Well, some of them are stupid, and you'd be better off reading something else. You've got to wonder sometimes what certain authors and their publishers were thinking when they came up with certain books. For example, take this [edited] book description that I read in a recent missions-oriented newsletter:
NEW AND UNIQUE CHURCH PLANTING BOOK -- [The Book in Question] was recently published by [Some Publisher]. Author [John Doe], Director of the Church Planting Center at [Some Seminary], challenges missionaries across the globe to consider Barnabas as a model for healthy church planting teams. The Factors include: Walks with the Lord; Maintains an Outstanding Character; Serves the Local Church; Remains Faithful to the Call; Shares the Gospel Regularly; Raises Up Leaders; Encourages with Speech and Actions; Responds Appropriately to Conflict. A guide is also provided to assist team leaders in evaluating potential team members. This work is available through Amazon.
OK, now here's the question: Aside from wondering why Barnabas in particular would be considered a church planting pioneer and model, what is it about the list that we learn about church planters? Namely, that they should be mature Christians who share their faith and help others grow. Hmmm. Shouldn't that be true of every Christian? So, based on the description given, what does this book add to our understanding of anything, besides nothing? Does the author just need to sell some books so he can put his kids through college?
Better to read Kierkegaard. Agree with him or not, at least he had something to say.
Believe it or not, what is obvious to you and me isn't obvious to everyone. Who are these people? Hmm. I think a far more interesting book to read is one that explores why many Christians don't know why they are here. Maybe you can write it.
ReplyDeleteArnold,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately a simple, Biblical approach like the one described in this book is completely foreign to many of today's evangelicals. They're so busy deconstructing and re-imagining the great doctrines of the faith that they tend to miss the obvious. That said, it seems silly to re-write what ought to be perfectly obvious, especially since the deconstructors will likely never pick up a book so "conventional" and "traditional."
Thanks for the Captain Obvious picture, he looks great in my sidebar.
Derek Ashton
Unfortunately, your sidebar doesn't look so good today.
ReplyDeleteI hope to make a new post soon.
Thank you - I don't want my blog to get a bad rating. It's quite a risk putting content from other blogs in your sidebar. But it keeps things interesting, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you - I don't want my blog to get a bad rating. It's quite a risk putting content from other blogs in your sidebar. But it keeps things interesting, too.
ReplyDelete