The Colors of God by Dave Phillips, Quentin Steen & Randall Peters

The Colors of God by Dave Phillips, Quentin Steen & Randall Peters

OK, so the Church is broken, now what? If you're like me, you've read a lot of books containing theory as to the why and the what of church problems and solutions. But what if we had a collaborative effort of church theorist-practitioners who produce solid paradigms, but do so in the context of sharing and testing in a local congregation? We do: It's called The Colors of God. This memorable collaboration, involving Dave Phillips, Quentin Steen and Randall "Peg" Peters takes readers on an unforgettable intellectual and practical exploration of the Christian faith as it is lived out in neXus church in Abbotsford, BC. In Colors of God, the three authors utilize a unique conversational style to raise key questions and challenge theological assumptions about what constitutes Christian faith and how to embody that within a local church community. This book finds itself within the 'emerging church' stream and yet moves beyond simple theological arguments. Instead, the authors attempt to lay out a useful framework for what it means to practically live out one’s faith in light of the Kingdom of God. Using colors to depict the different aspects of the Kingdom, they move beyond creed and belief into color, art, action and grace. Something I especially appreciate is their seriously playful effort to incorporate the grace-soaked insights of Episcopal priest Robert Farrar Capon into the DNA of their congregation. Colors of God is the perfect book for anyone who questions aspects of their beliefs and longs to integrate better assumptions with a holistic faith community. About the Authors Quentin Steen has been the quirky husband to his fife for over fifteen years and the dazed and confused father to their three children. They live in Kelowna, B.C., Canada, where he works as a labor specialist and part-time speaker. He is finishing an MA in Leadership and Philosophy of Religion. As a third generation pastor he has fought hard against the destructive stigma of the Evangelical subculture. Dave Phillips teaches in a Graduate School of Marriage and Family Therapy. He also leads workshops and corporate seminars on Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness Training and is a soft skills consultant for a Canadian Labour Association. Dave holds 2 graduate degrees in Therapy and Theology and is an approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Dave loves to golf, loves the Vancouver Canucks and is an avid consumer and critic of modern film. Randall Peters was a seasonal lecturer of philosophy and religion at Trinity Western University for seven years and now hosts a daily television show in Vancouver, Canada, on religion and culture. He has a graduate degree in theology and did PhD Studies at Simon Fraser University. When you post your review, help the wider community by adding the hashtag: #vb-colors [hide] Link-love for your review: http://nexuschurch.com [1] - the congregation these authors started Interview Availability: The authors are available for blog and podcast interviews. If you'd like to interview them, please email me at zoecarnate@theooze.com [/hide] [1] http://nexuschurch.com

The Red Letters Project – Matthew

The Red Letters Project – Matthew

What if rock operas like Godspell and Jesus Christ, Superstar were produced by somewhat more...reverent talents? You might get The Red Letters Project, an ambitious and eclectic 3-disc performance based on the "red letter" words of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. Drawn word-for-word from the New Living Translation, it's a real listening experience, featuring 40 tracks, both sung and narrated. If you're used to spoken-word audio Bibles, The Red Letters Project can be a welcome break. The kaleidoscope of musical influences is quite the aural experience - my ears pick up influences including Coldplay, Aerosmith, Hootie and the Blowfish, Lenny Kravitz, James Blunt, Linkin Park, Arctic Monkeys, Gorillaz and Weezer. The audio is mixed by Brad Gilderman (Madonna, Motley Crue, Destiny’s Child) and produced by entertainment-industry legend Russ Regan. If you're a fan of Jesus, audio bibles, or a music aficionado, I think The Red Letters Project will give you something to listen to...and talk about. When you post your review, help the wider community by adding the hashtag: #vb-redletters [hide] Link-love for your review: http://theredlettersproject.com/ http://theredlettersproject.com/ - the official site http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Red-Letters-Project/132091547202 - The Red Letters Facebook Page [/hide]

Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

What if Kurt Vonnegut wrote a novel (thinly disguised as memoir - or perhaps vice-versa) about a man's interaction with hallucinations of Jesus? This is quite nearly what Matt Mikalatos accomplishes in Imaginary Jesus [1]. A tame, predictable 'Christian novel' this ain't. When Jesus gets punched in the face after wrestling with the Apostle Peter in a 21st century Portland diner, readers may question whether it would be blasphemous to keep on reading. But after a scene like that who would be able to keep from reading just one more page? As Jesus runs off, Mikalatos, being both author and main character, demands an explanation from Peter. After all, that is his own personal Jesus Peter just hit, interrupting the awkward lunch they were having. Peter justifies himself by saying that was not the real Jesus at all, only (wait for it...) an imaginary Jesus. The rest of the story unfolds in the same sharp-witted, mind-bending, faith-challenging excursion. Matt and Peter chase after this imaginary Jesus in Peter's valiant attempt to show Matt the lies he has believed about his faith all along - for only by seeing the lies will Matt ever come to know the real Jesus. Though styled as a live documentary from real life writer Matt Mikalatos, do not expect to find typical reality in this very fictional novel. Reality flies out of the book as soon as Jesus steps into the diner with his sandaled feet and iPod. Think iconoclasm and theological suspense - this very different novel has both in spades! [hide] Sorry, we're fresh out of Imaginary Jesus! (You can always find it at your favorite local bookstore, or here [2].) If you'd like to review something this month, we still have limited copies of Dan Brennan's book on opposite-sex friendships [3] amongst singles and marrieds available. Link-Love for your Review: http://imaginaryjesus.com [4]/ - a pretty cool book site http://myimaginaryjesus.com [5]/ - a contest that Mikalatos is running http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FBO0qrxHIw [6] - A well-done book trailer http://blog.imaginaryjesus.com [7]/ - Matt's blog Interview Availability: Matt is available for blog and podcast interviews. If you'd like to interview Matt, please email Todd Littleton at Todd@theooze.com [/hide] [1] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414335636?ie=UTF8&tag=zoecarnatecom-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1414335636 [2] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414335636?ie=UTF8&tag=zoecarnatecom-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1414335636 [3] http://viralbloggers.com/2010/04/sacred-unions-sacred-passions-by-dan-brennan/ [4] http://imaginaryjesus.com [5] http://myimaginaryjesus.com [6] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FBO0qrxHIw [7] http://blog.imaginaryjesus.com

Sacred Unions, Sacred Passions by Dan Brennan

Sacred Unions, Sacred Passions by Dan Brennan

Can men and women be friends? Beneath the din of louder conversations on sexuality – such as on matters of divorce or homosexuality – this is the question that rings most persistently.  And – as in When Harry Met Sally – it’s usually answered in the negative, especially in evangelical circles where ‘avoid all appearances of evil’ is interpreted from pulpits as ‘never be alone with the opposite sex, either.’ And yet cross-gender friendships are here – are we going to fight them or embrace them with the breadth of wisdom and spirituality? Dan Brennan takes a volatile subject and handles it provocatively, yet pastorally. Even if readers don't agree with every conclusion, this book dares to be read. The Buzz: "Brennan's treatment of the subject matter is robust, thorough, balanced, well-researched, and thought-provoking. Brennan offers a biblical treatment for his thesis, which I think is most important." --John Fortin, Catholic philosopher "Dan Brennan provides a provocative path to rethinking our sexuality and cross-gender friendships. It may be that sex scandals and broken marriages among Christians is the result of a famine in cross-gender friendships. With sensitivity and insight Brennan explores an often uncomfortable topic and what may be the Achilies' heel of Christian relationships. A must read for people seeking to build authentic Christian community." Lilian Calles Barger, author, Eve's Revenge "Dan Brennan opens a spiritual treasure chest and peers into an untapped resource that has been largely hidden from our sight: the gift of agape between the sexes. In Sacred Unions, Sacred Passions, he encourages Christians, with tenderness and thorough scholarship, to reach beyond fear of sexuality and engage the cross-gender friendships in in their life that can help ignite their spiritual growth." Rev. Carole Hallundbaek, award-winning author of Saints in Love, theologian, and spiritual director, and was consultant to PBS series Religion & Ethics Weekly. [hide] [1] :: Special Viral Blogger Section :: Link-love for your review: http://danbrennan.typepad.com [2] – Dan Brennan’s blog Coming Soon: Dan Brennan interviewed by Spencer Burke on http://theOoze.tv [3] ! Your Amazon-affiliate link of course. J Interview Availability: Dan is available for blog and podcast interviews. You can contact him at dbrennanj@gmail.com [4] Your Commitment: Remember, your commitment is to write a blog post (minimum 50 words) about Sacred Unions, Sacred Passions within 30 days. Thank you! [/hide] [1] http://viralbloggers.wufoo.com/forms/sacred-unions-sacred-passions/ [2] http://danbrennan.typepad.com/ [3] http://theooze.tv/ [4] http://viralbloggers.commailto:dbrennanj@gmail.com

