tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79916975578420169092024-03-05T18:38:38.063-05:00CPYU BOOKSHELFWhat are you reading? This is probably one of the most heard and asked questions around CPYU. Rarely does a day go by that we don’t talk about a new book we are reading or heard about. We are readers. Our bookshelves are full. This site exists to point you in the direction of helpful resources... it's anything and everthing book related!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-90796391554130368572011-10-18T14:55:00.002-04:002011-10-18T14:58:32.713-04:00CPYU Book ReviewsFor current CPYU book reviews please see CPYU's <a href="http://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=601014">ENGAGE E-Journal</a> and <a href="http://www.cpyuresourcecenter.org/siyocune.html">Simply Youth Newsletters</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-16224830826416565632011-06-20T10:13:00.001-04:002011-06-20T10:18:02.649-04:00Consuming Youth<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXhcRPI3MQ0u1REogQxujrR3WV4ZuEqaF8JieZx9N3qlPhEksDAK94K13hNVhExH2Hywm3-Q1D6OVebto_iBpH5YNGtE-FGWGgXj5qCXMiSPcPDqzsRxELyw5WrqRBh_JTD9jV3BGcDY/s1600/ConsumingYouth.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 216px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620305022013919570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXhcRPI3MQ0u1REogQxujrR3WV4ZuEqaF8JieZx9N3qlPhEksDAK94K13hNVhExH2Hywm3-Q1D6OVebto_iBpH5YNGtE-FGWGgXj5qCXMiSPcPDqzsRxELyw5WrqRBh_JTD9jV3BGcDY/s320/ConsumingYouth.jpg" /></a>In recent years, the news media have reported on a handful of child kidnapping stories that for years remained unresolved. While each of these stories are complex and nuanced, it’s always surprising to learn that the unwilling captive was somehow brainwashed to the point of assimilating themselves into the system of the captor to the point where they lived there willingly, rather than trying to escape. I wonder if the same dynamic isn’t at work on us and our kids as marketing hijacks our hearts and minds so effectively, that we willingly enjoy and seek out the opportunity to keep riding along?<br /><br />In their book, <a href="http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310669357&QueryStringSite=Zondervan"><em>Consuming Youth: Leading Teens Through Consumer Culture</em></a> (Zondervan, 2010), John Berard, James Penner and Rick Bartlett take readers on a tour of the history of consumer culture and how it established consumption as the primary purpose of our kids. Youth culture and modern adolescence are relatively recent social and economic inventions. They have functioned to shape our identities so effectively that we’ve just come to accept that this is the way it is, and the way it’s supposed to be. But the trio of authors asks those of us who love and care for kids to step back and see that consumer culture is really doing to our kids. Then, they start a conversation about what it means to re-think youth ministry in ways that shape significantly different ideology of youth, one that debunks the myths of consumer culture while helping them find their identity and calling in Christ.<br /><br /><em>Consuming Youth</em> is a thoughtful book that raises important issues and can get us started on the journey to reframing our ministries in response to the ways that marketing and consumer culture so quickly and easily rope our kids – and us – in. This is one worth reading and discussing in a group.<br /><br />--<a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=76882">Walt Mueller</a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-69138523852828850192011-06-09T09:51:00.006-04:002011-06-09T09:58:46.140-04:00Teenology<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUROYYPZ8t_SPXSYACqp1dNrKZ7j9hIJRy4m2N9H1hoHqSGmMCOuuDNJ_w1pdOAn1m5o_UiLOB9ma_2l_ePPcHd_ZvFgIWD_MNr7M9Ttr4HU5ZB_ZuftLDsEuOwqPfdg2Dv8xSIj1U98o/s1600/Teenology.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 206px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616219124351386194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUROYYPZ8t_SPXSYACqp1dNrKZ7j9hIJRy4m2N9H1hoHqSGmMCOuuDNJ_w1pdOAn1m5o_UiLOB9ma_2l_ePPcHd_ZvFgIWD_MNr7M9Ttr4HU5ZB_ZuftLDsEuOwqPfdg2Dv8xSIj1U98o/s320/Teenology.jpg" /></a>The teenage years can seem like a minefield at times: you want to give your children the freedom to strongly walk forth and become responsible adults, and yet you want to protect them from making choices that could rupture not only their present circumstances but their futures as well. Plus, given the rugged terrain that teens have to navigate—pornography available online and via cellphones, the extreme pressure on body image by the culture, the epidemic of cyberbullying, just to name a few—anyone given the task of raising teenagers is in great need of guidance.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.homeword.com/about_jim_burns.php">Jim Burns</a>, a man who has devoted his life to helping kids and who is the father of three himself, responds to this need for guidance in his book, <em><a href="http://www.bethanyhouse.com/Book.asp?isbn=978-0-7642-0704-4">Teenology: The Art of Raising Great Teenagers</a></em> (Bethany House, 2010). In his book, Burns tackles some of the major issues surrounding the task of raising teenagers into responsible adults. He gives a basic overview of the process of changes known as adolescence and then delves into the problems that can occur, whether it’s a block in communication between parents and teens, or combating the allure of pornography or sexual promiscuity that is so prominent in today’s culture. And though Burns delves into uncomfortable topics, he comes from the standpoint of one who has already been through this process three times before with his own children, and countless other times with his youth groups. His main message is to “Stay calm. Adolescence is a temporary transition. Work your plan. Hold on to your seat belt. Get as emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy as you possibly can, and before you know it, that sweet kid who morphed into a teen and sometimes hates you will become a responsible adult.”<br /><br />There is no book (to my knowledge) that provides easy answers for raising God-serving teenagers. But, if you are looking for a foundation from which to understand the “art,” as Burns calls it, <em>Teenology</em> is a good place to start. A book more focused on practical solutions than theoretical wonderings, this is a good resource for parents or soon-to-be parents desiring advice as well as tools to best help their children maneuver the “minefield” of adolescence.<br /><br />--Angelina Deola</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-66027103679197372022011-06-01T10:02:00.004-04:002011-06-01T10:17:04.626-04:00Too Small To Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4v7leWL3zXJCJ7NdXjpBJ9nav11rPxLdtmXS5Uwrs7bVhJnMDdG3d1jMIqDk7z2Tr9UGUpnPxrjVUq6xFWs1EbmdU8mlcgSlgGaVKx-2d25Wk5_8xltGWe741rhk8IgWuzzvrrn7-O0/s1600/Too+Small+To+Ignore.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613252043850264834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4v7leWL3zXJCJ7NdXjpBJ9nav11rPxLdtmXS5Uwrs7bVhJnMDdG3d1jMIqDk7z2Tr9UGUpnPxrjVUq6xFWs1EbmdU8mlcgSlgGaVKx-2d25Wk5_8xltGWe741rhk8IgWuzzvrrn7-O0/s320/Too+Small+To+Ignore.jpg" /></a>It’s no secret that Jesus had a big heart for little children. He calls us to love, lead, and care for the smallest among us as well. Ironically, we live in a time where parents are almost over-committed to their children, but children are suffering from both neglect and over-stimulation. We struggle to get it right.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.compassion.com/about/executives/wessstafford.htm">Wess Stafford</a> has been loving and ministering to children for decades. He serves as the President of <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion International</a>, a Christian childcare ministry that serves impoverished children globally through church-based programs funded by child sponsors. Currently, over 1 million children are sponsored through Compassion International. Stafford has a heart for the world’s young not just because that’s what he’s been called to, but because as child himself he was victimized by the very people he should have been able to trust. The son of missionaries to Africa, Stafford spent several months a year at a Christian boarding school. It was there that he suffered years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of the school’s teachers and administrators. He tells that story and issues a call to care for the young in his book, <a href="http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307550439"><em>Too Small To Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most</em></a> (WaterBrook, 2007). By taking readers through the Scriptures and the realities of our current culture, Stafford calls readers to make children a priority in every area of life. He invites readers to become champions for children, offering practical suggestions on how to make that happen.<br /><br />While this is not a book on parenting or youth ministry, it is a book that parents and youth workers will benefit from reading. After all, our ministries and families must be centered on living out Biblical priorities in the way we raise and relate to the kids we know and love. <em>Too Small To Ignore</em> is worth your time and attention. As an added bonus, the book includes study and discussion questions that lends it well to individual reflection or small group discussion.<br /><br />--<a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=76882">Walt Mueller</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-57272882638804604862011-05-26T14:21:00.002-04:002011-05-26T14:26:37.633-04:00The Wisdom of Stability<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRyoeR-VT5nvJlTJKIgqu4-qkKvXT9uQdrmZDbrfz8TtKOy4s3jZDkqiRurAEqX4zIo4qjgnRJK7zvILtKqRp2Rqz2YIq-q9yUX8LrulIwoskF3d3Op3qpf34DompPjlt3t1_VnFI0Bc/s1600/The+Wisdom+of+Stability.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611091955031688130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRyoeR-VT5nvJlTJKIgqu4-qkKvXT9uQdrmZDbrfz8TtKOy4s3jZDkqiRurAEqX4zIo4qjgnRJK7zvILtKqRp2Rqz2YIq-q9yUX8LrulIwoskF3d3Op3qpf34DompPjlt3t1_VnFI0Bc/s320/The+Wisdom+of+Stability.jpg" /></a>So much of our lives consist of running--running from one event to another, running through high school, college, and job training, running to get the telephone or running to the store to buy the newest version of the iPhone. In our fast-paced American culture, speed and mobility are paramount.<br /><br />Yet in his book, <a href="http://www.paracletepress.com/the-wisdom-of-stability.html"><em>The Wisdom of Stability: Rooting Faith in a Mobile Culture</em></a> (Paraclete Press, 2010), Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove explores the costs of running and the often overlooked advantages of staying still. Wilson-Hartgrove looks to the wisdom of the desert fathers and mothers—the likes of St. Antony, Julian of Norwich, and Bernard of Clairvaux—as well as to the lessons learned from more current voices like Wendell Berry. Wilson-Hartgrove’s own restless past and rooted present stand behind his assertion that the difficult discipline of stability is worth “staying” with.<br /><br />Wilson-Hartgrove believes that stability is life-giving in our draining mobile culture. Learning the discipline means learning to follow the Greatest Commandment to its fullest, to live in long-term community where you and the other are known fully and loved deeply. Using examples of communities from the civil rights movement, Wilson-Hartgrove shows how the body of Christ unites when its members breathe the same air and encounter the same battles together. When that unified community gathers on a Sunday, after weathering the storms that come from living life together during the week, they are able to sing in unison against the devil’s schemes and in eager expectancy of God’s greater plans.