Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World

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Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World

4.03 of 5 stars 4.03 · rating details · 214 ratings · 49 reviews

When four religious leaders walk across the road, it's not the beginning of a joke. It's the start of one of the most important conversations in today's world.

Can you be a committed Christian without having to condemn or convert people of other faiths? Is it possible to affirm other religious traditions without watering down your own?

In his most important book yet, widel...more

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published September 11th 2012 by Jericho Books

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Mar 12, 2013 Bishop Bergland rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christianity

This book may well be an adequate primer for evangelicals who have never considered cooperation with people from other traditions in a meaningful way, but if you have thought about such things for more than five minutes this book is a waste of time and you will see it as simplistic and unrealistic.

My biggest complaint is that for a book purporting to be about Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith world, it spends the vast majority of its pages attempting to re-define conventional, conservative, ev...more

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Oct 31, 2012 David A. rated it 4 of 5 stars

I once read about a time that Allen Ginsberg was crossing the quad of a college somewhere, and a student called out to him, "Hey Ginsberg, what do you think of so-and-so's latest book?" Ginsberg didn't know the book, but he knew the author, and he gathered from the student's tone that the student was looking for a little trouble. So Ginsberg responded, "Whatever he's doing, I'm for him."

I think Ginsberg sounded a little like Jesus when he said that--not necessarily (though not unnecessarily) in...more I once read about a time that Allen Ginsberg was crossing the quad of a college somewhere, and a student called out to him, "Hey Ginsberg, what do you think of so-and-so's latest book?" Ginsberg didn't know the book, but he knew the author, and he gathered from the student's tone that the student was looking for a little trouble. So Ginsberg responded, "Whatever he's doing, I'm for him."

I think Ginsberg sounded a little like Jesus when he said that--not necessarily (though not unnecessarily) in what he said about the poet, but definitely in how he subverted the kind of litmus-testing that people do with other human beings, created in the image of God. Brian McLaren is, I think, one such lab animal, litmus-tested to death over the past decade. The fact that I read his latest book will be scandalous to some in my life; the fact that I liked it could be enough to get me kicked out of fellowship in some churches. I think that's obnoxious, and so before I review McLaren's latest book, let me say first that whatever he's doing, I'm for him.

Now, on to the book, which I liked quite a lot. McLaren has, I think it's fair to say, pretty much mastered the form of the general-audience Christian non-fiction issue-oriented book. He knows how to craft a long-form argument, how to help readers keep pace with his thinking, how to anticipate and fend off critiques, how to earn a reader's sympathy and trust while maintaining the high ground in contested terrain. McLaren is fun to read. He managed, for example, to sell me on the book's title about three pages into it, when I had been convinced that it would win the award for worst book title of the year. He did it not by exploiting the jokiness of the joke title but by taking humor seriously and drilling down on the question. McLaren offers possible answers to the title's question intermittently throughout the book, each response not contrived silliness but pregnant possibility, each potentially a future book of its own. So, three pages in and I was sold.

The content may surprise some of McLaren's naysayers, since he calls for a strong Christian identity--not the weak Christian identity of some past failed programs for religious pluralism. McLaren refuses to envision a diluted Jesus, a Christianity that is not distinctly and authentically Christian. But he makes the provocative argument that one can affirm a strong Christian identity and still love one's non-Christian neighbor, still wish them well and actively seek their well-being, still (gasp) engage in mutually enriching relationships with non-Christians without colonizing their own distinct and authentic belief systems. McLaren refers to his proposal as "strong-benevolent faith/religion" and makes a strong case for it.

This is, of course, the Everything Must Change guy, and so to affirm a strong Christian identity doesn't necessarily mean to affirm the culturally conditioned Christianity we've been presented with. Chief among the things that must change under this perspective is the pride of place we've given to hostility. Hostility has been the lens through which the Bible has been read, McLaren suggests, because somewhere along the way we cast God not as lover but as avenger. We, meanwhile, were cast as agents not of God's love but of God's vengeance (and, if you were lucky, his mercy). That the world is a hostile place is self-evident; that it didn't need to become as hostile as it has is provocative. That the Christian church could make the first move away from hostility and toward love is as self-evident as it is provocative, as provocative as it is self-evident.

McLaren has made a point of intersecting with people of good faith in a variety of religions other than Christianity. He is well-read in comparative religions, not in a clinical/theoretical way but in an urgently pragmatic way: the intersection of world religions is a lived reality in some parts of the world even if much of us in the United States are protected from it, and where world religions intersect, hostility still largely holds sway. But McLaren here demonstrates that, like Allen Ginsberg of all people, God looks at people and is for them, no matter what creed they espouse, no matter how badly they've mucked up the works. That's good news for us, and it's also a challenge: God loves us, and he calls us to go and do likewise.(less)

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Sep 22, 2012 Lee Harmon rated it 5 of 5 stars

We have just enough religion to make us hate but not enough to make us love one another. --Jonathan Swift

What does it mean to be a Christian in a multi-faith world? In a world that keeps shrinking, McLaren draws us back to Christian neighborly principles, encouraging respect and interfaith understanding, but without sacrificing our allegiance to Christ. While it may be true that fostering an us-versus-them atmosphere strengthens the walls and adds purpose to our lives, this does not mean it's th...more

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May 10, 2013 Henk Huinink rated it 4 of 5 stars

A well written book that discusses an extremely relevant theme: how christians should position themselves in a multi-cultural and multi-faith world. Especially since tensions between followers of different dominating religions are leading to conflicts all over the globe. Brian McLaren is searching for a benevolent and generous orthodoxy. The value of the book is that it is provoking. Whether or not you agree with what he writes, it will stir your mind. Precisely, the reason why I consider it to...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Bill rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone

Recommended to Bill by: Requested From Author

See my review at http://www.billdahl.net/articles/bria....

