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Posts from the ‘Books’ Category

25
Jan

Book Review- Unladylike: Resisting the Injustice of Inequality in the Church

Talking about gender issues in Church typically gets one of two responses: either it is declared a “secondary issue” that is a matter of personal opinion and interpretation, or the very idea of “women in ministry” is viewed as a threat to the underlying fabric of the Christian faith. Both of these responses are wrong. after reading Pam Hogeweide‘s first book, Unladylike: Resisting the Injustice of Inequality in the Church, I am convinced that the place women occupy in our churches is a deep issue of justice and not (primarily) a doctrinal issue. I appreciate that Pam shares her story with passion. It is the story of a journey from an egalitarianism to polite complementary and finally to a place of advocating for equality in word and deed. Through her story, Pam begins to discuss topics like women in church leadership, the way we view girls/women in the church, patriarchy, and over all our idea of what it means to be created as man and woman in the image of God.

Honestly, this book has given me much to think about… and I think that’s the point. Women do deserve to have a voice along side their brothers. If we are going to see that happen in our Churches today, we have to think, talk, and act deeply about these complex issues. While it may not be a quick fix or an easy “new fad”, it is a reformation that is happening in hearts and minds. Don’t read this as a feminist book; read it as a call to equality in Christ for everyone who shares the Imago Dei.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of Pam’s book for the purpose of review. The views expressed here are my own. I didn’t agree to slant my view one way or another. There is no check in the mail; that’s not how I roll.

16
Dec

Book Review: Steeple Envy

I think most of us are burnt out on religion, tired of bigger and better being the church mentality. We are sick to death of the Christianity we see on Sunday not matching up with what we see in the pages of scripture. This is why I really appreciate Victor Cuccia‘s book Steeple Envy. Primary, this book is Vic’s story of finding himself sick and tired of a Christian religion and his ongoing journey to rediscover the Church and Jesus.

Through out his story, Vic openly and lovingly questions practices and underlying motives  we have in our evangelical “super star” church mentality.

“The whole reason I’m writing this book is the share my mind and heart without being influenced by what people think or how they’ll react.”- pg 79

Steeple Envy wasn’t written to toot one man’s horn. The main thrust behind this book is to share the story thus far of Vic, Journey Church and their journey to re-think what it means to be the church. It’s filled with honest questions, and opinions about what Jesus started. It’s also got some crazy cool stories about stuff that God has done among and through Journey Church. Check out the stories behind the 12×12 Love Project. Testimonies like this shout at us all that God is at work and we can be a part of the good things he wants to do. Things don’t have to be status quo; we can live in a sacrificial way and show the love of God to the world.

It’s a great read. If your feeling that discontent with the Sunday show and questioning some of the priorities of Churches, I think you will resound with the book. I found it engaging, easy to read, and a great addition to the ongoing conversation of what the heck it means to be the Church of Jesus.

Coffee stained and approved

Also, I totally spilled coffee on my copy. That only happens on books that I like. Coffee stained and approved!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for a review. I didn’t ask for it, but man am I grateful for the read. The opinions expressed in this post are my own, and are not influenced by Vic sending me a copy. There is no check in the mail. That’s not how I roll. 
23
Nov

Book Review: A Question of Faith

I found Tor Constiantino‘s book A Question of Faith a refreshing change in the comparative religion discussion. Too often no meaningful conversation comes from these attempts because of mischaracterization, vilification, and this weird need to empirically and definitively prove that “my religion is right”. I’m not against apologetics, nor do I think that all religions can all be right. However, if we are going to have an honest discussion, we need honesty about both sides. Too often people load the dice when talking about religion. What kind of honest talk about religion can come from that?

The entire book revolves around one question:

Q: Which of the major world religions listed below is the best for someone to believe?

  • a. Buddhism
  • b. Christianity
  • c. Hinduism
  • d. Islam
  • e. Judaism
  • f. Sikhism
From this basic question, Tor begins to guide the reader through the basic ideas of each religion. The whole concept of this book is comparing religions and facilitating a discussion about what should humanity believe. I appreciate that Tor does not try to proselytize the reader. Yes, he has his biases, and yes he makes a case for them. however, his goal does not seem (in my opinion) to be trying get everyone to think like he does. He genuinely seems interested in the discussion, the journey, in what people believe and why.
As I said, I found the book a refreshing read. I think that for anyone interested in comparative religions, this book is a great primer in the discussion. For people who might be exploring world religions trying to find their place in it all, this book may offer some tracks to run on. All in all, it is a resource that I would recommend.
Full disclosure: I received an e-book of Tor’s work for the purpose of review. All opinions stated are mine, uninfluenced by Tor or anyone else. There is no check in the mail. That’s not how I roll.
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