<br /><br />What makes <em>Stability</em> an especially worthy read is that even if your life is, at least for the moment, inescapably unstable (i.e. child running between divorced parents, young adult on the brink of graduation, adult in the process of changing or finding jobs, etc.), Wilson-Hartgrove addresses more than the task of staying in one place. In his chapter entitled, “Midday Demons,” he focuses on stability as a daily discipline in one’s prayer life. Wilson-Hartgrove recognizes, along with a long line of Christians before him, that it is often after we commit to stay still--in prayer, solitude, or study--that we are tempted with the expected yet overbearing “midday demons:” demons of boredom and ambition. Speaking with the voices of the desert fathers and mothers, Wilson-Hartgrove gives practical, wise, and surprisingly simple methods to fight against what tears us away from solitude with God.<br /><br /><em>The Wisdom of Stability</em> is a must-read for youth leaders, parents, and teenagers alike. The idea of “being rooted” is counter-cultural in our day for adults and students, yet rootedness yields fruits of patience, compassion, and a better understanding of ourselves and God. Wilson-Hartgrove lovingly challenges us to learn to love God and our neighbors more deeply by slowing down. With stability, we have the chance to not only enter the world of the other, but to loyally join the other in genuine community.<br /><br />--Angelina Deola</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-42727349419634742972011-05-23T10:20:00.012-04:002011-06-01T10:18:15.378-04:00The Pastor: A Memoir by Eugene Peterson<div align="justify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_H._Peterson"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 212px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609916818419497938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfY5gPALwh2kY1SNq56Zyx1ZB4u8Mj3c37cgkViD1rFAL5_X2R8XhTmTZcIDHt6jPG4tvzz5vXJuurrM7BpGJc9DVv8O_B4752ef08PhM46dgnYjU8ake9wQ2lrfmoW2vW8RDP-lIc5E/s320/ThePastor.jpg" />Eugene Peterson</a> is probably best known for his Bible translation <em>The Message</em>, or his countless books on the spiritual life or his many years as a seminary professor at Regent College. What probably isn’t as well known, is that Peterson was a pastor for 29 years before publishing his contemporary version of scripture, or writing many of his books or teaching at a seminary! Now retired and living in his hometown in Montana, Peterson’s latest book reflects on his life as a pastor. <a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/books/The-Pastor-Eugene-H-Peterson?isbn=9780061988202&HCHP=TB_The+Pastor"><em>The Pastor: A Memoir</em></a> (HarperOne, 2011) offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at Peterson’s life as a pastor of a Presbyterian church-plant outside of Baltimore, Maryland. The book explains how he reluctantly and haphazardly became a pastor, growing into his call overtime.<br /><br />Writing honestly about his own struggles as a pastor, he is especially concerned with the state of the pastoral vocation today: “I didn’t want to be a religious professional whose identity was institutionalized. I didn’t want to be a pastor who sense of worth derived from whether people affirmed or ignored me. In short, I didn’t want to be a pastor in the ways that were most in evidence and more rewarded in the American consumerist and celebrity culture.” Instead, Peterson became a pastor with a ministry that was rooted in scripture and prayer; one that focused on worship of God and care for people over programs and number of attendees; and offered his Baltimore suburb something that was different from the world, not accommodating to culture.<br /><br />Shepherding a flock of sinners is never easy, to be sure. But it’s definitely not easy being a pastor in today’s world. So much cultural pressure is working against people from becoming the pastors that are so desperately needed. Peterson’s book reminds pastors to keep first things first and reminds congregants of the challenges facing pastors today. This book is highly recommended for all people who care about the church and care about the people God has called to lead them.<br /><br />--<a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=170072">Derek Melleby</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-66062286721689372622011-05-12T14:32:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:23:53.363-04:00Kick Me: Adventures in Adolescence<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw9E5r2vlmfbT_9WD0Uq4He6-5ErsQir00ls4x8O-zn8lXlTYWa48F5di8Ec081x9RWHCEFP_uIzlqvOsr2YHpEnNTNX8VZ2aB0M2TTEM1sR2SOtfCGkX6XuWredmOxwkAtGCCDDOJt8/s1600/KickMe.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 203px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605898956157639506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw9E5r2vlmfbT_9WD0Uq4He6-5ErsQir00ls4x8O-zn8lXlTYWa48F5di8Ec081x9RWHCEFP_uIzlqvOsr2YHpEnNTNX8VZ2aB0M2TTEM1sR2SOtfCGkX6XuWredmOxwkAtGCCDDOJt8/s320/KickMe.jpg" /></a>I read lots of books on theology, culture, and teenagers. Every now and then I just get flat-out tired of reading stuff that forces me to go deep. Ever feel that way? I was feeling that way when I wandered into the airport bookstore before a long, cross-country flight. Then, I spotted it! It was the cover and the title that caught my attention. The cover featured a family picture from the 1970s complete with geeky kid, under the words <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/book/48641/kick-me-by-paul-feig/9780609809433/"><em>Kick Me: Adventures in Adolescence</em></a> (Three Rivers Press, 2002). Written by the creator of the TV series <em>Freaks and Geeks</em>, Paul Feig, this book takes readers on a hilarious autobiographical journey through junior high and high school.<br /><br />Because Feig grew up during the 70s, some of the cultural references are unique to the times. Those of us males who grew up about the same time might think Feig is writing about us, as if he had gotten into our heads and recorded what we were thinking, experiencing, and feeling as our hormones were setting themselves in motion and bouncing around out-of-control. But Feig captures the life-stage in ways that not only make this book a laugh-out-loud (which I did several times on the flight!) read for anyone, but a helpful reminder of just how difficult and confusing the teen years can be for adolescents of all generations.<br /><br />While the book is really funny, it does serve as a reminder of just how important it is for our kids to receive nurture and support from home and church. We know that adolescence in today’s world is no laughing matter for far too many kids. From Feig’s recounting of everything from dodgeball to dating. . . this is one hilarious book!</div><br /><div align="justify">--<a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=76882">Walt Mueller</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-85739051801083107312011-05-09T12:17:00.004-04:002011-05-09T12:34:04.467-04:00Make College Count Video<iframe width="400" height="275" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cYNzlXLl0hE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://www.cpyu.org/page.aspx?id=625005">Learn more about <em>Make College Count</em></a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cpyuresourcecenter.org/make-college-count.html">Purchase <em>Make College Count</em> from the CPYU Resource Center</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cpyuresourcecenter.org/forcobo.html">Learn more about EXCLUSIVE CPYU Grad-Gift offers</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-45563381344028326882011-05-02T11:30:00.003-04:002011-05-02T11:35:35.434-04:00Somewhere More Holy<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mChTebOb-JsCSNy_T6k3c7Bw4Dq0ASey8ZybYV2Wgd9XQyMxbpY25CsqbkfN7zrLe2XhqrrGNfRM6YxIFbQ6LwysfCCBF43keqUM75fvZNcg3Fas5yBlp-CXmSeEnrus8ts5MpztQBs/s1600/Somewhere.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 206px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602142498578914482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mChTebOb-JsCSNy_T6k3c7Bw4Dq0ASey8ZybYV2Wgd9XQyMxbpY25CsqbkfN7zrLe2XhqrrGNfRM6YxIFbQ6LwysfCCBF43keqUM75fvZNcg3Fas5yBlp-CXmSeEnrus8ts5MpztQBs/s320/Somewhere.jpg" /></a>Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about the different rooms of our homes, reflecting back on memories, and how God was and is present in each room. Thankfully for readers, author Tony Woodlief took the time to do so and invites us into his home in <a href="http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310319931&QueryStringSite=Zondervan"><em>Somewhere More Holy: Stories from a Bewildered Father, Stumbling Husband, Reluctant Handyman, and Prodigal Son</em></a> (Zondervan, 2010). Through each chapter, Woodlief focuses on a different room in his home, and shares with us the ups and downs he and his family have experienced in each one. Much of his story revolves around the death of his 3 year old daughter to cancer and how it has greatly impacted him and played a role in his faith. His personal struggles with guilt, doubt, anger with God, a broken past, sinful behavior, and a marriage slowly falling apart are all revealed in heart-wrenching but honest ways.<br /><br />Though Woodlief wanted to give up on God, his family, and even himself, the pages of his book reveal that God’s grace was at work in the midst of all the pain and brokenness even if he was completely blind to it at the time. His pain and struggles are not gone, and his attempts at figuring out how to live out these realities in front of his wife and 4 boys, all born after their sister passed away, makes this book that more approachable, especially to parents living with young children. Laughter and humor also ring true as he tells tales of his boys, including the water-strewn disasters (and bodily functions) that take place in the bathroom, their turning of the living room into a wrestling ring, and the joy that takes place when they all gather together on their parents’ bed, despite the sleep (and other activities) of their parents that are often interrupted.<br /><br />These reflections, as he walks us from room to room, are a way for Woodlief to wrestle with issues related to raising his children in a way that points them to Christ and brings glory to God and about being a loving and faithful husband. More than that, he helps us all understand that we might not understand God, or fully grasp His love and grace and we may even feel like we don’t deserve it, yet there it is for the taking. Accepting this, as Woodlief has, will help us realize we can make our homes somewhere more holy, as the title suggests.</div><br /><div align="justify">--<a href="http://www.cpyu.org/page.aspx?id=102838">Chris Wagner</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-48259105601792472322011-04-26T09:24:00.006-04:002011-04-26T09:31:27.132-04:00One.Life Giveaway Winners!Drumroll please…<br /><br />The three winners (randomly selected) for the <a href="http://cpyubookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/04/scot-mcknights-onelife-giveaway.html">One.Life giveaway</a> are:<br /><br /><blockquote><strong>Darryl Schafer<br />Doug<br />Rob<br /></strong></blockquote><br />Please send us an email (<a href="mailto:cpyu@cpyu.org">cpyu@cpyu.org</a>) with your mailing address to claim your prize! (Include this subject line: <strong>One.Life Giveaway</strong>)<br /><br />We still have more copies of <em>One.Life</em> to giveaway… stay tuned on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=15874879650">Facebook</a> (CPYU “Group”) and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/cpyu">Twitter</a> for more chances to win!