s their job. Our lives should reflect who we …
Continue reading “Ten Questions: #8 and #9 – Christian Hypocrites Are Often Judgmental”
Complete question: Why do you condemn homosexuality when it’s clear that God made gays and that he loves all people the same? Summary The Story of Jesus’ interactions with the Samaritan woman () provides a helpful model for our consideration Jesus modeled the need to affirm God’s love toward all people–including men and women ensnared in …
Continue reading “Ten Questions: #7 – Why do you condemn homosexuality?”