You may recall a while ago I posted up a quasi review of the book unChristian. nuChristian is meant to be a continuation of the discussion of unChristian and provide some solutions to the problem of, "OK, but where do we go from here?"
In nuChristian, Russell Rathbun addresses several of the issues presented in unChristian directly and offers up how to change our ways of thinking, attitudes, and behaviors to more align with the message of Jesus.
The book is a pretty short read (under 100 pages) and to be quite honest, I wanted more. The author was just starting to get to some meat of a solution and really look at practical things, when the chapter would end and we'd move to another topic.
This became a little frustrating.
But I think I understand the reason.
To list out specific, practical applications is not necessarily helpful. Our specific situations and interactions with people are different. They are not "one size fits all" by any means. And to offer solutions that are "one size fits all" is not only inappropriate, but it tends to belittle the significance and complexity of the problems addressed.
To further personalize the complexities of the issue, this book has a built in mini-study/discussion guide. There are questions strategically placed throughout to generate further thought on topics and summary points/questions at the end of each chapter to continue further discussion. Russel Rathbun realizes that this book is not meant to be an answer to the problem. But it is meant to be another voice in the conversation.
It wasn't what I was expecting/hoping, and that is where my frustration comes in. But what I was hoping for would not necessarily have been helpful. So I'm glad that I got frustrated....if that makes sense. It was a good read though, Russel offered up a large amount of personal examples of his own church and life of what to do (or what not to do) concerning certain ways we are perceived.
The book really drives home the idea that instead of lamenting how the "unchurched" perceive us as hypocritical, judgmental, sheltered, overly political, etc; that we need to focus on changing our behaviors to become more transparent, loving, humble, holistic, and just.
The idea is that the perceptions of these new generations are entirely accurate. And that in changing our behaviors/attitudes and truly engaging new generations, no matter what you want to call them (post-moderns, post-boomers, mosaics, busters, generation x, generation y, generation me, whatever), we will in turn change their perceptions.
The book is a pretty short read (under 100 pages) and to be quite honest, I wanted more. The author was just starting to get to some meat of a solution and really look at practical things, when the chapter would end and we'd move to another topic.
This became a little frustrating.
But I think I understand the reason.
To list out specific, practical applications is not necessarily helpful. Our specific situations and interactions with people are different. They are not "one size fits all" by any means. And to offer solutions that are "one size fits all" is not only inappropriate, but it tends to belittle the significance and complexity of the problems addressed.
To further personalize the complexities of the issue, this book has a built in mini-study/discussion guide. There are questions strategically placed throughout to generate further thought on topics and summary points/questions at the end of each chapter to continue further discussion. Russel Rathbun realizes that this book is not meant to be an answer to the problem. But it is meant to be another voice in the conversation.
It wasn't what I was expecting/hoping, and that is where my frustration comes in. But what I was hoping for would not necessarily have been helpful. So I'm glad that I got frustrated....if that makes sense. It was a good read though, Russel offered up a large amount of personal examples of his own church and life of what to do (or what not to do) concerning certain ways we are perceived.
The book really drives home the idea that instead of lamenting how the "unchurched" perceive us as hypocritical, judgmental, sheltered, overly political, etc; that we need to focus on changing our behaviors to become more transparent, loving, humble, holistic, and just.
The idea is that the perceptions of these new generations are entirely accurate. And that in changing our behaviors/attitudes and truly engaging new generations, no matter what you want to call them (post-moderns, post-boomers, mosaics, busters, generation x, generation y, generation me, whatever), we will in turn change their perceptions.