<br /><br />Thanks for playing!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-40237542213057470532011-04-18T14:54:00.007-04:002011-04-18T15:13:30.204-04:00Scot McKnight's One.Life Giveaway!<p align="left"><iframe style="WIDTH: 413px; HEIGHT: 276px" title="YouTube video player" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FbF6wsMEmmQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="560"></iframe></p>It’s time to give away some FREE books! This week on <a href="http://cpyubookshelf.blogspot.com/">CPYU Bookshelf</a> we’re giving away 3 copies of <em><a href="http://cpyubookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/04/onelife-jesus-calls-we-follow.html">One.Life: Jesus Calls, We Follow</a></em> by <a href="http://experts.patheos.com/expert/scotmcknight/">Scot McKnight</a>! <br /><br />McKnight was motivated to write <em>One.Life</em> by wrestling with one central question: <em>What is a Christian?</em> In a very creative and engaging manner, McKnight is providing an overview of the Christian faith. Here’s a question for our readers, for a chance to win a FREE book: <span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /><br />What other books do you think provide a helpful overview of the Christian faith?</span> <br /><br />On Monday (April 25) we will randomly select three winners from the comments. <strong>Only one comment (entry) per person, please</strong>. <br /><br />Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=15874879650">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/cpyu">Twitter</a> for more ways to win FREE copies of <a href="http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/Book/One.Life.htm?QueryStringSite=Zondervan"><em>One.Life</em></a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-61937919534011140582011-04-13T11:06:00.009-04:002011-04-13T11:35:49.680-04:00One.Life: Jesus Calls, We Follow<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycqsFUB4f_Kc5hi0nx3YCkItBBPFc1aE7R-clO3zKfPRS7hkpoN5EAvWG0IVxvC92F3Hub89tuvUb_CtSpzY7-hzLdDHNQVr0TgD4mr7WYtOtK9MuizGzgN5ctqtgIxW9IEAG5EOaO9U/s1600/OneLife.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 220px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595086669777823698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycqsFUB4f_Kc5hi0nx3YCkItBBPFc1aE7R-clO3zKfPRS7hkpoN5EAvWG0IVxvC92F3Hub89tuvUb_CtSpzY7-hzLdDHNQVr0TgD4mr7WYtOtK9MuizGzgN5ctqtgIxW9IEAG5EOaO9U/s320/OneLife.jpg" /></a>It is becoming increasingly more obvious that we are living in a “post-Christian” society. Meaning, more and more people no longer have Christian reference points for a Christian understanding of the world. Put another way, it’s not so much that people are antagonistic toward the Christian faith, it’s that most people have no idea what the basic Christian beliefs are. This provides a remarkable opportunity for the church to introduce people to the faith without having to undo some of the Christian “baggage” which was associated with the cultural Christianity of years gone by.</div><br /><div align="justify">This is what’s great about Scot McKnight’s new book <a href="http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310277668&QueryStringSite=Zondervan"><em>One.Life: Jesus Calls, We Follow</em></a> (Zondervan, 2010): McKnight is able to connect with both audiences. The book is good for people that have grown up in the church as well as people who are learning about the faith for the first time. Here’s McKnight’s main point: the church needs to have a more biblical understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ. In the introduction, McKnight tells his own story about wrestling with the deeper meaning of being a disciple. For many years of his life, when asked what a Christian is, he would respond: “A Christian is someone who has accepted Jesus; and the Christian life is the development of personal (private) practices of piety, separation from sin and the world, and a life dedicated to rescuing sinners from hell.” Basically, McKnight was raised to understand Christianity as being “saved” from hell and being a morally good person, demonstrated by reading the bible, going to church and trying to get other people to do the same. There is some truth to this description, to be sure, but McKnight is convinced that it isn’t complete. He now answers the question much more simply: “A Christian is someone who follows Jesus.”</div><br /><div align="justify">The rest of the book explains what “following Jesus” looks like in everyday practice. Chapters cover a wide-range of subjects, including: Kingdom, Love, Peace, Wisdom, Church, Sex, Vocation and Eternity. Many of McKnight’s examples are stories of college students who are eager to follow Jesus but aren’t sure how, making it a great book for youth and college pastors, parents of teenagers and younger Christians. McKnight does a masterful job of taking complex biblical concepts and making accessible to a wide-range of people, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. </div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://www.cpyu.org/files/Engage/PDFs/2011/FebruaryMarch/Book%20Excerpt%20-%20Sex.pdf">Click here to read an excerpt from Chapter 10: Sex.Life</a></div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.patheos.com/community/jesuscreed/">Click here to visit Jesus Creed</a> (Scot McKnight's blog)</div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://stevebrownetc.com/2011/03/podcasts/steve-brown-etc/onelife-scot-mcknight-on-sbe/">Click here to listen to an interview on Steve Brown Etc</a></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Big News:</strong> </span><strong>Thanks to the good people at </strong><a href="http://www.zondervan.com/cultures/en-us/home.htm"><strong>Zondervan</strong></a><strong>, next week we will be giving away copies of </strong><a href="http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310277668&QueryStringSite=Zondervan"><em><strong>One.Life</strong></em></a><strong>! Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=15874879650">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/cpyu">Twitter</a> and our <a href="http://www.cpyu.org/page.aspx?id=77215">e-Update</a> for details.</strong> </div><br /><div align="justify"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-7750208371666984142011-03-29T15:16:00.007-04:002011-03-29T15:47:30.240-04:00New Book from Walt Mueller!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY2xh84SoyZ9kXvcHJUm1_InMj4h79XyfnweM8gTpmFk0YqH-UMpIrYkDkNyBROeYwQIGr9oyE9KUnpkppYgfIF5KVF6ynqKDDuvRhV_tFEJvSSBsia0S7r2ICNqNbghp6MqEfZuHVQY/s1600/99Thoughts.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589587735741139634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY2xh84SoyZ9kXvcHJUm1_InMj4h79XyfnweM8gTpmFk0YqH-UMpIrYkDkNyBROeYwQIGr9oyE9KUnpkppYgfIF5KVF6ynqKDDuvRhV_tFEJvSSBsia0S7r2ICNqNbghp6MqEfZuHVQY/s320/99Thoughts.jpg" /></a> <strong><em>99 Thoughts for Parents of Teenagers: The Truth on Raising Teensagers From Parents Who Have Been There</em></strong> <br /><div align="justify"><strong><em></em></strong></div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.cpyuresourcecenter.org/99-thoughts-for-parents-of-teenagers.html">Click here to purchase</a>. </div><br /><div align="justify"><strong></strong>If you’re the parent of a teenager, you need all the help you can get. How do you help your children make wise choices? How do you give your teenagers freedom to make their own choices while still providing a guiding hand? How do you invest your time and energy in ways that make an eternal difference in your children’s lives? </div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=76882">Walt Mueller</a> delivers the goods in <em>99 Thoughts for Parents of Teenagers</em>, a no-holds-barred look at the good, bad, and ugly aspects of parenting teenagers. Drawing on his experience as a parent of four children who have passed through their teenage years, Walt shares wisdom, thoughts, insights, and suggestions for making the teenage years count. If you’re a parent, you’ll want to read, devour, and absorb the dynamic truths in this book. And if you’re a youth worker, you’ll want to get this book into the hands of parents in your ministry to guide them, encourage them, and give them insights on fulfilling God’s great call to raise children who pursue a Jesus-centered life. </div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.cpyu.org/files/99%20thoughts/99%20thoughts%20sample.pdf">Click here to download an excerpt</a>. </div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.cpyuresourcecenter.org/fromcpyu.html">More books by Walt Mueller</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-6401062389580615172011-03-08T10:35:00.004-05:002011-03-08T10:43:35.748-05:00Pure Scum: The Left-Out, the Right-Brained and the Grace of God<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xKYTdWYmJLyhueEbrQXu-mXfOyaVolacBSOkKplYBm5V73JGI4QgaqZFuO8v93_tgopWcpAYQTVIrEp07TZT6vrwqYXp9AbDVfwiL4pg1Hj93q1DFATyMZsoVBJJ7arC0rnLvBoV6E4/s1600/PureScum.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581733696022462130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xKYTdWYmJLyhueEbrQXu-mXfOyaVolacBSOkKplYBm5V73JGI4QgaqZFuO8v93_tgopWcpAYQTVIrEp07TZT6vrwqYXp9AbDVfwiL4pg1Hj93q1DFATyMZsoVBJJ7arC0rnLvBoV6E4/s320/PureScum.jpg" /></a>It seems that Mike Sares never wanted to pastor a church with such a brazen name. But more importantly, he was open to following God’s call. In <em><a href="http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3629">Pure Scum: The Left-Out, the Right-Brained and the Grace of God</a></em> (InterVarsity Press, 2010) pastor Mike Sares shares with us his experiences leading up to, and being the pastor of <a href="http://www.scumoftheearth.net/">Scum of the Earth Church</a> in Denver, Colorado. The church’s name comes from <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%204:13&version=NIV">1 Corinthians 4:13</a>. Scum of the Earth is a church for those who wouldn’t normally set foot in a typical suburban evangelical congregation for fear of rejection. Goths, punks, drunkards and homeless are regular attendees at Scum.<br /><br />In <em>Pure Scum</em> we are taken on a journey that explores what it means to follow Christ, to listen to his calling, and to be obedient to it, even when doing so means taking substantial risks. Sares shows us that following Christ is an adventure, and he firmly holds to the idea that it is an adventure worth taking. To pastor a church like Scum is to experience extreme hardship, to share in immense pain and to live in community with many of whom the world has rejected. The characters encountered in this book are loveable because Sares shows us that they too, matter to God.<br /><br />At its heart, <em>Pure Scum</em> reminds readers that we are all in fact, broken; we are all desperately in need of a savior. This book points us to a God whose grace is far greater than we realize, far greater than we’ll ever know or understand this side of heaven. Hopefully reading this book will stretch readers to more fully understand that God’s love reaches out to those whom we often overlook, even despise at times. We are all messed up, and perhaps it’s because the “left-out” and the “right-brained” realize this more about themselves than others that they experience God’s grace in ways that are so compelling. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Reviewed by <a href="http://www.cpyu.org/page.aspx?id=102838">Chris Wagner</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-24228399318950855242011-01-31T12:21:00.004-05:002011-01-31T12:37:28.296-05:00Good News for Anxious Christians: An Interview with Author Philip Cary<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsMOhyphenhyphenhmWAJ-_3fW_5aggXCZaaS7gcsNg-a8bSmT8HsDlpX6zCdmWUSFgw8n8UnU6FYKcITb0-4QvFfg1gKc6U3KAEHmSjrpc_H3Wsm03tB2UpTO4TfPHxBJYlBrH-7rjG6h8w5qQhys/s1600/GoodNews.