Showing posts with label theology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theology. Show all posts

Forbidden Fruit: Sex & Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers Review

Forbidden Fruit: Sex and Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers
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Forbidden Fruit: Sex & Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers ReviewForbidden Fruit asks questions about the connection between religion and sex among American teenagers, and the answers Regnerus finds are neither simple nor straightforward. In fact, the author concludes that simple and straightforward answers to questions about sex (like, avoid sex before you're married) have largely fallen flat among American teens, Christians included. There's new material on emerging sexual norms, masturbation, homosexuality, virginity loss, post-virginity sexual decision-making, etc. For these reasons, I think the book could be considered as a standard in the study of adolescent sexual behavior, independent of its illustrative emphasis on religion.
Forbidden Fruit is broad in its analyses of nationally representative survey data and rich in its conversations with real people. The writing is clear, crisp, and engaging, and should appeal to parents and educators alike. It's also fun to read but avoids a frivolous or overly playful tenor. There are many refreshing turns of phrase in the presentation of arguments that make this book enjoyable. In sum, the author talks about serious matters in a disarming way, one that is respectful to religious traditions, and doesn't lend itself to easy politicization or demonizing. The stories about evangelical youth (who seem sexually "traditional" in word more than in deed) and the emergence of a "conservative" middle class sexual morality that has little to do with religion are fascinating. I think the author is right: most religious groups in America don't know how to address adolescent sexuality; in turn they hold out no compelling vision for their teens in how to be both devout and sexual. In sum, it's an outstanding contribution.Forbidden Fruit: Sex & Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers Overview

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What I Believe Review

What I Believe
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What I Believe ReviewThis is a distillation of Kung's thought and belief. Reading it stretches the intellect and opens new vistas. He takes the reader seriously, and doesn't give easy pat answers. Looking at the various areas of belief in life, he covers trust, joy, meaning, ethics, foundation of life, suffering, spirituality, Christianity in dialogue with other religions, and hope for the future. I had it from the library, and liked it so much I bought it. There is plenty to think about here. It answers some questions, raises others, and looks at all aspects of the main thing we have in common, how to live the life. It's wowrth reading several times, because one can discover new aspects of Kung's belief on every page. For those who like a mental challenge, who really want to think about their theology and spirituality, this is the book!What I Believe Overview

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The Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People Who Turned from Other Beliefs to Jesus Review

The Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People Who Turned from Other Beliefs to Jesus
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The Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People Who Turned from Other Beliefs to Jesus ReviewThe evangelistic efforts of Christians today are crippled because of a fear of failure, or rejection, or incompetence. Consequently, rather than struggle with weak unclear efforts, often, there is none.
Thom S. Rainer's book "The Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People Who Turned from Other Beliefs to Jesus" serves to rebuild the confidence of would be evangelists. Rainer accidentally (?) reminds the reader that God still uses ordinary means to get the attention of sinners who need a relationship with Christ. Evangelistic programs, special outreaches, and orchestrated church campaigns are not the engines driving the unconverted to seek Christ.
So what is? Thom uses his classic Rainer analysis to tell a dozen stories of conversions to Christ. The book encourages readers to stay in the lives of others and share the love of Christ. No special program, no magic words, just faithful learning, living, and sharing the love of God reaches those who do not know him.
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Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church Review

Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church
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Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church Review*****
This wonderful book is based on the National Study of Youth and Religion conducted from 2002 to 2005. It is a fascinating analysis of teen religious practice, which is a bellwether of the faith of us all. Teenagers are practicing the faith that we are teaching them, not what we say we believe, but what we actually believe as evidenced by our actions. All of this could be dry and boring, but in "Almost Christian" it is not! This is a truly fascinating exploration of what makes faith vibrant, what makes faith "consequential". As such it is important for everyone to read, not just those interested in teens and youth ministry. Much of the book describes real faith--a faith rich in holy desire and missional clarity--and explores ways that we as a church can experience and model this in our lives.
Most teenagers today practice an "imposter faith" what the author calls "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism"--"the new mainstream American religious faith" in which God is seen as a butler or a therapist rather than (as the approximately 8% of youth that are "highly devoted" do) as a "divine swimming instructor" who is down in the water with them, leading and instructing them. The book also explores the faith of these "highly devoted" youth and what makes them different from their peers.
The scope of this book is limited to Christian ministry and formation and does not include Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other faiths. There are helpful appendices and an index, and the book is written in a somewhat intellectual style and at the same time a very moving style---very readable and pragmatic--not academic.
I read this book not because I had any interest in youth ministry or teenagers in particular, but because of the title--"Almost Christian"--something in it resonated with me, and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. This book made my life richer, and gave me an appreciation both for young people and for my faith that I did not have before. It's really important to me to not be an Americanized Christian with a watered-down faith, but rather, someone who reflects the love of Jesus Christ and real faith in all I do. I found myself enlightened, inspired, and encouraged.
Highly recommended.
*****Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church Overview

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