I just finished reading (listening to on CD actually) two books:
- “The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner’s Semester at America’s Holiest University” by Kevin Roose
- “The Hole in Our Gospel” by Richard Stearns
Let me just say that I’d probably put both books in my Top 10, or Top 15 books I’ve ever read… and for very different reasons relating to each book. First I’d like to write down a few thoughts on “The Unlikely Disciple”. It’s not uncommon that as a Christian myself, I read a book about the story of another Christian going into a school, group, work or other social group to experience and share their faith with the group they are joining. We are called to be in the world, not of the world - so there are many stories out there of Christians entering what they would consider a secular or avert group to the Christian faith that they’ve become a part of. But “The Unlikely Disciple” goes the other way, a person who does not claim the Christian faith enters the world of Jerry Falwell and Liberty University. Places very contrary to his upbringing and schooling. I loved the book. It was fascinating to observe a culture I am constantly in, from the eyes of someone who is not usually in it. The way we talk, the things we say, our mannerisms, our beliefs, our laws, our unwritten rules… he writes about them all. There were four interesting observations Kevin made about Christians, the Media and non-Christians that really stick with me
- As Christians, a lot of our talk and words makes no sense to those outside of the Christian culture. It prompted me to think how even I phrase things when talking about God and my life.
- Many Christians aren’t as crazy and mean-spirited as the media or even very anti-Christian make us out to be. Thought that was an interesting observation coming from someone who didn’t have to say that. He didn’t have to record that observation.
- There were definitely some philosophical and belief system differences between him and Liberty students, but he remarked that many students weren’t that different from him or from his the students at his old school at Brown University. Some of the same struggles and all that weren’t actually much different.
- Two of the biggest obstacles to faith I hear personally and read about are Christians stance on a loving God sending people to Hell to suffer and burn eternally, and Christians lack of acceptance, and sometimes downright cruelty to the Gay and Lesbian community. These were two of the biggest reasons he listed in not wanting to become a Christian.
I personally think this is a very important book for the Christian community to read. I think it gives great insight into what those not inside the Evangelical world might think when they are with us at work, school or they happen to stop by our churches. I think Kevin has a lot of important things to say and good questions to be asked. Highly recommend! :)