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 179px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568401794767959522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsMOhyphenhyphenhmWAJ-_3fW_5aggXCZaaS7gcsNg-a8bSmT8HsDlpX6zCdmWUSFgw8n8UnU6FYKcITb0-4QvFfg1gKc6U3KAEHmSjrpc_H3Wsm03tB2UpTO4TfPHxBJYlBrH-7rjG6h8w5qQhys/s320/GoodNews.jpg" /></a>An interview with author Philip Cary by Angelina Deola.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.brazospress.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&AudId=A28AB2AF1D99441FA6DDA2256A61414E&tier=25&id=569AF8916D694085BC9457D72B90DD5A">Dr. Philip Cary</a>, professor of Philosophy at <a href="http://www.eastern.edu/index.html">Eastern University</a>, has released several books, the most recent entitled: <a href="http://www.brazospress.com/Book.asp?isbn=978-1-58743-285-9"><em>Good News for Anxious Christians: 10 Practical Things You Don’t Have to Worry About</em></a> (Brazos Press). Though Dr. Cary is unapologetically attacking the unbiblical tenets of what he calls the “new evangelical theology,” he does so with the intention of preaching the gospel—that is, the good news of Jesus Christ. He has a deep love for the gospel and for God’s people, and it is his belief that ideas like “hearing God in your heart,” “finding God’s will for your life,” or “having to continually experience joy” are hurting Christians rather than helping them.<br /><br /><em>Good News for Anxious Christians</em> offers a much needed look at what the gospel is and how Christians can live in light of the gospel, not adhering to extra-biblical ideas but instead clinging to the mystery and miracle that is found in the Son of God himself.<br /><br /><strong>CPYU: You said in the introduction to <em>Good News for Anxious Christians</em> that your inspiration for writing the book came mostly from interacting with your students because they “are most oppressed by the new evangelical theology and most in need of permission not to believe it.” What was your experience like interacting with these students over the years, and why do you think that it’s important to preach the gospel by revealing the mis-teachings of the new evangelical theology?<br /></strong><br /><strong>Cary:</strong> Well, I think that what I call the new evangelical theology—not a very inspired label but nonetheless a useful one—makes people awfully anxious. So for instance, a whole lot of students come from my university thinking they’re supposed to find God’s will for their lives and they get worried that they might not find God’s will for their lives, or they might find God’s second best will for their lives, or they might not find the one person that God has planned for them to marry. And, I think these worries do them a lot of harm and make it difficult for them to make responsible adult decisions.<br /><br />What an adult decision maker needs to do, like Solomon when he prays for wisdom, is discern between good and bad decisions--not to discern “God’s will for your life.” Solomon asks for a heart that discerns good from bad, because that’s what responsible adults are good at. That’s what God wants us to want. So after years and years of hearing this from students, I respond with: “Look, you don’t have to do this, it’s not in the Bible! I’ve got good news for you!” So the good news is that what you’re supposed to believe is in the gospel, it’s about Jesus Christ. And you are supposed to obey God’s law, and that’s his will for your life.<br /><br /><strong>CPYU: Given that this “new evangelical theology” is harmful, how do we re-teach ourselves and our teenagers?<br /></strong><br /><strong>Cary:</strong> There are lots of things we have to learn to do. First and foremost, we have to learn to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is to say, to give people good news about who Christ is, and therefore good news about who they are, because the news about who Jesus is, which is the gospel, is news about who we are. We find who we are in him.<br /><br /><em>And what is the gospel?</em> The gospel is not a technique for getting saved, like “how to get saved.” The gospel is the story about Jesus Christ. In fact, it sounds like Christmas carols. “Oh come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, oh come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold him, born the King of angels.” It also sounds like music. It sounds joyous, and it says, “Look, look at the baby in the manger! There he is! He’s the king of angels! He’s our Savior! ‘Child for us sinners, poor and in the manger, who would not love thee, loving us so dearly.’” It says, “There he is! Take hold of him!” You’ll know how to live the Christian life if you have Christ.<br /></div><strong><div align="left"><br />CPYU: In your book, you say that the desire to be relevant, within the church and within the greater society, is not helpful in teaching people about Christ. Instead, you say that teachers must depend on students’ willingness to learn. What about the teenagers who don’t even want to be in church?<br /></strong><br /><strong>Cary:</strong> The alternative to relevance is beauty. Part of this is my own experience. You know, I was a baby boomer, and they invented relevance for baby boomers, and I routinely find the attempt to be relevant just boring. Suppose you’re a kid who doesn’t like poetry, who has to take a class on Shakespeare. Which is more likely to get you interested: a class on how Shakespeare is relevant to your life, or a class which actually teaches you to understand Shakespeare? I think the class on relevance is likely to be boring. Likewise, which is more likely to bore a kid coming to church: a sermon on how relevant God is for your life, or a sermon about who God really is? I think that the second kind of sermon is going to be more exciting, especially if you understand that indeed God is beautiful. The story about who God is is a beautiful story, a powerful story, a somewhat terrifying story—it’s a story that moves us. But it is not, thank heaven, relevant to our lives, because when you try to be relevant, what you do is you reshape the story to fit our lives, and that makes it boring, because it doesn’t change our lives. Our lives become the criterion to fit the biblical story into, whereas what a good sermon does, and good teaching in youth group and so on, is it gets us into the biblical story, which we discover is larger, more powerful, more beautiful, and a bit more scary than we realized, and that’s exciting because it’s in contact with what’s real.<br /><br />But here’s the secret: you have to find this stuff beautiful and exciting yourself. If you don’t, then you’re not going to be able to convey that to someone else. So if you’re trying to be relevant, you’re essentially acting as if, “Well, I know this stuff is boring so I’ll try to make it relevant to you...”<br /><br /><strong>CPYU: In the conclusion of your book, you criticize the “practical” sermon because “it talks as if nothing important happens when Christians gather on the Sabbath, because everything depends on our going out Monday morning and putting into practice what the preacher told us to do on Sunday.” But, there are critics of Christianity who say that Christians are only Christians on Sundays. So how are pastors supposed to fight the epidemic of hypocritical Christians without being overly “practical”?<br /></strong><br /><strong>Cary:</strong> What I think changes us from the bottom up is the gospel of Jesus Christ. We become those who find Christ as our beloved. That’s what changes our hearts. And you can’t do that by telling people how to love Christ. You have to do that by telling them about Christ.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />What we should learn is to take Christ as our beloved and obey him. And the way to get there is to get us deeper and deeper into the story of who Jesus is, and to find ourselves in that story, and then to say, “Ah, we can follow him.” There is a place to tell people about the Christian life, but that’s always as part of the overarching story of who Jesus is, who God is in Christ, who the God of the Bible is, who the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are. “Who” questions are the crucial things, because when we know who this is, the God of Israel, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that’s what changes us, and then you can add a little bit about how to live the Christian life. But telling people about how to live the Christian life will not change their lives. Telling them about Jesus Christ does.<br /><br />If you’re a preacher, you have this incredible privilege of giving people nothing less than Jesus Christ. WHY would you want to give them something less?! Okay, you can give them the other things too if you want to, but first give them Jesus Christ. If it’s all about the application, then it’s all about me. I come to church to hear about Jesus Christ, not about myself.<br /><br /><strong>Takeaways<br />Are the questions we ask ourselves and our teenagers centering anyone on the gospel? </strong>As Cary writes, “The story we live in, whether we believe it or not, is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Like the Pharisees and the Sadducees, the disciples and the soldiers, the women who are healed and the children raised from the dead, we are all characters in Christ’s story, recognizing that we are one of the many sinners for whom Christ died.” As active participants in the gospel story, are we attempting to better understand our story’s great protagonist or are our questions causing us to grow in anxiety rather than in Christ?<br /><br /><strong>Are we asking questions at all?</strong> Dr. Cary claims that one of the main purposes of his book is to get Christians thinking about the assumptions we have made about their faith, such as the need to hear God speak to our hearts, or the need to experience joy all the time. Whether we agree with his conclusions or not, it is important to evaluate the assumptions we make about our faith and reflect on their validity, their usefulness, or even their goodness in our lives.<br /><br /><em><strong>Angelina Deola</strong> is currently a student at Eastern University and in the fall of 2010 served as a writing intern for CPYU.<br /></div></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-28604204568408035392011-01-26T10:58:00.008-05:002011-01-26T11:20:59.337-05:00Derek's Top 10 Books of 2010<div align="justify"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566526421757085490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6ZRt5N0QuCVmUPFiPX-L13Hwz9UhWLknCR1ZH5CgnZP_JKLyy3etvrxzY63OBzsjN-E2B61WMFfDa_OtMBak9s-S1NOy5HkJPOqfTi6nGD0aNImHwZ2mzHdt7-jjTCRAcZHacYTfHGc/s200/Top10.jpg" /><a href="https://www.cpyu.org/files/Engage/PDFs/2011/January/Resource%20Reviews.pdf">Also available as a pdf</a>. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />It’s hard to believe that another reading year has come to an end. There were certainly some great books again last year. It’s always difficult to choose favorites, but I’ve managed to narrow it down to ten once again. I’m pleased to see that I selected three novels this time. I enjoy reading novels and have crazy dreams of trying to write one someday. (I’m sure you haven’t heard that before!) So, here we go: My top 10 books of 2010 listed alphabetically by author:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wendellberrybooks.com/books.html"><em>Imagination in Place</em></a> by Wendell Berry (Counterpoint Pr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEMLn0pHXk6fQe1ZtFNidCQ7BeYbvfjSq_wK48y7E8BWnTA8qKMGqqmXlFKMxB4V1iI7iJ9q1TMhfXRlXlmwq__mR96g2VkYr7dKJLs6m3a_TWP-xhTcnHu3dDSmN0GxZK4FB-sZP3xk/s1600/ImaginationInPlace.