I’ve just finished reading through Doug’s latest book, A Christianity Worth Believing.
Disclaimer: Doug is one of my heroes. Not for theological reasons, but for his prowess in cultural understanding. He knows his audience because he values his story.
This book is simply amazing. Through his own story Doug walks you through a process of deconstruction of the methods and practices that have invaded the church. He forces you to rethink and question why you do what you do. It’s honest and revealing.
It’s also applicable to ministry to children and families. Doug came from a completely unchurched background before his conversion, which took place later in his teen years. He shows you how some of your traditions and methods are a hinderance to kids and families from backgrounds like his. He forces you to step back and evaluate how you minister to kids and if your methods are purposeful and strategic.
Honestly, I found that I was doing my kids a disservice in many ways after reading this book. The postmodern culture communicates through a storying process. They see themselves as part of a metanarrative. I realized that my methods weren’t involving kids to participate in sharing their story and because of this they aren’t able to make the needed connection points to the Christian journey.
I would highly encourage you to get this book. It’s a transparent and refreshing word on the opportunities that face the church.
A Christianity Worth Believing: Doug Pagitt July 27, 2008
Battle of The Office(s) July 27, 2008
The eternal questions:
When it rains, why don’t sheep shrink?
If you’re driving at the speed of light and turn your headlights on, what happens?
When French people swear, do they say, “pardon my English?”
Why is the word abbreviation so long?
Which Office is better? BBC or NBC?
I am a HUGE, HUGE fan of The Office. I started watching the first season of the NBC Office in the first season during the Christmas Party episode. Classic stuff.
During the summer I borrowed the complete set of the original BBC version of The Office. It’s much different, but brilliant.
So, I’ve been wrestling with the 8th Wonder of the World; which one is the best?
So, here’s how I broke it down.
Ricky Gervais as David Brent VS. Steve Carell as Michael Scott
Winner: Ricky Gervais. Hands-down one of the most brilliant comedians/writers alive. His role as David Brent is the definition of comedic genius. I love Carell, but it would unfair to pit anyone against Gervais in this role.
Martin Freeman as Tim Canterbury VS. John Krasinski as Jim Halpert
Winner: Martin Freeman. Again, not a fair comparison. You know the camera stare that Jim does? He stole that from Martin. Tim Canterbury is an epic character. He originated the role and unfortunately John is just an imitation of Martin.
Lucy Davis as Dawn Tinsley VS. Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly
Winner: Jenna Fischer. The NBC’s first win! I find Jenna’s character to be much more clever and a bit more endearing. I don’t think they really did all they could do to develop Dawn’s character throughout the series. Pam’s character has been consistent and plays a much bigger role in the series, in my opinion.
To be continued…
When God Makes Things CLEAR! June 12, 2008
Have you ever come out of a relationship knowing things weren’t a good fit and that you were trying to make something work that isn’t/wasn’t supposed to? That’s an amazing experience!
My personality lends itself to this. I am extremely OCD and get “focused” as my family and wife constantly remind me.
I just experienced this type of relationship come to an end… a very good and natural end. It was nothing bad or negative, it was just something that I knew didn’t need to happen, but was focused on trying to make it work because it seemed like the right thing a few months ago. Throw in a few new elements and things can quickly change.
It’s really amazing how God works. He can take you through seemingly similar experiences (more than once) and they can have diametrically different outcomes each time.
But… this is how He seems to work in my life. He lets me “focus” on something, thinking it’s going to turn out a certain way, only to throw my a curve ball and have the outcome look totally different. The amazing thing is that each time you see why He protected you from your “obsessions” and was in complete control all along.
However, I’m lucky to have my wife and family in my life who are there to help guide me and are stable forces in my life through all of my OCD moments. Without them, I’d be a mess!
Does that make any sense? Doubt it…