Laughing with Sarah by Gene Jennings

Laughing with Sarah by Gene Jennings

Following Christ is a journey. It has mountaintops and valleys, sure – but most of the time, we are somewhere in between. There are times when God shows us something so unbelievable that we, like Sarah in Genesis, laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. There are also times when he moves us so profoundly that we can do nothing but stare in awe. This is a collection of essays that will trigger thoughts, incite wisdom, and share earthy insight to help you along the way - wherever it is you may find yourself - on the journey with God. Contents: 1. The Thanksgiving Killer 2. Another Night with the Frogs 3. The Joy of Do-Overs 4. God Chooses You 5. Buried Treasure 6. Laughing with Sarah 7. His Hands 8. The Dynamite Box 9. Is It in You? 10. Getting Deep 11. When God Comes Quickly 12. The Main Business of Your Life 13. What the World Needs to Know [hide] [1] :: Special Viral Blogger Section :: Link-love for your review: http://www.genejennings.com [2] - Gene’s blog http://www.laughingwithsarah.blogspot.com [3] – Laughing With Sarah booksite Your Amazon-affiliate link of course. Interview Availability: Gene is available for blog and podcast interviews. You can interview him if you select this title. Remember, your commitment is to write a blog post (minimum 50 words) about Laughing with Sarah within 30 days. Thank you! [/hide] [1] http://viralbloggers.wufoo.com/forms/laughing-with-sarah/ [2] http://www.genejennings.com/ [3] http://www.laughingwithsarah.blogspot.com/

As Is by Krista Finch

As Is by Krista Finch

This is life: noisy, dirty, dangerous. And it’s the best we get in this fast-paced, hard-nosed, crazy-making world. But is there more than chaos, commotion and calamity? Is there some majesty even in the dust? In this unique compilation of journey notes, new author Krista Finch asks these questions, speaking honestly about herself and the world around her. With curiosity and passion, she digs into ordinary moments for the truth about awakening and reawakening. Brokenness and beauty. Ruins and restoration. And what she keeps finding in the clumps and clods is nothing short of glory. Welcome to life as is – unfinished but beautiful. Krista’s a new author; her fresh voice will appeal to women and men alike. Check it out! [hide] [1] :: Special Viral Blogger Section :: Link-love for your review: http://kristafinch.com [2] – author’s page http://swervepress.com [3] – publisher’s page http://www.ijm.org [4] – 10% of the proceeds from all sales go to the International Justice Mission Your Amazon-affiliate link of course. J About Krista: Krista Finch has been writing for 15 years, and As Is is her first published book. Her Midwestern, nuclear family upbringing feels familiar to many readers, but so does her fiery sarcasm, sharp wit, and unique angle on life. Krista lives a simple life with her husband in Nashville, TN, where they devour books, create art, laugh with friends, and linger over homemade pizza and delicious conversation. Interview Availability: Krista is available for blog and podcast interviews. You can contact her if you select this title. Your Commitment: Remember, your commitment is to write a blog post (minimum 50 words) about As Is within 30 days. Thank you! [/hide] [1] http://viralbloggers.wufoo.com/forms/as-is/ [2] http://kristafinch.com/ [3] http://swervepress.com/ [4] http://www.ijm.org/