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 112px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566526115927601106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEMLn0pHXk6fQe1ZtFNidCQ7BeYbvfjSq_wK48y7E8BWnTA8qKMGqqmXlFKMxB4V1iI7iJ9q1TMhfXRlXlmwq__mR96g2VkYr7dKJLs6m3a_TWP-xhTcnHu3dDSmN0GxZK4FB-sZP3xk/s200/ImaginationInPlace.bmp" /></a>ess). I noted before that I love Berry’s novels and enjoy his poetry, but have been less drawn to his essays. I know he is a fine essayist, some say the best alive today, but I’d rather dig into one of his works of fiction or reflect on one of his poems. <em>Imagination in Place</em>, however, was different. I think it was the autobiographical nature of these essays. Berry reflects on the people and places that have influenced his writing the most. Humility marks every page. The final essay “God, Science and Imagination” is worth the price of the book. He writes, “[Imagination] is the power by which we see the place, predicament, or the story we are in.” Beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=4E5DF819709B4AB1869B2838D0AB0351"><em>Back on Mu</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_03IlvmFc9cIEeLLDThD3_c7WwomivQMpRGZwAa-Bl8i_pdVzFQZx4H0-4T5ASP0c6B_tJCuojvHGzEsUHfjM4WoNfRFw5L7z9EL6Xc1ZQrgEGQpIroMeaeQCbJtvtfCp42-0FIyn9U/s1600/BackOnMurder.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 106px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566526586207371698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_03IlvmFc9cIEeLLDThD3_c7WwomivQMpRGZwAa-Bl8i_pdVzFQZx4H0-4T5ASP0c6B_tJCuojvHGzEsUHfjM4WoNfRFw5L7z9EL6Xc1ZQrgEGQpIroMeaeQCbJtvtfCp42-0FIyn9U/s200/BackOnMurder.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=4E5DF819709B4AB1869B2838D0AB0351">rder: A Roland March Mystery</em></a> by J. Mark Bertrand (Bethany House). I’ve gotten to know Mark a little bit over the past few years and I was excited to read this book long before it was published. My plan was to read it while on vacation in July, but my dad starting reading it first and wouldn’t give it back! I eventually read it, and <a href="http://cpyubookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/08/back-on-murder.html">raved about it online</a> and dreamed about the characters. It’s a three part series and I can’t wait for the <a href="http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=D3EB90EA790C4C9C8BC54AE24BB89267">next one</a>! Mark is a good writer and the book received many positive reviews. Thoughtful, gripping and quite entertaining.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/ReligionTheology/SociologyofReligion/?view=usa&ci=9780195314847"><em>Almost Chr</a><a href="http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/ReligionTheology/SociologyofReligion/?view=usa&ci=9780195314847">istian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the Americ</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF9eR70kDjl9tlW4xljuDStu0avbvju3KcB_Dr9hoR2w-3WfvDPoL9CIPumutF7PScjhbZfQgl6uVqALrvigKyJOEKd8MdlwNLYZ8wn3HEB2g2n-Fx7KlFVoc3TnRZ0tYgHi9NWJy7XE/s1600/AlmostChristian.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 108px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566526768967314194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF9eR70kDjl9tlW4xljuDStu0avbvju3KcB_Dr9hoR2w-3WfvDPoL9CIPumutF7PScjhbZfQgl6uVqALrvigKyJOEKd8MdlwNLYZ8wn3HEB2g2n-Fx7KlFVoc3TnRZ0tYgHi9NWJy7XE/s200/AlmostChristian.png" /></a><a href="http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/ReligionTheology/SociologyofReligion/?view=usa&ci=9780195314847">an Church</em></a> by Kenda Creasy Dean (Oxford University Press). Dean offers deeper analysis into the findings of the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR) from a Christian perspective. While the book Soul Searching, Christian Smith’s groundbreaking report of the NSYR, attempted to be a “neutral,” sociological study, Dean responds to the data from a more distinctly Christian angle. According to Dean (and the NSYR), the majority of the teenagers in our churches live life based on a moralistic, therapeutic, deist (MTD) worldview, which they have learned from watching their parents. “Nurturing faith in young people means investing in the faith of their parents and congregations.” She sees the “MTD problem” as being deep and church-wide. This is a must read for all who care about nurturing teenagers in the faith.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ignatius.com/Products/LFK-H/looking-for-the-king.aspx?src=iplfk"><em>Looking fo</a><a href="http://www.ignatius.com/Products/LFK-H/looking-for-the-king.aspx?src=iplfk">r the</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRlGovLAoMjsyKSe2jOSp6hYGYgm1qDGxyXx1f6aqAshAyRZBPibLwm9dpIQsJJmFNWk1fe-Oo86Fg4-CcFWWmP-K9JuJCscU5nCgI1FFGbaWAPWfzGbOvuSKblnvhz1ucEKCKKXwW5k/s1600/LookingForTheKing.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 94px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 135px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566526953469141874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRlGovLAoMjsyKSe2jOSp6hYGYgm1qDGxyXx1f6aqAshAyRZBPibLwm9dpIQsJJmFNWk1fe-Oo86Fg4-CcFWWmP-K9JuJCscU5nCgI1FFGbaWAPWfzGbOvuSKblnvhz1ucEKCKKXwW5k/s200/LookingForTheKing.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ignatius.com/Products/LFK-H/looking-for-the-king.aspx?src=iplfk"> King: An Ink</a><a href="http://www.ignatius.com/Products/LFK-H/looking-for-the-king.aspx?src=iplfk">lings Novel</em></a> by David Downing (Ignatius Press). This book would easily win the award for <a href="http://www.ignatius.com/promotions/looking-for-the-king">best trailer of the year</a> as well. Wow. Downing is a professor at the small college up the street and it has been a privilege to get to know him. A world renowned C.S. Lewis scholar, in his first novel he takes a shot at crafting a suspenseful mystery where the main characters come in contact with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inklings">Inklings</a>, Lewis’s group of friends in Oxford, including Charles Williams and J.R.R. Tolkien. You don’t have to be a Lewis fan to enjoy the story, but if you are, you will be gripped by the conversations and British settings.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385528047"><em>The Confession</em></a> by John Grisham. Earlier in the year I wrote of how Grisha<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_MobsR97MeZEbkEcqZxI2DiNNDEG4Jbm1uPbO_dvkRoFK0On20XLWfChtI2e6lfqldw5hBPRrPhgoXBUjLYAZ9yyht7X1DiNYI3I0IEDuX0uRojF0uZJjc-Bnd6XSNchOA6ZfPLsPWk/s1600/theconfession.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 86px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 107px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566527142644794898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_MobsR97MeZEbkEcqZxI2DiNNDEG4Jbm1uPbO_dvkRoFK0On20XLWfChtI2e6lfqldw5hBPRrPhgoXBUjLYAZ9yyht7X1DiNYI3I0IEDuX0uRojF0uZJjc-Bnd6XSNchOA6ZfPLsPWk/s200/theconfession.jpg" /></a>m’s first novel <a href="http://blog.livingjubilee.org/how-to-fall-in-love%e2%80%a6-one-book-at-a-time/">A Time to Kill</a> changed my life. Well, it had a major part to play in my marriage, anyway! Grisham’s latest novel could be life changing for other reasons. Without giving the plot away, in this powerful book, Grisham forces readers to think more deeply about our court system and the death penalty. It’s not an easy book to read but it’s worth it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=2587"><em>Teaching the Faith, Fo</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx6vgqOsNh_i_uDBX3fa5LzGoyl3LAhZKNqe2-idlylmUJEPXNJ8olDh1y1GYAEIYa8nvUzq6DWsB7J0KQszV0NgW07bzE_iGRSdvukGhu8Dl_WT4vQkZDMb0YshgI3cggTmVHkwPkjY/s1600/TeachingFaith.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 98px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566527577058685410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx6vgqOsNh_i_uDBX3fa5LzGoyl3LAhZKNqe2-idlylmUJEPXNJ8olDh1y1GYAEIYa8nvUzq6DWsB7J0KQszV0NgW07bzE_iGRSdvukGhu8Dl_WT4vQkZDMb0YshgI3cggTmVHkwPkjY/s200/TeachingFaith.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=2587">rming the Faithful: A Biblical Vision for Education in the Church</em></a> by Gary Parrett and Steve Kang (Intervarsity Press). This is a massive, 450+ page book that I enjoyed on every page. My work as the director of the <a href="http://www.cpyu.org/page.aspx?id=103729">College Transition Initiative</a> requires me to think and speak about developing in young people a faith that lasts. I’m also a young father, so that question is also pressing in other areas of life as well. This book was very informative, challenging the church to be more intentional in its Christian education. It connects learning to the biblical story, going into much depth as to what the church ought to teach and provides numerous, practical suggestions on how to disciple all ages.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.eerdmans.com/shop/product.asp?p_key=9780802829559"><em>Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing Up in Christ</em></a> by Eugene Peterson <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzP1hybnBwgk1DO0EqkeHj_bQWBbvKxb_NQAGssYVQd6JVOLhIdknohVIEBdRUHSF5Tg1UmQQmpQTBXb7gX63FRn9fG8rm0XBw1eH_jZOtKugU5KkNvFnXbYZyfJoxKyhYCpPQ3OW3nk/s1600/PracticeResurrection.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 80px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 111px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566527778981484162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzP1hybnBwgk1DO0EqkeHj_bQWBbvKxb_NQAGssYVQd6JVOLhIdknohVIEBdRUHSF5Tg1UmQQmpQTBXb7gX63FRn9fG8rm0XBw1eH_jZOtKugU5KkNvFnXbYZyfJoxKyhYCpPQ3OW3nk/s200/PracticeResurrection.jpg" /></a>(Eerdmans). With this book, Peterson’s widely successful and deeply formative “conversations in spiritual theology” series comes to a close. The final installment discusses maturing in Christ, the church and provides insightful (as always!) commentary on the book of Ephesians. I loved it and savored it, reading a few pages a day over several months. Challenging, provocative, satisfying. Peterson continues to serve the Church he loves with passion, patience and grace.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.brazospress.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=B66808A8A3BE47BBAA87654105A9F4CE"><em>Letters to a </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhax-W4Cm_O9iHRN1UPk7Ro-qgZsnjTvg-VVtHwvOVn3FmgjCSHwf3Cw7rQXdi_ygcg0M3BkD7G77h0jyFyIZrf03hS52h84EnJ2C3HtMAfjxb5rvzymvq-ihzcChyphenhyphenB2uqFt7gAq0ySGiY/s1600/LettertoCalvinist.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 148px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566528027455186754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhax-W4Cm_O9iHRN1UPk7Ro-qgZsnjTvg-VVtHwvOVn3FmgjCSHwf3Cw7rQXdi_ygcg0M3BkD7G77h0jyFyIZrf03hS52h84EnJ2C3HtMAfjxb5rvzymvq-ihzcChyphenhyphenB2uqFt7gAq0ySGiY/s200/LettertoCalvinist.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.brazospress.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=B66808A8A3BE47BBAA87654105A9F4CE">Young Calvi</a><a href="http://www.brazospress.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=B66808A8A3BE47BBAA87654105A9F4CE">nist: An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition</em></a> by James K.A. Smith (Brazos Press). Reformed theology has been becoming more and more popular in North American Christianity. With many “emerging” churches chasing after innovations and the latest way to re-imagine/invent/think itself, the “New-Calvinists” look back to the reformation for inspiration, calling the church to deeper theological training, especially in regards to the historical doctrines and creeds. There are many positive aspects of this movement, but Smith wants to proceed with caution. He argues that the “new-Calvinism” focuses too much on TULIP and individual salvation and misses the broader perspective that Calvin himself emphasized. This collection of fictitious letters is an engaging read and a much needed voice in contemporary, Calvinist conversations.