A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey [Paperback]

Brian D. McLaren (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 18, 2008

A Leadership Network Publication

A New Kind of Christian's conversation between a pastor and his daughter's high school science teacher reveals that wisdom for life's most pressing spiritual questions can come from the most unlikely sources. This stirring fable captures a new spirit of Christianity--where personal, daily interaction with God is more important than institutional church structures, where faith is more about a way of life than a system of belief, where being authentically good is more important than being doctrinally "right," and where one's direction is more important than one's present location. Brian McLaren's delightful account offers a wise and wondrous approach for revitalizing Christian spiritual life and Christian congregations.

If you are interested in joining a discussion group devoted to a A New Kind of Christian please visit groups.yahoo.com/group/NKOC.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a milestone in interfaith relations -- a warm hand reaching out to other men and women in this Abrahamic family of faiths. (http://www.readthespirit.com/explore/2008/06/187-conversatio.html)

From the Back Cover

A New Kind of Christian

Book One in The New Kind of Christian Trilogy

The first installment of Brian McLaren's trilogy recounts a lively and intimate conversation between fictional characters Pastor Dan Poole and his daughter's high school science teacher, Neil Oliver. They reflect together about faith, doubt, reason, mission, leadership, and spiritual practice in the emerging postmodern world. A New Kind of Christian offers a tale of hope and spiritual renewal for those who thought they had to give up on faith, God, and church.

"A New Kind of Christian is a landmark in twenty-first century Christianity. This book has and will continue to provoke conversation, debate, even conversion. McLaren charts a new course for the faith. In short, he is a prophet, and this is a prophetic text."
—Tony Jones, author, The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (April 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470248408
• ISBN-13: 978-0470248409
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,989 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, pastor, and networker among innovative Christian leaders, thinkers, and activists. His groundbreaking books include A New Kind of Christian, A Generous Orthodoxy, The Secret Message of Jesus, and Everything Must Change. Named by Time magazine as one of America's top twenty-five evangelicals, McLaren has appeared on Nightline and Larry King Live, and has been covered by The Washington Post and the New York Times.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A necessary reality check in facing postmodernism and Christianity November 9, 2008

By E. Tung

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A New Kind of Christian is Brian McLaren's introductory work into understanding how the postmodern era--as well as the modern, medeival, and Roman eras--have all shaped our perspectives on Christianity. McLaren argues that current evangelical Christianity is one cultural motif--one modern achievment--in conceptualizing the Christian God. Though many aspects of evangelical Christianity are beautiful, true, and good, many aspects are mere "byproducts" of a modernistic worldview and do not necessarily reflect truth and love of Jesus Christ.

McLaren calls Christians to confront the components of Christianity that reflect human culture more than authentic spiritual encounter, and also confront the current postmodern age.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Confirms my "heresy" that I'm not on that road alone February 17, 2010

By R. Isitt

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Tired of conforming to orthodoxy that you're not sure is so accurate? Are you being pulled to something different, deeper, more meaningful yet you still want to be a follower of Jesus? If you are, you're not alone and this book confirms it. I personally don't believe you should read this if you're content in the traditional teachings of mainstream Christianity if you're beholden to orthodoxy. But if you're thinking that you want to expand your thinking,to have that freedom of thought in your faith, to truly search for truth then this book helps to confirm that it's OK. You're not a heretic and you're not leaving God. I must say, I was wondering if I was becoming a "heretic" and some may think that I am with this freedom of thought but I truly believe I'm growing into a deeper, richer relationship with my Savior.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Shack-like Fiction That Promotes Postmodern View May 10, 2010

By MasterAP

Format:Paperback

The first book of a trilogy written in the style of The Shack, McLaren introduces you to A New Kind of Christian.

Pastor Dan Poole has almost given up on the ministry. He is disillusioned and isn't even sure what he believes anymore. Upon taking his daughter to a homegrown rock concert, Pastor Poole meets Neil Oliver - a High School science teacher.

Dan and Neil begin a relationship that will cover faith, doubt, reason, mission, leadership and spiritual practice.

This relationship isn't without its barbs. Some readers may find themselves identifying with Dan as his foundation of spirituality is reconstructed in the postmodern world.

Have you given up on faith, God and the church?

If you've read The Shack and were impacted by it in a positive way, I believe you will gain much from reading the first book of McLaren's New Kind of Christian Trilogy.

Brain McLaren shares his views on a number of topics via the conversations between two fictional characters. It's amazing how a story can present ideas better than a lecture or even a non-fiction inspirational book.

This book was provided for review by Jossey-Bass Publishing.