Archive for ‘Believing’

For you Shack fans

By Monica Brand, 29 January, 2010, 3 Comments

From the Christian Post:

The publishing world sees very few books reach blockbuster status, but William Paul Young’s The Shack has now exceeded even that. The book, originally self-published by Young and two friends, has now sold more than 10 million copies and has been translated into over thirty languages. It is now one of the best-selling paperback books of all time, and its readers are enthusiastic.

Follow the link to read the rest of the article. To date, it’s the best I’ve seen regarding the church’s (unfortunate) fondness for  Young’s book.

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Doctrine, theology and . . . orthodoxy?

By Monica Brand, 18 January, 2010, 1 Comment

Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

The word orthodoxy literally means “right opinion.” In the context of Christian faith, orthodoxy is shorthand for getting your opinion or thoughts about God right. It is teaching and beliefs based on the established, proven, cherished truths of the faith.

(page 14, Dug Down Deep)

Orthodoxy.

It’s mentioned frequently in Dug Down Deep (Unearthing What I Believe and Why it Matters) by Joshua Harris. (Much thanks to the publisher for my free copy.) When I think of the term orthodoxy, I immediately think of the Brian D. McLaren book, A Generous Orthodoxy, a somewhat-controversial book (From what I know of it, as I have yet to read it. My library doesn’t have it, and when I once requested it from BookSwim, it was a no-go. Boohoo.)

Harris was raised in the Evangelical church, so I was surprised to see him using the term so liberally in his latest book.

On the back cover:

. . . seemingly worn-out words like theology, doctrine, and orthodoxy were the pathway to the mysterious, awe-filled experience of truly knowing the living Jesus Christ.

And:

. . . orthodoxy isn’t just for old men but for anyone who longs to behold a God who is bigger and more real . . .

Interesting.

Skeptical Monica doesn’t like this word one bit. Sorry, Josh. Aren’t doctrine and theology enough? Must we Evangelicals take on orthodoxy too?

To me – the great Bible scholar that I am *wink* – orthodoxy is the tradition of men. And this Christian ain’t too keen on the traditions. Just give me Jesus and his Word.

Thoughts? Opinions? Disgust I would dare mention such serious topics on my normally lighthearted blog?

What does the word orthodox mean to you?

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The social justice fad?

By Monica Brand, 12 January, 2010, 9 Comments

Simple Compassion by Keri Wyatt Kent

Have you noticed? Social justice is a popular topic for the online church.

I spend a lot of time online reading blogs, surfing social media and listening to the chatter of the connected, Internet church. And it seems a lot of online Christians are into social justice.

Social justice is all over Sojourners. Blogs, blogs, blogs. So many blogs. (I wish I had more of these examples to share, as I’ve read a lot about this subject from various Christian bloggers, but I never bookmarked them.)

Of course there are books. Justice in the Burbs and The Irresistible Revolution, and there are more I’ve never read. And now Simple Compassion by Keri Wyatt Kent (I received a free copy from the publisher.) There is even a Social Justice Reading Challenge.

I’m not against helping people in need; I know what the Bible says. I’m not immune to feeling the pull toward social justice issues. Heck, I even have a social justice category here on this blog.

Still I’m concerned.

Is all of this a fad, the latest trend in our Christian-online clique? Or is this a true, Holy Spirit inspired move of God? In my flesh-and-blood church, I hear little about sex trafficking, clean water, or poverty, all popular issues within the online church.  That strikes me as odd.

Christians, we mustn’t forget it’s a grace salvation, not a works salvation.  Give to the poor, support organizations like Compassion International, commit to helping those in need. These issues of social justice are important, and must not be ignored, but let’s not forget the command by Jesus in Matthew 28.

.  .  . go and make disciples of all nations.

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O Holy Night

By Monica Brand, 24 December, 2009, No Comment

Merry Christmas, friends. May you enjoy a blessed holiday as you remember why He became God in flesh.



Oh Holy Night (Full Version) – Click here for the most popular videos

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Blog book tour: O2 (Breathing New Life into Faith) by Richard Dahlstrom

By Monica Brand, 30 October, 2009, No Comment

O2: Breathing New Life into Faith by Richard Dahlstrom

I think it’s really telling when a pastor’s bio on the back of a book promotes his blog, especially a site with a catchy title such as Raincitypastor.

Also from the back cover of O2,

Your physical body needs oxygen in order to survive.  Inhale, exhale… one leads naturally to the other. Inhale too long, and you feel as if your lungs will burst. Exhale too long, and you get light headed. The same rhythm is essential in the life of faith. You inhale life-giving strength from God through things like prayer, study, solitude, and silence. You exhale generosity, hospitality, and service to the poor. If you try to do one without the other, you won’t last very long.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book.

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Blog book tour: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller

By Monica Brand, 29 September, 2009, No Comment

If you haven’t figured it out by now, let me clue you in: I tend to do these book reviews a little differently. I’m not much for saying if a book is good or bad and why. I do go with that traditional approach occasionally; especially if I have issues with a title. I much prefer to write about how a book has affected me, how it makes me think (or perhaps not think.)

That’s the beauty of A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life by Donald Miller. It’s a book slap in the side of the head to challenge my thinking.

Ouch! That hurts. Ouch! That hurts. Slap. Oh, man. No pain, no gain, right?

Oh, how I wish you we could dialog about it together just like in a real book club!

This is the sort of book you want to re-read once a year just so you can get the kick-in-the-pants feeling that comes with it. I didn’t get Donald Miller when I first read him. Then I tried again.  Brilliant move on my part, because I so enjoyed Through Painted Deserts. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is about…

Right. I’m not much for that. Must know? Go over to Amazon. The only thing you need to know from me is two words:

Book slap.

Ouch.

Go read it. And come back here to engage me in conversation.

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