The Gospel You’ve Never Heard: Who Really Goes to Hell? by David Rudel

The Gospel You’ve Never Heard: Who Really Goes to Hell? by David Rudel

Do you ever struggle with how limited our contemporary understandings of the gospel seem? How Jesus and Paul sometimes seem to be saying different - indeed, opposite - things about the 'good news'? About why there seems to be the good news of Jesus and good news about Jesus? If so, then The Gospel You've Never Heard by David Rudel is for you. The Gospel You've Never Heard makes a lateral move away from conventional descriptions of the Bible's teachings in a way that allows the reader to view modern dogmas of the Left and Right alike through a fresh lens. The book's first two chapters raise questions evangelical Christianity has considerable trouble answering. Rather than attempt incredible rhetorical acrobatics to explain away these very real issues, the author asks the reader to entertain, at least provisionally, that there might be genuine Biblical problems with the gospel portrayed by the modern church. Questions like: Why are the dozens of descriptions of the Judgment conveyed in Matthew, Mark, and Luke so at odds with the version(s) described by modern Christians? In light of Jesus' teaching (Judge not and you will not be judged and By the same measure you judge others, you shall be judged yourself), what does the former of these say about non-believers who do not judge others...or believers who do? How does the latter compare with the claims of modern Christians that God has no choice but to judge everyone against the same standard of perfection? Rudel does not merely bring up these and many other difficulties; he also describes how the message of the modern Christian church matches neither the prophecies of the Old Testament specifying the work of the Messiah nor the evangelism of the early apostles showcased in the book of Acts. Even so, this book is no attack on Christianity or the Bible. Rather, it describes the myriad problems caused by trying to scrunch the ancient Christian gospel into a Western, human-centered, 21st-century mindset. For fans of scholars of like N.T. Wright, E.P. Sanders, and James Dunn, Rudel brings clarity to Christ's purpose by appealing to the Jewish framework the New Testament was written within. In Rudel's estimation, Jesus' teachings, Paul's writings, and God's Judgment all make sense and come alive once we let God's work and desires speak more clearly than Western philosophy and human insecurity. In getting 'judgment' right, God's work in Christ and Christ's work as Judge become clear. Rudel convincingly claims that most of the modern gospel is based on "natural theology" rather than the Bible. In opposition to this, The Gospel You've Never Heard provides an understanding of salvation and the final judgment that is rooted in the Bible's native tongue, as narrative rather than scattershot verse pastiche. Rather than twist and reinterpret Jesus' words to fit within a framework dictated by a few choice passages written 20 years later by Paul, Rudel shows Jesus' teachings on the Judgment and Paul's ostensibly opposed writings on salvation can peacefully coexist once we understand what each refers to. The Gospel You've Never Heard is intended to act as a bridge among disparate seekers of spiritual truth. Conservative Christians, those traditionally in favor of a 'literal' reading of scripture, can mature spiritually by grappling with very real, very important, and very biblical issues. Progressive Christians, who may long ago have eschewed a serious esteem for the Bible, will be challenged to reconsider their evaluation of scripture's place and value. Non-Christians will find a refreshing vision of Christianity here that is less easily dismissed for the simple reason that it makes far more sense and avoids the cardboard-cutout versions of God many accuse evangelicals of portraying. The book responds to a lot of questions people have, questions that are not often presented in church and are seldom engaged satisfactorily when someone is brave enough to bring them up. Rudel's vision exhorts all Christians to better engage and value this world, the creation they are called to transform into a Kingdom where the oppressed are uplifted while justice, truth, peace, and love reign. About David Rudel David Rudel was a theoretic mathematician; now he's a writer, editor, mathematical modeler, and theologian working on church reform. He's written three chess books and this one on Christian theology. [hide] :: Special Viral Blogger Section :: We're out of hard copies of this title! However, you can email Mike at zoecarnate@theooze.com for an eBook copy! Link-love for your review: David's blog: http://www.authentic-christianity.net/ [1] The Gospel You've Never Heard booksite: http://www.whoreallygoestohell.com/ [2] David's website on chess strategy: http://www.zukertort.com/ [3] ...and of course, your Amazon affiliates link. : ) Interview Availability: David is available for blog and podcast interviews. If you'd like to interview David, email him at David@biblicalheresy.com with "OOZE Viral Blogger Interview Request" in the subject line. [/hide] [1] http://www.authentic-christianity.net/ [2] http://www.whoreallygoestohell.com/ [3] http://www.zukertort.com/

