Do I Stay Christian? responses flowing in …
It was great to see my new book reviewed in a thoughtful article from National Catholic Reporter. You can read it here.
It's also wonderful to receive notes like this ...
I simply wanted to say “thank you” for your most-recent book, Do I Stay Christian?. Of course, I've been a silent fan of your books. I am serving as an ordained minister in my beloved United Methodist Church connection. I carry fond memories of cherishing your books when I was a college student in Korea. With your books, I find myself nodding head, underlining and writing notes in the book, and taking moments to ponder. I appreciate your sincerity and honesty. I feel you keep in your heart and mind both God's Spirit and God's people.Again, the reason why I took this courage to drop notes this time is because I couldn't resist myself appreciating the latest-published book of yours which couldn't be this powerful voice without your courage and love with which you embrace all pains of encountering how you were shaped deeply as a white, straight, 20th-century, American Christian man.In your confessional, and thus prophetic words, I find answers to why I have been disturbed in my communities of religious leaders. It comes with a better understanding of why the struggles weigh on my inner being: that I cannot find my place in the society and church alike as they in the binary dualistic system seem to force me to choose one side and align every part of mine in the side. I do believe that it shouldn't, doesn't have to be not A or anti-A, but the ground, or the embracing space - the next dimension - is what my heart is striving for. And, I believe that my God is such an encompassing God, and it is the One who desires to see all the creatures - all on this beautiful planet - flow and flourish, move and interact freely to the fullest of life.[In my congregation, I find] myself presenting my deep beliefs in Missio Dei (God's Mission), panentheism, liberation as salvation, post-colonial practice of faith, and so forth.
Truly, the book was an awakening call, an eye-opening impulse, and a fresh-look on the matters of faith [for me and those I have shared it with, lay and clergy]. Again, I simply wanted to remind you that there are lovers of your book out here! Lastly, I'd like to say that voices of the oppressed are welcoming you and appreciating your voice of confession!Overflowing Joy and Gratitude,
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Homilists for the Homeless …
I'm honored to contribute to this book of sermons ... it follows the liturgical year (Cycle A), and all proceeds from the book go to help the homeless. Here's a description:
Once again, Clear Faith Publishing brings together some of the finest homilists to build a new compilation of homilies and reflections for Cycle A of the Liturgical Year. A Prisoner and You Visited Me breaks open the Sunday and Feast Days readings in order to provide insight, warmth, humor and spiritual food for the reader. Under the moniker ‘Homilists for the Homeless’ the gift of these preachers makes it possible for proceeds from the sale of every book to go toward charities that serve and support those who are living on the margins.
This would be a great gift for a priest, preacher, or seminarian in your life ... and you'll find it enriching for yourself as well! You can order here:
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A Table Grace for Thanksgiving
This table grace has been my companion for a few years now. If it is helpful for you, I welcome you to use it - just the first stanza, or several. The leader can say the first three lines, and everyone can join on the fourth line, We give thanks with all our heart.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
For this breath, for this heartbeat
For this meal with these companions
For the web of life of which we’re part
We give thanks with all our heart.
For sun and rain, for soil and season,
For ocean, mountain, forest, meadow,
For the web of life of which we’re part
We give thanks with all our heart.
For all to whom this food connects us
From field and farm to store and table
For the web of life of which we’re part
We give thanks with all our heart.
For bread and wine upon this table
For this deep mystical communion
For the web of life of which we’re part
We give thanks with all our heart.
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Do I Stay Christian? Four Stages Charts
Folks who listen to Do I Stay Christian as an audiobook have been asking for the 4 stages charts in the Include and Transcend chapter. Click here to view them.
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A retired pastor on Do I Stay Christian?
A retired pastor writes:
I know there is no way you can read all the emails and communications you receive, much less respond to them. I just wanted to take a moment and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your latest book, which I just finished - Do I Stay Christian? I am a retired Mainline Protestant pastor, having served actively for 35 years and now filling in at various congregations from time to time. I have known for some time that the "old way" of being Christian is simply not working. I so love and respect young people who just cannot "do church" any more and you really helped me understand them even better! I only wish I could have done more in my active ministry to help others "see." But thanks be to God there are modern prophets like yourself (and I mean that sincerely), who are helping us to "see." You are a needed and important voice for all of us who want to be more fully human in following and embodying Jesus in hopes of reflecting this way to the world!
The grace and peace of our Lord be with you, and thanks again for your kindness, your grace, and great wisdom!
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Thanks for these kind and encouraging words! For folks who would like to read the new book, here's a link: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250853035/doistaychristian
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