This book was provided by Waterbrook/Multnomah Press and the Blogging for Books program to review.
Gabe Lyons, one of the authors of UnChristian has just written a provocative book entitled *The Next Christians: How a New Generation is Restoring the Faith.* The main thesis of the book is that no longer can America be called a Christian nation anymore. Even though our country has many deep roots historically in Christianity, we have become a land of spiritual seekers who find their practices outside the more traditional religions (27). In recognizing the truth of our cultural and spiritual climate, Lyons points to the idea and practice of being restorers, that is those who "seek to mend the Earth's brokenness" and "They don't separate from the world or blend in; rather, they thoughtfully engage" (47). What does it mean to thoughtfully engage the world? None other than living out the gospel story in our own lives through a sense of understanding the fallen world in which we live, seeing the creational good that God has made, and seeking to bring good news to a world that is hurting.
One of the reasons that I think this book is so important is that it addresses key issues of the church and of those families and individuals wanting to be a light to the culture. Lyons does not call believers to retreat from culture (separatists) nor does he call us to become so blended by culture that we lose our distinctive witness.
One of the best sections of the book deals with culture and the idea of serving all those in the culture around us. There is a commonplace idea among people that we should strive for the public good (the most good for the most people) (103). Lyons takes this view to task in commenting that this position distorts the Christians role to do the most good for "all" people. We generally want to do good to those people who can help us in some way or another. But, instead, if Christians are to love their neighbors and be a part of the larger gospel narrative, then they are to do good for all people. This concept and action point is demonstrated by the very creation itself, being made by God as good.
Overall, I would say this book is an excellent work for those interested in growing as a Christian, for anyone tired of just getting by in life. This book is a wake-up call to take the gospel seriously and to love all people with a passion. Ministry takes place where you live in the midst of your failures and in the midst of the healing power of God.
Gabe Lyons, one of the authors of UnChristian has just written a provocative book entitled *The Next Christians: How a New Generation is Restoring the Faith.* The main thesis of the book is that no longer can America be called a Christian nation anymore. Even though our country has many deep roots historically in Christianity, we have become a land of spiritual seekers who find their practices outside the more traditional religions (27). In recognizing the truth of our cultural and spiritual climate, Lyons points to the idea and practice of being restorers, that is those who "seek to mend the Earth's brokenness" and "They don't separate from the world or blend in; rather, they thoughtfully engage" (47). What does it mean to thoughtfully engage the world? None other than living out the gospel story in our own lives through a sense of understanding the fallen world in which we live, seeing the creational good that God has made, and seeking to bring good news to a world that is hurting.
One of the reasons that I think this book is so important is that it addresses key issues of the church and of those families and individuals wanting to be a light to the culture. Lyons does not call believers to retreat from culture (separatists) nor does he call us to become so blended by culture that we lose our distinctive witness.
One of the best sections of the book deals with culture and the idea of serving all those in the culture around us. There is a commonplace idea among people that we should strive for the public good (the most good for the most people) (103). Lyons takes this view to task in commenting that this position distorts the Christians role to do the most good for "all" people. We generally want to do good to those people who can help us in some way or another. But, instead, if Christians are to love their neighbors and be a part of the larger gospel narrative, then they are to do good for all people. This concept and action point is demonstrated by the very creation itself, being made by God as good.
Overall, I would say this book is an excellent work for those interested in growing as a Christian, for anyone tired of just getting by in life. This book is a wake-up call to take the gospel seriously and to love all people with a passion. Ministry takes place where you live in the midst of your failures and in the midst of the healing power of God.
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