The Next Christians: The Good News About The End Of Christian America (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
The author divides interaction of Christians with culture into the Separatist and Cultural Groups. Separatists include the Insiders, Cultural Warriors and Evangelizers. Insiders interact primarily with other Christians and may come across as "holier than thou" to others. Cultural Warriors get involved in causes that try to right wrongs by protests but don't consider how they are perceived by others. Evangelizers are intent primarily on getting people "saved" but aren't always perceived as loving and compassionate. Cultural Groups include Blenders (identify with beliefs of Christianity at the spiritual level but culturally try to blend in) and Philanthropists (doing good work is their defining mark).The author sees the Next Christians as Restorers who are marked by seven characteristics:1 Provoked, not Offended2 Creators, not Critics3 Called, not Employed4 Grounded, not Distracted5 In community, not Alone6 Civil, not Divisive7 Countercultural, not RelevantI find much food for thought here and as I look at how Jesus interacted with people, I find him doing a work of Restoration. I HIGHLY recommend this easy read or listen... It states clearly all the concerns I've heard each of you voice about the "church" and contemporary "Christianity." But what's more, is he expresses WHAT WE CAN DO next as believers who are unsettled. What was confirmational to me is that Billy Graham is in agreeance with Lyons assessment of the upcoming changes in the Christian faith. I came away secure that it is all in God's plan.
What do You think about The Next Christians: The Good News About The End Of Christian America (2010)?
This is definitely worth a few hours of your time. Encouraging, challenging & timely piece.
—JThobe
