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Is it necessary?
I have been pondering whether or not I should read a book that was recently released. There has been much attention given to the author and speculation about the contents of the book. Even I have been caught up the circus surrounding the release. I watched with rapt attention a town hall meeting and multiple television interviews by the author.
But as I sat in the chair last night and price-checked the book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the iBookstore, I did not feel good about buying it. I was rationalizing to myself why I needed to buy the book; in order to discuss the book with those who have read it, I needed to read it.
Around midnight I had just finished a book, The Art of Curating Worship (fantastic if you are at all interested in worship design and the arts), when I realized why it was not necessary for me to read this new controversial book. The list below is a summary of my reasons.
- People whom I trust and are smarter than I read the book and summarized the fallacies, and each of the summaries corroborate the others findings.
- It is not a wise financial decision to spend money on a book whose findings I know to be untrue, and whose author will be more empowered when more people buy the book.
- My position on the matter will not change and my defense of the subject is not strengthened by author’s musings, it is strengthened by reading Scripture faithfully.
Because of these points I believe it would not be profitable to read what seems like the book of the moment. Time will pass and controversies like these will wane as they have done in the past.
Book Review: Radical by David Platt
In short, the book seemed like familiar content delivered in an arrogant manner.
This book was read to familiarize myself with a popular book this is affecting some Christian circles. I believe Platt’s basic premise is good; that many Christians seek after the American Dream more than the teachings of Jesus. This call back to love God and the Lost is a good thing.
My dislike of this book comes in the tone and blanket generalities. Platt’s voice is arrogant, which he may not be, and his application of principles is overly simplistic.
Near the end of the book his tone becomes that of a Shepard and teacher. If he had taken this voice and care throughout I would have been able to recommend this book. Sadly, he did not, and I can only recommend this read to those like myself, who would like to be knowledgable on a popular Christian book.
You can find the Kindle book here.
Book Review: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
I was hesitant to read another Donald Miller book.
Blue Like Jazz did not resonate with me. Some people who know me would say that is because I struggle with empathy. That may be true, but I could not finish the book.
Upon a recommendation from a friend, I decided to take the plunge and read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. Saying I enjoyed the book is an understatement. I love this book.
If you are interested in story or living a good story, you need to read this book. It has changed my outlook on life.
Find the book here on Amazon.
Liminality
Liminality – –noun Anthropology .the transitional period or phase of a rite of passage, during which the participant lacks social status or rank, remains anonymous, shows obedience and humility, and follows prescribed forms of conduct, dress, etc.
Dictionary.com
While reading The Art of Curating Worship by Mark Pierson the idea is raised of liminality as it relates to personal spiritual transformation. Pierson explains that when curating a worship experience it is important to leave room for a liminal experience in a person’s life. Spiritual moments that move an individual to a new level of understanding can be called liminal. They cannot be forced. Room must be allowed for God to push us outside of our current limitations and into a new place of knowledge and comfort.
My life, right now, seems to be in one of these liminal moments. Spiritual connections are being made from many sources. One day it is a book(or 3) or a blog post. At other times dots are connected while working on a painting or talking with a wise pastor.
The question for me becomes, for the people with whom I am a steward of, how can I curate our time and space to allow for this spiritual liminality to take place?
Currently Reading
Just thought I would list the books that I am currently reading. Each of the books is impacting my understanding of different things; some positively, some negatively. When I finish these books you may see a comment or two here on the blog.
I am currently reading…
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller
Radical by David Platt
The Art of Curating Worship by Mark Pierson
Decision Points by George W. Bush
What is on your reading list at the moment?
Evaluation in progress…