The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley

The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley

The Ten Commandments, tithing and the need to ask forgiveness are just a few of the teachings that Christians can jettison when they embrace the unadorned gospel of Jesus Christ, says author and pastor Andrew Farley in his new book, The Naked Gospel: The Truth You May Never Hear in Church. This gospel boils down to a simple equation: Jesus plus nothing. The Naked Gospel challenges Christians to rethink everything they thought they knew about their faith. Farley proposes a simple - yet paradigm-altering - focus on Jesus. It requires as much unlearning as learning, and a willingness to peel away the layers of religiosity that obscure what Jesus accomplished through his life, death, and resurrection. As a young man, Farley was consumed with the fear that God was disappointed with his performance as a Christian. An intense desire to excel in the spiritual arena led to full-on addiction to street evangelism and Bible study—it got so bad that Farley couldn’t sleep at night unless he had witnessed to someone, so he’d jump out of bed and run to a 24-hour convenience store to evangelize. He ended up losing his friends and hitting rock bottom, exhausted and burnt out. “How would you like to become a Christian and be miserable like me?” could have been his testimony, he says. Farley’s experience is admittedly extreme, but that background helps him understand why many Christians opt, as he did, for hoops to jump through to impress God. Christianity is more than a behavior-improvement program dressed up in religious clothing. Farley explains the mystical “exchange of nature” in which those who place their faith in Christ undergo a change at the center of their being, becoming a new person in Christ. It’s as though new, living DNA is inserted into a Christian’s spirit, Farley says. So, Jesus lives in a Christian right now, providing them not just with a ticket to heaven, but with the power to change and live a new life. This new life in Christ means that Christians do not need the Ten Commandments as a moral guide. In fact, Farley says, Christians need to get over their fixation with Old Testament law. He points to the Book of Hebrews as a lengthy argument for abandonment of the Old and adoption of the New. “Understanding that the law has no place in the life of a Christian keeps us from the error of legalism,” Farley says. “Life is radically different on this side of the cross, a truth we must recognize as we study the Old Testament.” If Christians are truly living in Christ, they don’t need a moral code to instruct them on how to live righteous lives. Rather, “the motivation for daily living in the New Testament centers around acting like the person you truly are and benefitting from Christ’s life in the here and now.” The new covenant means that for Christians: their relationship to religious law is now all gone; their old selves are all gone; their sins are now all gone; obstacles preventing closeness to God are now all gone. Farley has encountered resistance to his message, and he understands that The Naked Gospel will be controversial among some Christians, even though it is totally Jesus-centered. “If it’s the real thing, it will change lives radically but it will also bring controversy. Wherever the real gospel is taught it results in false accusations of many kinds,” he says. “As we put forgiveness, freedom, identity and a new life side by side, we encounter a gospel that at first glance appears dangerous, but upon further examination we discover how brilliant God is in designing a bulletproof covenant that brings real relationship and change into our lives,” Farley writes. About Andrew Farley Andrew Farley is no stranger to challenging traditional beliefs and encouraging Christians to take another look at what they believe. The lead teaching pastor of Ecclesia (EcclesiaOnline.com), a growing church on the high plains of Texas, Farley also co-hosts “Real Life in Christ,” a thought-provoking television program that disputes many long-held ideas about Christian living. It airs every week on ABC-TV in West Texas and New Mexico. Farley earned his bachelor’s degree from Furman University, a master’s degree from The University of Georgia and a Ph.D. from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Before moving to Texas, where he is now a tenured professor at Texas Tech University, Farley served as a professor at the University of Notre Dame for five years. He teaches courses in second language acquisition and an Honors seminar course titled “Early Church and Contemporary Christianity in Conflict.” Farley has received teaching excellence awards or recognitions from three different universities. He has authored or co-authored a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles and three textbooks published by McGraw-Hill Higher Education. He lives in Lubbock, Texas with his wife, Katharine Hayhoe, and their son, Gavin. [hide] :: Special Viral Blogger Section :: We're out of hard copies of this title! However, you can email Mike at zoecarnate@theooze.com for an eBook copy! Link-love for your review: The Naked Gospel booksite: http://www.thenakedgospel.com/ [1] The Naked Gospel $5,000 songwriting contest: http://www.thenakedgospelproject.com/ [2] Ecclesia Church website: http://ChurchWithoutReligion.com [3] ...and of course, your Amazon affiliates link. : ) Interview Availability: Andrew is available for blog and podcast interviews. If you'd like to interview Andrew, email him at nakedgospel@gmail.com with "OOZE Viral Blogger Interview Request" in the subject line. [/hide] [1] http://www.thenakedgospel.com/ [2] http://www.thenakedgospelproject.com/ [3] http://churchwithoutreligion.com/

