*Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.*

(haha ... a wee bit behind on this 30 days of truth lol ... but here I go still trotting along)

I apologize if this post rubs anyone the wrong way, I am not expecting anyone to view things the way that I do ... but simply stating my truths.

The book ... "A New Kind of Christian" by Brian McLaren


The changed views ... If I am honest with myself, I think the one thing over the past few years that has changed in my worldview is my understanding of Christianity and the Church. I grew up in a church, was active in my youth group, and was the typical "goody-good, Bible-thumping Christian." But my understandings of what it meant to be a Christian and what it meant to be the Church were so superficial and naive.
I went off to college to study religion and got a job working as a Youth and Children's Minister. I then started Divinity school.
Along this journey of religious education I found myself questioning the way the church functions today, and what it means to be a Christian. (Before I continue, please don't think me heretical. Keep reading!) When I was a kid and youth, I never saw the business side of the church. But as I started working in churches, I had an icky introduction to the world of Church Politics .... wow. I don't remember Jesus establishing any rules on how churches should conduct meetings, and have committees. And I certainly don't remember him saying it's all about membership.
I was already becoming open to new ideas and thoughts, and I read this book for one of my classes and got to attend a lecture given by the author. Simple and amazing ... simply amazing. This book challenged me (the reader) to learn what it means to be a Christian according to Jesus' standards ... not the world's. Jesus set the ultimate example for us ... we are here to serve others, help those who are in need, and spread love to everyone we meet. How often do "Christians" go to church on Sunday morning, and go about their business the rest of the week without another thought about what Jesus would have them do. Or how often do people get into debates about being liberal or conservative, or the legalistic list of dos and don'ts. For me personally, I feel they are all idiotic. We shouldn't be fussing about what "kind" of Christian we are ...there should only be One kind .... the kind that follows the example and teachings of Jesus Christ - period.
Essentially ... my views were changed from how the world views church and Christianity now, to what can I as a Christian and as a member of the Church (aka the Body of Christ) do to share God's love with everyone I meet. And how can churches restructure themselves so that they aren't functioning like a private business, rather a group of people out in the world living like Jesus. As a result, I found myself having a lot of discontent with the "average church in America."
That does not mean I am against church and think we shouldn't go. It means that I can do my part to live like Jesus, and help others to do the same. And pray that one day the church will catch up with the rest of the world.

There is really so much more in this book. It's a great book, but definitely spiritually challenging.
Speaking of ... I think I let someone borrow it. I need to get it back :)