Why I’m not traveling as much this year …
This year, I'll be present for about 15 live events, which is relatively few, especially compared to my pre-Covid pattern of 80-100 days per year on the road.
There are five main reasons for reducing my travel. First, like every sane person, I love the Earth, which makes me feel ambivalent about even important air travel. (Each year I pay a voluntary "carbon tax" by contributing to forest preservation to help compensate for the travel I do engage in.) Second, I'm getting older and I don't have the stamina of the younger me. Third, I love being home, and Grace is happier to have me around too. Fourth, COVID taught us that a lot could be done online via videoconferencing. True, a lot of us have Zoom fatigue, and being together in person is a delight, but overall, online is a good option environmentally and in terms of affordability and ease of access. Finally, this year, I'm working on my next book, which is probably the most difficult and important challenge I've taken on, and I need extended time to read, listen, and reflect, as well as write and rewrite and rewrite and rewrite.
So you'll find details of my in-person speaking events here:
https://brianmclaren.net/events/list/
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A Poem for Doubters
Diane Brady-Leighton kindly sent me this beautiful poem inspired by Do I Stay Christian? She generously offered to share it with you all. Thanks, Diane!
For the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned*
It is no secret, if you examine the evidence,
that what passes as god,
has too often been used as a sword
And now, as I write this, there are
those who say Jesus,
to hawk guns
Who see the devastation
of the earth a highway
to salvation
It takes time to sort out the laundry,
the papers that reproduce, the expired
condiments
the beliefs you once held dear
To winnow down to what is
nourishing, nurturing,
necessary
What if, at the start, the
biggest bang,
there is only love?
And our job,
our only job, is to
find our way back?
What if, wherever we looked,
we saw
light?
In us too, reflected in
the mirror, not flaws and follicles
but beauty?
*Inspired by the book Do I Stay Christian?
Brian D. McLaren
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Four Stages of Faith Development Chart
Thanks to a generous reader, Beth Vann!
Beth created this downloadable chart and offered to share it with you all. It's based on versions available in my books Faith After Doubt and Do I Stay Christian?
Here's the chart:
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Q & R: Am I Doing Something Wrong? Why Don’t They Get It?
Here's the Q:
Dear Brian,
I feel that you have been a voice and presence in my life for a long time- maybe twenty years. I started with your book “A New Kind of Christian” and have an entire section of my library of your books. I attended a workshop many years ago in Goshen Indiana at the college there where I met you, and found you a kind and tender soul. Your work has opened my mind to a way of looking at my faith through different eyes.
... I came to faith at a very young age, with a distinct memory of God touching me and forever changing my life. I grew up in a pretty Calvinist denomination. About 12 years ago I was able to become a “Licensed Pastor” which is a way for a person to be a pastor without a full seminary experience. My focus has been discipleship and small group study. I also preach and teach and do all the pastor type duties part time at my church. Some members do not like the fact because I’m a woman that I’m allowed to do this.Because of that, I have found a voice outside my church community.... The goal for us as humans I believe, is to be self-differentiated and still connected to our community because of who we are in Christ.I have been teaching/leading a small group of women who do not want to have anything to do with “church”. They love what they have been learning in our sessions. So here is my question- I have told them that they can do whatever they want with the Scripture reading, but it is the essence of what we teach.I have a dear friend (well two actually) who don’t have any interest in who Jesus is or how He actually embodies ALL that we are learning. He is the source. They love what they are hearing but don’t want to read any Bible. There is a lot of resistance regarding God as “Father” and they think that Jesus is a really good man, but that’s all.How do I stay true to my calling and state what I know to be true? They listen to me when I say that all I say and do is through the lens of Christ. They are not wanting to quit, feel loved and accepted by the group, and have seen growth in their lives.The one friend has listened to all of the podcasts “Learning How to See” and she has read three of your books. I reminded her that you are a Christ follower.I’m not sure what I’m asking you Brian, but I guess I’m asking for patience and love that they will understand all that God has done and is doing in their lives. I’m asking for prayers in this and anyencouragement. I love these women, and am excited for what God is doing.Thanks for listening Brian. I love your books and podcasts. I am always blessed by them and you!
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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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