After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters by N.T. Wright

After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters by N.T. Wright

If you want to write a Christian best-seller these days, there are a few tried-and-true methods. One is to write Christian self-help; how to have your "best life now." Another is to write taking an extreme position on some theological matter or another, like how we need to change or die, or why we need to retrench in our received traditions or die. But what if the things that pique our ears are drowning out other, subtler - but absolutely crucial - themes in Christian spirituality, themes long-lost and long-overdue for recovery? This is the conviction of New Testament scholar, gentle provocateur, and Anglican bishop of Durham, England N.T. Wright. Following up on his widely-acclaimed Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope, Wright poses a simple question: What is our purpose? If that question sounds familiar (see the above discussion about Christian bestsellers), Wright's answer is decidedly unfamiliar in today's spiritual and intellectual climate: Christ-like virtue in the here and now. And if that answer sounds boring, well, you haven't heard it coming from Bishop Tom's pen. Wright dispels the common misconception that Christian living is nothing more than a checklist of dos and don'ts. Nor is it a prescription to "follow your heart" wherever it may lead. Instead, After You Believe reveals the Bible's call for a revolution—a transformation of character that takes us beyond our earthly pursuit of money, sex, and power into a virtuous state of living that allows us to reflect God and live more worshipful, fulfilling lives. In so doing, the question of what we're doing in this ambiguous time between baptism and funeral becomes much less staid and much more invigorating, as we discover the essence of Kingdom living here and now. [hide] :: Special Viral Blogger Section :: I'm so sorry, we're requested-out of this title! (You can, of course, always purchase it at your local bookseller or here [1].) But! We have two awesome [2] (and somewhat opposing) books on The Gospel [3] available for review; 'The Gospel You've Never Heard' is particularly Wright-ian. Feel free to select BOTH of these, actually, as I'd love to hear your point/counterpoint reviews on this all-important subject. ------- Requesting After You Believe Due to the high expected demand for reviewing this title, we have an additional request made for anyone who would like After You Believe: Could you have it reviewed within 10-14 days of receiving it? It’s an engaging read, and once you begin it’s doubtful you’ll want to put it down. We’re not asking you to relax your usual standards of writing and podcasting integrity; you can love the book, loathe it, or anything in between. But the publisher has requested that we get our initial reviews into the blogosphere coinciding with the book release date, and we’d like to honor this request. You’ll be among the first readers on the continent to receive a copy of this book, weeks before the release date. Link-love for your review: N.T. Wright doesn't maintain a personal web page, but a comprehensive one is maintained for him here: http://www.ntwrightpage.com/ [4] Browse inside: http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061730559/After_You_Believe/index.aspx [5] Interview Availability: N.T. Wright is available for a limited amount of interviews with bloggers and podcasters. If you’d like to be considered for a review, email me at zoecarnate@theooze.com [6] and I’ll connect you with his publicist. [/hide] [1] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061730556?ie=UTF8&tag=zoecarnatecom-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0061730556 [2] http://viralbloggers.com/tag/gospel/ [3] http://viralbloggers.com/tag/gospel/ [4] http://www.ntwrightpage.com/ [5] http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061730559/After_You_Believe/index.aspx [6] http://viralbloggers.commailto:zoecarnate@theooze.com

