To me, a good non-fiction book, is one that provokes thought. I’m really not interested in reading books that just re-say what I already believe in a new way. I’d rather just watch TV.
What I’ve always liked about Brian McLaren is that he is apparently a glutton for punishment, and is willing to stir the pot, at the risk of being called a heretic. In this book he doesn’t disappoint.
Here’s my simplest review: If you hate Brian McLaren, you’ll find more reason to in this book. But, on the other hand, if you’re like me and you like to ask questions and you’re interested in how other people think and good conversations are more important to you than watertight answers, you’ll like this book. A lot.
That doesn’t mean I agree with everything he says. Let’s be clear about that, before my critics go off and start telling their friends that I’m a heretic because I like Brian McLaren. It does mean, however, that I look forward to reading this book again, as soon as I can get a group of people who are willing to read it with me and discuss it.
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I disagree with Mclaren more now than I ever did before.
I also still agree with his views on community, and our missional call as the church.
And irregardless of how much I agree or disagree he is still a vital voice. To simply mark him as heretic and move on – essentially turning a deaf ear to him is closing out a discussion that will spur us to think better as churches and leaders.
I find great growth in the things I read that I don’t agree with, or that fall out of my “safe zone.”
Charlie,
(or really to anyone intrested)
You might look into a book entitled “What Would Jesus Decustruct” by John D. Caputo–McLaren wrote the forward.