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310328605&QueryStringSite=Zondervan"><em>The Fatherless Generatio</a><a href="http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310328605&QueryStringSite=Zondervan">n: Redeeming the Story</em></a> by John Sowers (Zondervan). The fir<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxDbLQHtj7_yKBoW646Q9aMfGBRQ4BXelgIBwRu214V6A51FGDNhGl22TxVxRHdzwXSJZ3DjN_LQuNaeU-hUV2-_EP71uYYevy7WRCVNiNKLbOstY4LmTNKjKczKkTnRX73CX-SU3Lgo/s1600/fatherless_generation.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 104px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 149px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566528266125678338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxDbLQHtj7_yKBoW646Q9aMfGBRQ4BXelgIBwRu214V6A51FGDNhGl22TxVxRHdzwXSJZ3DjN_LQuNaeU-hUV2-_EP71uYYevy7WRCVNiNKLbOstY4LmTNKjKczKkTnRX73CX-SU3Lgo/s200/fatherless_generation.jpg" /></a>st half of the book paints a bleak picture of fatherlessness in America. Thirty-three percent of youth—over 25 million kids—grow up without a dad. According to Sowers “the fatherless boy lives with the nagging accusation that he will never be adequate, never measure up, never really be a man.” And, “while our fatherless sons rage, our fatherless daughters decay. Driven by a crippling sense of unworthiness and a gnawing hunger for Dad, they are emotionally and sexually promiscuous.” But there is hope. The second half of the book is an urgent plea for churches to invest in intentional mentoring programs. Sowers forces us to open our eyes to the devastating crisis of fatherlessness. It is pervasive. And because it affects everyone in some way, everyone should read this book. If you come from a fatherless background this book will help you to make sense of your situation. Youth workers should read this book in order to better understand how to serve the fatherless in their congregations and communities. And, finally, fathers should read this book to be reminded of the importance and challenge of being a faithful dad.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3846"><em>Basic Chri</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AQ1fz995HdzNi9TL5zRRh3wXJ5uivRuZmNseZpiX8Kl1XKwrUU6KR3qxtzTyODfMfQRC-nfp3iFWwaTUQo4B7fP-ZRZoRwN5nCecXPyeNxT6Nrtsel4iG7LEpjSCai5ChN-RwEf4LKA/s1600/BasicChristian.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 92px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566528569681292354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AQ1fz995HdzNi9TL5zRRh3wXJ5uivRuZmNseZpiX8Kl1XKwrUU6KR3qxtzTyODfMfQRC-nfp3iFWwaTUQo4B7fP-ZRZoRwN5nCecXPyeNxT6Nrtsel4iG7LEpjSCai5ChN-RwEf4LKA/s200/BasicChristian.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3846">stian: The Inside Story of John Stott</em></a> by Roger Steer (Intervarsity Press). I’m a big fan of John Stott. His theology continues to undergird much of my approach to issues of faith and culture. Steer writes an engaging and inspiring biography of Dr. Stott. He takes readers on an adventure into the life of one of the most influential Christians of the 20th century. Stott has quite a legacy and it is worth knowing about in detail. We are indebted to Steer for his time in writing the story of a man everyone should know.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a href="http://learningmylines.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-best-reads-of-2010.html"><br />Read Walt's best reads of 2010!</a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-12810922639999354282011-01-03T10:27:00.003-05:002011-01-03T10:34:33.709-05:00Almost Christian: What Teens are Telling the American Church<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaFSppBmAxcOuidglLcVx8AHW8HIbRDrHrGNVmvO0y3NoBtcvkTt3ybpJ9vom0qGvr4jHUAmuCBMiOjuLO8mUJTl3zWeML6AM2yeTr2_ECRKd5kmUT_n950MiJ-bZ1PtAxjcWT0-HxBQ/s1600/AlmostChristian.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 201px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557981745755113874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaFSppBmAxcOuidglLcVx8AHW8HIbRDrHrGNVmvO0y3NoBtcvkTt3ybpJ9vom0qGvr4jHUAmuCBMiOjuLO8mUJTl3zWeML6AM2yeTr2_ECRKd5kmUT_n950MiJ-bZ1PtAxjcWT0-HxBQ/s320/AlmostChristian.png" /></a>One of the messages that we constantly trumpet here at <a href="http://www.cpyu.org/Default.aspx">CPYU</a> is this: like it or not, we <strong>MUST</strong> listen to cultural trends. And like them or not, cultural trends give us deep insights into who we are, along with who we are becoming. Then, when viewed in light of who we’re supposed to be, cultural trends help us to answer our responsibility to respond in ways that bring honor and glory to God by promoting His Kingdom values. When it comes to our kids and who they are, listening to their culture shows us what we’ve failed to do, along with what we must do. And so it is with the message of Kenda Creasy Dean’s fabulous and challenging book, <em><a href="http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/ReligionTheology/SociologyofReligion/?view=usa&ci=9780195314847">Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church</a></em> (Oxford University Press, 2010).<br /><br />The cultural trend Dean reminds us of is the saddening mutation of Christian faith that is embraced and lived by our kids, a faith that’s been labeled as “moralistic, therapeutic, deism” by Christian Smith and others involved with the <a href="http://www.youthandreligion.org/">National Study of Youth and Religion</a>. While Smith described this disturbing cultural trend in his book <em><a href="http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/ReligionTheology/SociologyofReligion/?view=usa&ci=9780195384772">Soul Searching</a></em>, Dean goes a step further to offer analysis on who’s to blame, along with who needs to step up and do something – including suggestions on what to do – to remedy the decline of faith among our kids. Not surprisingly, the blame is placed first and foremost at the feet of families who have forfeited their God-given responsibility to nurture their children in the faith of the Old and New Testament. Also to blame is a church that hasn’t equipped parents to do their job. And now we are reaping the fruit in what Dean calls a “Church of Benign Whatever-ism.”<br /><br /><em>Almost Christian</em> takes readers on a journey into what it means to promote a “consequential faith” through a variety of faith-building strategies including passing on the faith legacy through the rediscovery of the process of “catechesis,” something that’s been lost in the age of the market-driven mega-church. Readers are prompted to consider what it means and what it will take to move kids beyond embracing a self-serving spirituality to a faith that reflects the God-centeredness and other-centeredness of the Gospel.<br /><br />This is a book <strong>highly recommended</strong> for youth workers and parents, but it’s also a necessary read for pastors, church boards, and whoever else is pondering what it means to be the church in today’s rapidly changing culture.<br /><br />--<a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=76882">Walt Mueller</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-31895759179309310052010-12-21T11:28:00.003-05:002010-12-21T11:33:40.194-05:00Love Is an Orientation<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD70JuspyBiMSt9T6MfwVtBsBkiq7KI1bsT75mN1xqu6ROFt5ZPQQ1LmwfNfqwjLCjY99PbgjEiXtDe8k34yKGV2OQfHyZvkMC-UJTbghi6SSdM0SxhskAitA-pTR6mJYhRGlVpF35y4/s1600/LoveIs.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 196px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 297px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553173564633868242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD70JuspyBiMSt9T6MfwVtBsBkiq7KI1bsT75mN1xqu6ROFt5ZPQQ1LmwfNfqwjLCjY99PbgjEiXtDe8k34yKGV2OQfHyZvkMC-UJTbghi6SSdM0SxhskAitA-pTR6mJYhRGlVpF35y4/s320/LoveIs.jpg" /></a>The first words of Andrew Marin’s book, <a href="http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3626"><em>Love Is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community</em></a> (InterVarsity Press, 2010), reads as a statement that reflects my own life: “I am a straight, white, conservative, Bible-believing, evangelical male. I was raised in a Christian home in a conservative suburb of Chicago and grew up in a large evangelical church. And I wanted absolutely nothing to do with the gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community.” However, over the last 10 years he has immersed himself in this community choosing to live in the gay district of Chicago called Boystown. One of the most polarizing discussions that can happen in our church today surrounds the topic of homosexuality. As someone that works often to illuminate and prompt dialogue on sexuality, this can be one of the most sobering and difficult conversations I have. To be honest, I would rather not discuss this topic because I know what lies beneath and it is neither easy nor quick to understand.<br /><br />Marin’s story begins when three of his best friends “come out” over a three-month period. This title wave of revelation led him to deeply consider what he believed and how he was going to cope with this new reality, all three of his closest friends were gay! His decision, however, was one that some find strange. In order to completely answer the Holy Spirit’s call in his life, he decided to fully immerse himself in the GLBT community. Marin says that he wanted to be, “the most involved, gayest straight dude on the face of the earth.”<br /><br />His immersion in this culture is what led him to write <em>Love Is an Orientation</em>. It is a challenging, yet dynamic work of literature on the issues surrounding the intersection of the church and the GLBT community. He points out that we need to begin moving past our default responses toward the GLBT community. He is not asking Christians to change their beliefs, nor is he asking them to change their foundational understanding of Scripture. His heart is to create a new paradigm that elevates our discussion on this issue.<br /><br />Marin writes, “We have no problem wrestling with apologetics for people of different ethnicities and cultures that are totally removed from ours. Christians diligently study other belief systems and incarnationally move into neighborhoods of people with different beliefs, join their groups, attend their events and partake in their daily life, reveling in the unique opportunity to engage in what we don’t know. But Christians do none of those things for the GLBT community.”<br /><br /><em>Love Is an Orientation</em> will challenge you to believe that their lives are as real as ours, and our faith in Jesus Christ requires us to meticulously seek honest transparency not only within the GLBT community but in ourselves as well.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />--<a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=324628">Jason Soucinek</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-89392925933319626322010-12-17T09:43:00.002-05:002010-12-17T09:46:26.771-05:00Hipster Christianity?<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1BS6S9zdCNtHIw-Ijl3qkVL0CM4GqxIzBPvQ-8mmcN55K-aFmqBQjS3S_SCHGMRTiw3QvJJSTij7gduTCuVio8ZL-ffE5AEgQpWLSTet02zBZW0xEErvDvbzO-Iyu9oh3iAPxO_LWkM/s1600/Hipster.