5 stars (Discernment for "part two" of life) - Our women's circle is studying this book together. We are middle-aged and over but are looking at a time of growth in this next part of our life-journey. The book is helping us to let our lives speak to each other and to ourselves. 5 stars ("Ask me whether what I have done is my life." (1)) - I got this book some time ago, when one of the professors at BC recommended it to me as a way to think about what I wanted to do with my life and of course, I never read it. However, I'm almost glad that I didn't read it until now, because at this point in my life I think I needed it more than I did when I was choosing a path. Palmer is basically telling his own story of vocation, including all the dark spots that he hit along the way. However, he emphasizes the need to see the good and the possibilities for growth in those dark spots. For example, in the final chapter he compares life to the changing seasons in an extended metaphor. For winter, he says, "Despite all appearances, of course, nature is not dead in winter--it has gone underground to renew itself and prepare for spring. Winter is a time when we are admonished, and even inclined, to do the same for ourselves" (101). His main point is that in order to do this (renew ourselves for growth in our vocation), each person should learn to listen to their inner self because that is the only way that we will truly become the full person that God created us to be. He does frequently refer to religious ideas like this but, the nice thing about his writing is even though he is religious, this idea does not overwhelm the book and it can really be for anyone (though I'm sure that an atheist might not get as much out of this as a religious person would). This book helped me to look at my life and see if I could discover what my "inner self" has been trying to tell me, even in times of my darkness and "winter", about my vocation. 5 stars (Palmer is the Real Deal) - I generally make not... Jossey-Bass :: Religion & Christian Education :: Mind :: body :: spirit- disciplines & techniques :: Christian life & practice :: Vocation :: Spirituality - General :: Sociology O :: Let Your Life Speak- Listening for the Voice of Vocation
5 stars (WHAT IF CHRISTIANITY IS THE MOST DANGEROUS THING TO CHRIST??? ) - Christianity Today called A NEW KIND OF CHRISTIAN the most dangerous book this year to Christianity. This may be true, but what if Christianity is the most dangerous thing to Christ??? McLaren's book points toward a real and honest relationship with Christ like no other book I've read. It is culturally relevant without contradicting the Word of God. It IS challenging, but that is a good thing. It is a GOOD thing when someone makes you think outside the box. You don't have to be threatened by that or agree with what they said. Many of the reviews I've read about this book communicate fear, but NOTHING that McLaren said contradicted Christ's life and teachings. If we look at Christ, we will see that it was the RELIGIOUS PEOPLE he was constantly rebuking during his ministry. RELIGION is one of the most threatening things to Christ. McLaren encourages his readers to look to scripture and try looking past the self-serving institution we have created and given the name of "church". "Church" is not supposed to be the country club we've created it to be but a body of believers, seeking Christ. Read the book and genuinely ask Christ to help you discern McLaren's words. If it is not of God, He will give you the wisdom and protection from that. 5 stars (Thought provoking and honest...) - This is a great beginner read to bring in new ideas and theology that will help people who are struggling with how their faith is not only relevant, but also authentic and Christian in the postmodern world. This is an awesome book. 1 stars (A Familiar Kind of Heretic) - King Solomon told us in the Book of Ecclesiastes that there "Is nothing new under the sun." When we reach a time of spiritual crisis, like Brian McLaren's pastor, Dan did in this book, we can react in a number of ways. As Christians we should go back to our roots, to the Creator God, to Jesus, to His words in the Bible, to the people who love us. Or... Jossey-Bass :: Religion & Christianity :: Christian spirituality :: Christian life & practice :: Spirituality - General :: Spiritual life :: Religion - Christian Living :: Relig :: A New Kind of Christian- A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey
