10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A necessary reality check in facing postmodernism and Christianity, November 9, 2008
This review is from: A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) (Paperback)
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.
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8 of 9 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
This review is from: A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) (Paperback)
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.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Shack-like Fiction That Promotes Postmodern View, May 10, 2010
This review is from: A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) (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.
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