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 207px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551662080070511778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1BS6S9zdCNtHIw-Ijl3qkVL0CM4GqxIzBPvQ-8mmcN55K-aFmqBQjS3S_SCHGMRTiw3QvJJSTij7gduTCuVio8ZL-ffE5AEgQpWLSTet02zBZW0xEErvDvbzO-Iyu9oh3iAPxO_LWkM/s320/Hipster.jpg" /></a>What does it mean for the church to be hip? Is cool Christianity something we should even strive for? These are a few of the questions that frame Brett McCracken’s <a href="http://www.bakerbooks.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=0477683E4046471488BD7BAC8DCFB004&nm=&type=PubCom&mod=PubComProductCatalog&mid=BF1316AF9E334B7BA1C33CB61CF48A4E&tier=3&id=CBD6FB9E038E42E7B075B4D173077D98"><em>Hipster Christianity: When Church and Cool Collide</em></a> (Baker Books, 2010). The book has received a lot of attention, garnering both praise and criticism. While some of the generalizations and presuppositions McCracken makes through the early portions of the book may miss the mark, the book lands on solid ground as McCracken comes to his conclusions in the latter chapters.<br /><br />The book takes us through a historical look at the concept of cool and what it has looked like in practice over the years. Though nowhere near exhaustive, it provides a broad view that helps paint the picture of hipsterdom and some of its main tenets of freedom, individualism, exclusivity, and rebellion. Hipster Christianity then describes what hipsters look like in today’s society, generalizing them into twelve basic categories based on the author’s experiences. (Insert ironic criticism here.) McCracken then takes us on a tour of what he considers the rise of hipster Christianity dating back to the 1960’s. Those who grew up in evangelical homes during the 80’s and 90’s will at least relate to, if not appreciate McCracken’s references during this time period. The middle portion of the book focuses on what so-called “hipster Christianity” looks like today in practice, starting with a brief but helpful profile of several different well-known churches.<br /><br />As stated before, the book holds the most weight in the concluding chapters as McCracken takes a look at whether the concept of “cool” can be reconciled with Christianity. In short, McCracken states that it cannot. Though he does allow that following Christ is a “cool” venture all to itself, he argues it’s not the same type of self-obsessed notion of cool that we have come to highly regard as a culture. If we’re not careful, and if we don’t hold tight to Scripture, the church can quickly lose its identity as found in being the body of Christ, and instead be focused on how attractive we look to the outside world. He suggests that churches who are trying to be cool simply for the sake of marketing to young believers or seekers, or to satisfy the fleeting desires of the “marketplace” are no different than corporations advertising their latest products. To be a radical for Christ means to deny oneself, and be fixated on the eternal aspect of God’s kingdom, rather than the vain, in the now, fleeting pursuits of “hip.” For many individuals and churches, this will be a tough pill to swallow.<br /><br />Youth pastors and pastors alike would do well to read the final five chapters of this book. It will help them take a closer look at the decisions their churches make and hopefully encourage them to base those decisions on the unchanging Word of God rather than their personal desire to be cool or to appeal to the outside world.<br /><br />--<a href="http://www.cpyu.org/page.aspx?id=102838">Chris Wagner</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-28832128440142291662010-12-13T09:27:00.009-05:002010-12-13T10:58:13.146-05:00Looking for the King this Christmas?<p><object width="410" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zt_rMtKhPuo?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zt_rMtKhPuo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="410" height="250"></embed></object></p><p align="justify">Just in time for the release of the latest Narnia movie, <a href="http://www.narnia.com/">The Voyage of the Dawn Treader</a>, and for the gift-giving Christmas season, our good friend Byron Borger, proprietor of our favorite bookstore, <a href="http://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/about/">Hearts & Minds</a>, has assembled an excellent list of <a href="http://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/reviews/cs_lewis_educational_dvds_book/">C.S. Lewis resources</a>. Byron writes, “This year has marked some very important new C.S. Lewis resources, books and audio and--yes--some educational DVDs that are sorely needed, to enhance our appreciation of the great Oxford don.” Please check out Byron’s great list and, perhaps, think of that special someone who would greatly benefit from reading a book about or by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C.s._lewis">C.S. Lewis</a>.<br /><br />Byron briefly mentions a new novel by <a href="http://www.ignatius.com/promotions/looking-for-the-king/david-c-downing.htm">David Downing</a> that we are excited about. Check out the trailer above for the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inklings">Inklings</a>” novel, <a href="http://www.ignatius.com/promotions/looking-for-the-king/"><em>Looking for the King</em></a>. Is that not the best book trailer you’ve ever seen? Dr. Downing is a friend, teaches at the college up the street from CPYU’s office and a few years ago helped us see what C.S. Lewis might have to say to Christian students making the transition from high school to college (<a href="http://www.cpyu.org/files/CTI/PDF%20Articles/Lewisforcollegestudents.pdf">C.S. Lewis for College Students</a>). His new novel also contains some “imagined” conversations with Lewis. While the trailer highlights the adventurous aspects of the story, the best parts of the book, in my opinion, are the conversations between the main characters and Lewis and his friends. <em>Did you ever wonder what it would be like to have a cup of coffee with Lewis? Do you dream of the opportunity to meet </em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien"><em>J.R.R. Tolkien</em></a><em> at a pub?</em> This book is for you! And, if you’re just looking for a thoughtful, page-turning mystery, this book is for you too! It would be a wonderful gift for both Lewis fans and for friends learning about Lewis for the first time.<br /><br />Tis the season to give books as gifts. David Downing (and Lewis) always seem to make my Christmas shopping a little bit easier!<br /><br />--<a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=170072">Derek Melleby</a> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-4743693761891275612010-12-10T14:56:00.012-05:002010-12-10T15:14:04.247-05:00Interview with James K.A. Smith on "Letters to a Young Calvinist"<object width="429" height="240"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6F8jizWbY90?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6F8jizWbY90?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="420" height="240"></embed></object><br /><br /><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><em><a href="http://www.brazospress.com/Book.asp?isbn=978-1-58743-294-1">Letters to a Young Calvinist: An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition</a></em> is getting a lot of attention. Here's a good, short <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F8jizWbY90">interview</a> of James K.A. Smith talking about his new book. You can read the <a href="http://cpyubookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/12/letters-to-young-calvinist.html">Bookshelf review here</a>. And Dr. Smith responds to his <a href="http://forsclavigera.blogspot.com/2010/12/letter-to-young-baptist.html">baptist critics here</a>. Enjoy! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-30078257253946832092010-12-07T13:24:00.004-05:002010-12-07T13:31:46.599-05:00About You<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xz89BUKFcfEtQn5vysnOfwc9UGE6vMJMWPLiNdVsNRue5rivJUtdbI6rlhO0DWWAzucqZwxBhoT_TGddq57d3XimdMLE4On2C0lgCCgbPqlqhxKhNL7Atr3m5SKcXoCiskuxKjqYAyE/s1600/AboutYouStaub.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548008189336740066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xz89BUKFcfEtQn5vysnOfwc9UGE6vMJMWPLiNdVsNRue5rivJUtdbI6rlhO0DWWAzucqZwxBhoT_TGddq57d3XimdMLE4On2C0lgCCgbPqlqhxKhNL7Atr3m5SKcXoCiskuxKjqYAyE/s320/AboutYouStaub.jpg" /></a>The pile of books "to be read" in my office just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Every once in a while a new book darkens the doorway that I allow to jump to the front of the line, or top of the pile as it were. A couple of weeks ago one of those books showed up and I devoured it quickly. It never even made it to the pile. . . I just took it home and started reading. It's a book by <a href="http://www.dickstaub.com/">Dick Staub</a>, a friend whose past books, <em>Too Christian and Too Pagan</em> and <em>The Culturally Savvy Christian</em>, I've made required reading for students in classes I've taught. The feedback is pretty consistent – things like "thanks for making me read that book" and "that book was a life-changer for me." Staub's latest offering, <a href="http://www.josseybass.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470481641.html"><em>About You: Fully Human, Fully Alive</em></a> (Jossey-Bass, 2010) is good reading I'm "assigning" to anyone who reads this review! It's good reading because it's filled with good writing that shatters some of the myths we've come to believe about God and ourselves, while offering a clear corrective regarding the ways things are and ought to be.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />The book's cover is sure to attract attention from both Christians who think they know what being a Christian is all about, and non-believers who know Christians who have erroneously communicated what being a Christian is all about. Those facts hit readers when they spot this thought-provoking quote on the cover: "Jesus didn't come to make us Christian; Jesus came to make us fully human," words penned by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Rookmaaker">Hans Rookmaker</a>, a hero of the faith Staub and I share. Those words capture a reality that's so much bigger and better than what we've come to accept.<br /><br />Rooted in the context of the unfolding Biblical drama of Creation, Fall, and Redemption, <em>About You</em> takes readers on a journey to discover what it means to be fully human, fully alive, and how to get there. This isn't a book about getting saved. This is a book about rediscovering the purpose, meaning, and shalom of life in the Garden, the echo of which haunts us all in our brokenness. <em>About You</em> engages both the saved and the seeker, leading them down the path to understanding one's self and all of life in the role we've been made to play in that great drama. It's a book about restoration that will open your eyes to who you were made to be and how to get there once again.<br /><br />--<a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=76882">Walt Mueller</a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-72146436858154552232010-12-01T13:03:00.019-05:002010-12-01T13:30:23.657-05:00Letters to a Young Calvinist<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPX1nk306zpf85-8a52Z6Fmz6w98s4dSOIZARCUS8167utwl7vn59Y_mEOU2MBWgKneAY-kwjBrquvwHBe17Ed52FOF823lldf2yNHpnXcE_RQW4dgyJbyxcBIlvvBLgUWWZx8iveVWo/s1600/Letters.