Just A Mockingbird, No New Song To Sing.

Last week I read a book by one of my favorie authors Donald Miller about a road trip he and a friend took from Texas to Oregon in a VW van. The book, Through Painted Deserts, talks about Millers expirience of growing closer with God away from all the ties of modern life that left him so dead inside. A really great read, if you ever get the chance.

Another one of Millers books, Blue Like Jazz, is a collection of memiors that touch on the diferent aspects of christianity and belief. The writing his halarious and honest, Miller really speaks to my generation, who've had Christianity sold to them thier whole lives. In the words of a much smarter man than I "It's like thereapy for the youth group generation". The book is a little radical, Miller calls himself a Christian, but draws a distinction. Christianity has been the predomination culture in the west for Centuries, and with it has grabbed some nasty traits. When asked to explain "Christianity" in a radio interview, Miller wouldn't because it could mean 40 different things to 40 different people. Instead Miller calls his belief "Christian Spirituality" not so much to stick it in anyones face, or to me mystic, but to draw a line between what Jesus said, and this culture.

I believe what he says and I like the distinction, because it follows everything I've seen in Christianity. I will admit, it's pretty cliche to go head to head with "Big WASP Christianity". But to use the words of Chesterton, "Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions." like wise neither do truths.

Of course Chesteron also said "The reformer is always right about what is wrong. He is generally wrong about what is right." Though from my expirience, the kind of new books and new music that perscribes to this "Christian Spirituality", that are centered to reach my generation, are usually heartfelt and honest, "true" if you will.

Not one of the books or albums i've consumed from this movement have brought forth thier own unique doctrines, so that also adds validity.

This has been a common problem in the church for centuries. The Reformation for instance, Kierkegaard, Tozer and Bonhoffer all delt with the same issues, and people called them (still are) crazy or wrong.

I think I'm rambling now.

Anyway, I think it's great, one step closer to the Kingdom, and another tool in my evangelical belt.

Much Love