(by 1 person)
Years working on the "inside" of Christian churches has me convinced that they are among the most wonderful and terrible places. There is nothing magical about the church. There is much good and much harm that has come from organized religion. Any organization benefits from an honest, public examination. I hope you find this lens challenging and refreshing.
This is NOT Church Bashing
But you should pay attention
Much like when Jesus swept through the Temple in Jerusalem chasing out the moneychangers and charlatans, I want to cleanse the church of the arrogant, self-righteous, inward-focused behaviors. It is my deepest desire that the truth be spoken in love and compassion, anchored by grace. The church can...and should...denounce sin while at the same time showing love, patience, gentleness and kindness to sinners. The awesome, healing love of Jesus should come pouring out of every place that claims his name. His harshest words were reserved for the leaders and learned religious folk of the day. So, too, my challenge will be to all those who claim knowledge of God and use that knowledge only to attack, belittle and ostracize everyone who isn't on the same page, the exact same page, as they are.
Finally, I want everyone to know that you can become a follower of Christ without having to buy into the dogma and doctrine of any particular organization. There is room for discussion, dissent and disagreement here. And, should you choose to walk away from Jesus' invitation to follow, that's okay, too. He still loves you.
Think more, Learn more, Do more
- Drama Sketches
- This is my website where you can view and download contemporary drama sketches originally designed for worship. They are good for anyone looking to set-up a message or discussion on a variety of topics. I've written over 500 dramas since 1993 and eventually most of them will be available for free on this website.
- My Most Dangerous Safe Place Blog
- Here's the place where I share my thoughts, experiences and opinions about organized Christian religion. I post several times a week so visit often.
- First Church of the Internet
- I'm launching a bold experiment to build a community of Christ followers that are not defined by a denomination or sect. This is a wide open community where followers, seekers, skeptics and fools are all welcome. It's my goal to create the first church that exists primarily online.
- Doing It Right
- This is a Christian charity run by a friend of mine that, in my opinion, gets it right. Lutheran Church Charities is remarkably responsive, uses the internet very well and finds a way for every single dollar donated to go to those in need.
- Flying Spaghetti Monster
- Here's a great example of the low opinion people have of Christians. This satirical mockery of Christian faith, particularly related to those who oppose evolution as the only theory taught in public schools, has generated some very interesting responses from Christians. Responses that aren't very helpful in repairing the view so many have.
- Church Marketing Sucks
- Here's a lens that you should see. The company behind this lens was started by a very creative friend who's making a difference in the church and elsewhere.
- Crossways International
- Harry Wendt is the most passionate Bible teacher I've ever met. It's his life's work to bring an end to Biblical illiteracy among those who claim to follow Christ. He has traveled the world bringing clear Bible teaching to hundreds of thousands. He is a friend who has deeply impacted my life.
- Nooma
- Some of the freshest thoughts about church and how it could be are coming from the emergent church movement. Rob Bell has crafted some brilliant messages on DVD that you can get here.
- Doc's Blog
- My friend, Doc, shares his thoughts on youth ministry. Doc has nearly twenty years experience working with young people in the church. He and I have shared our frustration with each other about how church works...or doesn't.
Books You Might Find Interesting
Your God Is Too Safe
One of the most powerful books I've ever read. Buchanan cuts straight to the heart of the malaise that's gripping the church and lays out a bold challenge.
Amazon Price: $10.39 (as of 07/25/2008)
The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath
Amazon Price: $12.23 (as of 07/25/2008)
The Holy Wild: Trusting in the Character of God
Another wonderfully challenging book by Buchanan. He is one of my very favorite authors.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
Things Unseen: Living in Light of Forever
Hope, truth and light. You will be greatly comforted by this book.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/25/2008)
A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I Am a Missional, Evangelical, Post/Protestant, Liberal/Conservative, Mystical/Poetic, Biblical, Charismatic/Contemplative, Fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, Green, Incarnational, Depressed-yet-Hopeful, Emergent, Unfinished CHRISTIAN
A remarkable read that casts a compelling vision of what the church might look like in the future while respecting what's good from the past.
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/25/2008)
The Story We Find Ourselves In: Further Adventures of a New Kind of Christian
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/25/2008)
The Last Word and the Word after That: A Tale of Faith, Doubt, and a New Kind of Christianity
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/25/2008)
Church on the Other Side, The
Amazon Price: $10.39 (as of 07/25/2008)
More Ready Than You Realize
Amazon Price: $10.39 (as of 07/25/2008)
McLaren Boxed Set (A New Kind of Christian; The Story We Find Ourselves In; The Last Word and the Word After That)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith
Rob Bell is one of a new breed of church leaders who is asking some very hard questions. His answers are making quite a stir among traditional church leaders.
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/25/2008)
Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
The Journey of Desire: Searching for the Life We've Only Dreamed of
A compelling look at what drives all of us. This book will help you better understand what you're really looking for.
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 07/25/2008)
Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
I've not read this book yet, but it was recommended to me by someone who understands my point of view. She thinks I would love this book. I hope to find out soon.
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 07/25/2008)
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
My friend, Doc, recommends this book on his blog. It sounds intriguing.
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 07/25/2008)