A New Kind of Christianity by Brian McLaren

A New Kind of Christianity by Brian McLaren

Ten years ago, Brian McLaren started asking probing, unconventional, and sometimes-controversial questions about his Christian faith. As a pastor-turned-author, he discovered that he wasn’t alone: Many people worldwide were asking similar questions; the conversations and action that followed have created a movement. From The Church On The Other Side and his New Kind of Christian novel trilogy, to A Generous Orthodoxy and Everything Must Change, Brian has been on a journey to re-envision what it means to faithfully follow Jesus in the 21st century. Brian isn’t finished questing and questioning. Whether you love his work or it makes you nervous, whether you’ve read his every book or have lost track with him these past few years, his latest offering is his most important and striking to date: A New Kind of Christianity. In it, Brian asks ten questions that attempt to integrate our inner lives with our outward actions, to align our beliefs with how we live in increasingly interconnected global community. These questions are: The Narrative Question: What Is the Overarching Storyline of the Bible? The Authority Question: How Should the Bible Be Understood? The God Question: Is God Violent? The Jesus Question: Who is Jesus and Why is He Important? The Gospel Question: What Is the Gospel? The Church Question: What Do We Do About the Church? The Sex Question: Can We Find a Way to Address Sexuality Without Fighting About It? The Future Question: Can We Find a Better Way of View the Future? The Pluralism Question: How Should Followers of Jesus Relate to People of Other Religions? The What Do We Do Now Question: How Can We Translate Our Quest into Action? TheOOZE will be working extensively with Brian to explore the issues he raises; stay tuned to TheOOZE.tv [1] for exclusive interviews! [hide] Requested Out! Wow, that was fast - record time actually. If you do decide to read the book anyway [2], please re-post any thoughts you have on it in this space. And stay tuned, as there will be opportunities to win personal book group discussions with Brian. :: Special Viral Blogger Section :: Requesting A New Kind of Christianity Due to the high expected demand for reviewing this title, we have an additional request made for anyone who would like A New Kind of Christianity: Could you have it reviewed within 10-14 days of receiving it? It’s an engaging read, and once you begin it’s doubtful you’ll want to put it down. We’re not asking you to relax your usual standards of writing and podcasting integrity; you can love the book, loathe it, or anything in between. But the publisher has requested that we get our initial reviews into the blogosphere coinciding with the book release date, and we’d like to honor this request. (We hope to work with Brian’s publisher, HarperOne, lots more in the near future – take a look [3] and we think you’ll agree; they publish copious amounts of material that you’d like to review!) You’ll be the first readers on the continent to receive a copy of this book, weeks before the release date. Link-love for your review: Brian’s personal website [4] Brian OOZEtv Channel Preview [5] Brian & Spencer on Think:FWD [6] Brian on Facebook [7] Brian on Twitter [8] Browse inside [9] A New Kind of Christianity. Interview Availability: Brian is available for a limited amount of blog and podcast interviews. You will receive interview contact information should you choose to review this book. [/hide] [1] http://theooze.tv [2] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061853984?ie=UTF8&tag=zoecarnatecom-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0061853984 [3] http://www.harpercollinscatalogs.com/harper/517_1050.htm [4] http://brianmclaren.net [5] http://theooze.tv/brian-mclaren/brian-mclaren-channel-coming-february [6] http://theooze.tv/thinkfwd/brian-mclaren [7] http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-D-McLaren/65814657989 [8] http://twitter.com/BrianMcLaren [9] http://browseinside.harpercollins.com/index.aspx?isbn13=9780061853982