'A New Kind of Christianity' suffers from the same problems as Brian McLaren's other books - lots of 'right on' sentiments, an occasional piece of piercing Scriptural exegesis but little in the way of practical conclusions.As usual, McLaren pitches his work at leaders and other members of the evangelical American right - the community he was raised in. To some his suggestions will be unthinkable, the basest heresy, but to those of a more liberal bent they will probably just seem like common sense. That's not to say it's all fluff. The chapters on homosexuality and inter-faith relations were thought provoking, but I finished this book feeling hungry for something more substantial. I have heard Brian McClaren preach a couple of times and had hoped his writing would be better than his preaching, but such is not the case. He advances a progressive and challenging view of Christianity, which is remarkable given his background in conservative Christianity, but he writes in a boring and pedantic style and so after nearly a year of trying, I decided to speed read to get through it. His asserts a number of major points for consideration, but what I found most helpful is at the end of the book when he invites people into a genuine, humble, kind conversation about living out faith that is engaged in the transformation of the world into one that reflects justice, compassion, inclusiveness, peacemaking, and environmental responsibility. The point is not churchiness, nor dogma, but a community of those who seek to find meaning in honest engagement.
What do You think about New Kind Of Christianity (2010)?
I found this book interesting and gave me a lot to think about it.
—Sofia
Fascinating new look at Biblical and church ideas
—Sarah
This book was exactly what I was looking for.
—Nanys