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545781286974921762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPX1nk306zpf85-8a52Z6Fmz6w98s4dSOIZARCUS8167utwl7vn59Y_mEOU2MBWgKneAY-kwjBrquvwHBe17Ed52FOF823lldf2yNHpnXcE_RQW4dgyJbyxcBIlvvBLgUWWZx8iveVWo/s200/Letters.jpg" /></a>There has been a recent interest in Reformed theology in general and Calvinism in particular. Major media outlets have reported on how many young people are attracted to what has been called “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Calvinism">New-Calvinism</a>.” YouTube clips abound of young pastors decrying the doctrinal shallowness of the contemporary church while urging protestant, evangelical churches to return to their reformed heritage.<br /><br />As with any movement, the renewed interest in Calvinism has had both positive and negative aspects. Positively, the “New-Calvinists” desire to think more deeply, biblically and theologically and stress the importance and necessity of the local church for nurturing a worshipping community. But there have been a few negative aspects as well. While the reformed tradition has prided itself as being Gospel and grace centered it has also, well, “prided” itself. For some, being “right” doctrinally and theologically becomes a source of pride and arrogance often leading to divisive attitudes. What’s more, some of the “New-Calvinists” reduce Calvinism to its doctrine of salvation, popularly known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TULIP#Five_points_of_Calvinism">TULIP</a>, or the 5-points, and miss the broader, richer vision of John Calvin himself.<br /><br />What is the bigger, theological vision missed by the New-Calvinists? That’s what <a href="http://www.calvin.edu/~jks4/bio.htm">James K.A. Smith</a> spells out in his new book <em><a href="http://www.brazospress.com/Book.asp?isbn=978-1-58743-294-1">Letters to a Young Calvinist: An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition</a></em> (Brazos Press, 2010). Smith’s own Christian journey took him all over the theological map, from Pentecostalism to currently teaching philosophy at <a href="http://www.calvin.edu/">Calvin College</a>. His own journey is what motivated him to write these letters to a young Christian. In fact, truth be told, Smith is basically writing letters to himself, retelling his own pilgrimage through his theological pride to becoming a humbler, gentler Calvinist.<br /><br />The book is creative, engaging and stimulating. It serves as a helpful corrective to all of us who may run the risk of missing Jesus while constructing persuasive theological schemas. At times, I think Smith assumes too much from his (supposed) young readers, referring to people, places and historical events that most young people will be learning about for the first time in these pages. In that sense, I’m not sure it serves as the best “invitation to the Reformed tradition.” But like Paul’s epistles, these letters do a marvelous job of ensuring that Jesus and the Kingdom remain the focus of the Gospel. A book like this one needed to be written and Smith was just the person to do it. His love for Jesus, the Bible and the church are evident on each page.<br /></div><p align="justify">--<a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=170072">Derek Melleby</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-71019529989913437842010-11-17T09:15:00.004-05:002010-11-17T09:21:16.111-05:00Redeeming the Realities of Marriage<p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9889S55TRlsf8Sd8jqTNek_jSLmBIXReR7hAo1-3uYQ3czHlFkzL0hOye4RPw005SvqxIHgEvTI-LR3o0Wwku_EXOQmIy_P5yRsatGcWSuQmks7zynuTOBHVfSgo0mFH1FttEVfE98Q/s1600/Tripp2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540522274161833602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9889S55TRlsf8Sd8jqTNek_jSLmBIXReR7hAo1-3uYQ3czHlFkzL0hOye4RPw005SvqxIHgEvTI-LR3o0Wwku_EXOQmIy_P5yRsatGcWSuQmks7zynuTOBHVfSgo0mFH1FttEVfE98Q/s320/Tripp2.jpg" /></a>I often wonder what it is my kids think about marriage. I wonder what they’ve learned by watching me and my wife live out the vows we recited to each other over 28 years ago. I wonder if the example I’ve given them is a good one. Do they have a high view of marriage? Or, like so many of their peers, do they view the institution of marriage with a skepticism that’s been fueled by faulty media depictions, the confusion of infatuation with love, declining sexual standards, a “feel-good” moral code, and the failure of marriage to work under the roof where they spent their childhood?<br /><br />Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost our center when it comes to matrimony. When we get around to choosing marriage, our expectations are way off. When we get into marriage, those false expectations bear fruit that leaves us feeling like failures. . . and then far too many marriages disintegrate. The good news is that even though this is the cultural climate of the times, a majority of our kids long to enter into a stable, loving, and enduring marriage. Eighty-two percent of our teenage girls say that having a good marriage and family life is “extremely important,” and that’s a number that’s been trending upward in recent years. While the boys lag behind, over seven out of ten share that desire. But how can we help facilitate a transition from great expectations, to seeing those expectations become reality?<br /><br />I’m fully aware that marriage and individual marriages are extremely complex. But stated simply, the two best things we can give to our kids is 1) an example of a healthy marriage, and 2) constant guidance and direction before their married so that they are prepared for the marital realities than run the spectrum from good, to bad, to even ugly.<br /><br />One of the things I’ve come to love about <a href="http://www.paultrippministries.org/biography">Dr. Paul Tripp</a> is his realization that life is messy. He would be the first to admit that his own life has been messy. He also trumpets the theological reality that we are all deeply flawed people who are living in a deeply flawed world. Not only that, but it is the grace of God as evidenced in the cross that not only saves us, but saves us from ourselves while allowing us to live in marital bliss and marital lack-of-bliss as one flawed person committed to another flawed person. His latest book, <a href="http://www.crossway.org/books/what-did-you-expect-hcj/"><em>What Did You Expect??: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage</em></a> (Crossway, 2010), is a vulnerable, biblically-based, realistic, and very hopeful guide that can set us on the path to healthy marriages, the setting of good examples, and healthy conversations with our kids about the nature of marriage.<br /><br />Tripp recognizes that our marriages need “the regular rescue of grace” because we are sinners who are married to sinners who are trying to live the married life in a broken and messed up world. Tripp proposes that contrary to popular opinion, the secret to a successful marriage is not rooted in romance. Rather, a marriage of love, unity, and understanding is rooted in the worship of God. It is only when we are focused on the worship of God “that we find reason to continue” in our marriages.<br /><br />After smashing the faulty and idolatrous notions of marriage that we so easily believe and embrace in today’s culture, Tripp shares and explains six commitments that flawed couples must keep if they are hoping to grow in their love for each other and build a marriage that endures. They are. . .<br /><br /> - We will give ourselves to a regular lifestyle of confession and forgiveness.<br /> - We will make growth and change our daily agenda.<br /> - We will work together to build a sturdy bond of trust.<br /> - We will commit to building a relationship of love.<br /> - We will deal with our differences with appreciation and grace.<br /> - We will work to protect our marriage.<br /><br /><em>What Did You Expect??</em> is a timely book that I highly recommend. Of course, it’s one that all parents should read, discuss, and prayerfully endeavor to live. Youth workers would do well to give it a read? Why? Your kids are watching! Couples considering marriage will find the book especially helpful. And then anyone who wants to help young people hear and live a realistic and healthy understanding of this God-given institution will find more than enough good stuff to unpack and discuss with kids.<br /><br />Tripp writes, “It is only when a husband and wife are in love with the same King and live in practical pursuit of the same kingdom that they have any hope of functional unity, understanding, and love.” Yes, God is in the business of rescuing us from ourselves and making all things new. . . including our marriages!<br /><br />-- <a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=76882">Dr. Walt Mueller</a> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7991697557842016909.post-38887950141566129912010-11-10T09:16:00.004-05:002010-11-10T09:29:18.277-05:00The Fatherless Generation<p align="justify"><a href="http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310328605&QueryStringSite=Zondervan"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537925649208980370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93P6vrOoeieWskUTMbDWSPP55APdfZefBTwkWSFJHL_uHD2EFfWlGBW4_Sar_glmXkn4pZhJiep00n7ywfxpHWJALXn_4m75shEmMq-9Iiz7U2GEeKi6dGkYFRrS9zIVqwwHZ_E05omY/s320/Fatherless+Generation.png" /><strong>Fatherless Generation</strong></a><strong>: Redeeming the Story</strong> (Zondervan, 2010) by John Sowers is eye-opening, dismal, but ultimately hopeful.<br /><br />The first half of the book paints a bleak picture of fatherlessness in America. Thirty-three percent of youth—over 25 million kids—grow up without a dad. According to Sowers “the fatherless boy lives with the nagging accusation that he will never be adequate, never measure up, never really be a man.” And, “while our fatherless sons rage, our fatherless daughters decay. Driven by a crippling sense of unworthiness and a gnawing hunger for Dad, they are emotionally and sexually promiscuous.” Citing various sources, Sowers concludes: "The fatherless generation is accountable for most of the serious problems we face today…"<br /><br />63% of youth suicides<br />71% of pregnant teenagers<br />90% of all homeless and runaway children<br />70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions<br />85% of all youth who exhibit behavior disorders<br />80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger<br />71% of al high school dropouts<br />75% of all adolescents in chemical abuse centers<br />85% of all youths sitting in prison<br /><br />But there is hope. The second half of the book is an urgent plea for churches to invest in intentional mentoring programs. Sowers is currently the president of <a href="http://www.thementoringproject.org/">The Mentoring Project</a>, which “seeks to respond to the American crisis of fatherlessness by inspiring and equipping faith communities to mentor fatherless boys.” He offers countless stories and statistics of boys and girls who made successful and healthy transitions from adolescence to adulthood. The common denominator was that they had mentors in their lives, showing them want it meant and looked like to be men and women. Understanding the daunting task of being a mentor, the book concludes with helpful and inspiring advice on how to engage the fatherless among us.<br /><br />Sowers forces us to open our eyes to the devastating crisis of fatherlessness. It is pervasive. And because it affects everyone in some way, everyone should read this book. If you come from a fatherless background this book will help you to make sense of your situation. Youth workers should read this book in order to better understand how to serve the fatherless in their congregations and communities. And, finally, fathers should read this book to be reminded of the importance and challenge of being a faithful dad.<br /><br />-- <a href="https://www.cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=170072">Derek Melleby</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0