It is a pre- pub review. A PHENOMENAL read!!! PRE-order now!!! Available September 11, 2012... Buy a few to give away to others.

I had the privilege to read an Advance Uncorrected Proof of Brian Mclaren‘s new book: “Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? (Published by Jericho Books – Hachette Book Group – Available September 11, 2012). Here’s my review. I call it, “A Call to Prayer With Your Feet:”

Subversive friend...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Sueek20 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Heard him speak in D.C. last week. Very intriguing viewpoint on religious tolerance post 9/11.

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Nov 12, 2012 Jonathan rated it 3 of 5 stars

I don't know what to think about this book. I felt that Part I, where he develops the whole reason behind the book, was pretty weak. McClaren makes a number of assertions that I disagree with and is often awkward in this first section. But in the next three sections, where he gets to the practical outworking of his ideas, I found a lot to agree with. McClaren has a lot of good ideas about making Christian doctrine more relevant to Christian life, making the Christian liturgical year more vibrant...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Keith Madsen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Brian McLaren, along with Rob Bell (author of LOVE WINS), is one of the premier popular Christian voices in calling for a more compassionate and inclusive Christian faith. In a world where so many lesser Christian voices are escalating hostilities by picketing military funerals and burning the holy books of other faiths, or throwing gasoline on the flames of Middle East tensions between Muslim and Jew; such a voice is vitally needed. McLaren is not one to advocate an innocuous blending of all re...more Brian McLaren, along with Rob Bell (author of LOVE WINS), is one of the premier popular Christian voices in calling for a more compassionate and inclusive Christian faith. In a world where so many lesser Christian voices are escalating hostilities by picketing military funerals and burning the holy books of other faiths, or throwing gasoline on the flames of Middle East tensions between Muslim and Jew; such a voice is vitally needed. McLaren is not one to advocate an innocuous blending of all religions, or using bland, meaningless phrases like "all religions are the same"; in fact, he speaks strongly for holding fast to Christian identity, and keeping the person and teaching of Jesus Christ central. However, he reinterprets the tradition away from exclusivism, and toward taking seriously Christ's teachings of loving those different from us, and not trying to place ourselves in the position of judge. I particularly found it helpful when McLaren told the story of evangelist E. Stanley Jones asked Gandhi how Christians could go about changing their approach so that the Christian faith could "contribute to India's uplift and redemption." Gandhi replied with four principles:
1. "I would suggest, first of all, that all of you Christians, missionaries and all, live more like Jesus Christ." [As E. Stanley Jones did, I strongly affirm that as a good place to start.]
2. "Second, I would suggest that you must practice your religion without adulterating or toning it down." E. Stanley Jones again agreed, adding "...we are innoculating the world with a mild form of Christianity[I would say "Americanized'], so that it is now practically immune against the real thing."
3. "Third, I would suggest that you must put your emphasis upon love, for love is the center and soul of Christianity." In other words, take seriously the words of John who said, "Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love."
4. "Fourth, I would suggest that you study the non-Christian religions and culture more sympathetically in order to find the good that is in them, so that you might have a more sympathetic approach to the people."

McLaren points out, "On these four points, the Hindu leader and the Christian missionary were in full agreement." I would sign my name to these principles right behind theirs. These are the principles behind my own inspirational novels, SEARCHING FOR EDEN and THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE FISH.(less)

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Dec 30, 2012 Randy Baxter rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: second-shelf

Very thought provoking. How do we as Christians articulate our faith in a pluralistic culture and a multi-faith world. A couple of my favorite quotes from the book came near the end. The first opens chapter 29:
"Rob Bell stirred things up a while back with a book called 'Love Wins'. You wouldn't think that would be such a controversial proposition for Christians, but Rob suggested something daring: if love has the final word, hell and damnation can't. The book raised questions similar to the ones...more

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Oct 04, 2012 Charles Dean rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: spirituality, 2012

I frequently tell people that the mark of a good book isn't that you agree with everything the author says, or that you "buy" all the author's arguments, or even that you were convinced to change your view on something. No, the mark of a great book, in my opinion,is it causes you to THINK. This is what I love most about Brian McLaren - he graciously challenges me to rethink my faith and the world. This book is challenging, but oh-so-timely and relevant. It's an important conversation that is hap...more

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May 12, 2013 Brian rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book. McLaren gives many examples, ideas, stories, and challenges on how we can share Jesus with the world. The book is much needed. We Christians need to realize that we don't have a monopoly on Christ, that others has truths, that we have falsehoods, and that we need to take a journey with others...not just take others on a journey but to be taken on a journey ourselves. We're here to share life with people, not to conquer them.

For many this book will be too radical, too open, to...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Dave McNeely rated it 5 of 5 stars

Honestly, when I picked up this book, I can't say I had much interest in it (world religions as a topic has generally not piqued my interest much). But after reading the first few pages, I was hooked and could hardly put it down. What McLaren offers in this beautifully benevolent and insightful groundbreaking work is a re-examination of Christian faith in light of a religiously diverse world, asking whether or not Christianity is meant to have a hostile or benevolent posture toward other faiths...more

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Feb 16, 2013 Justin Morgan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Can't give this book a high enough review. I finished it two weeks ago and am still chewing on it's content and bringing up his ideas in conversation. This is one I'm sure I will return to again soon. Usually my reviews are long winded and super detailed, but I can't really begin to edit myself about the ideas and suggestions in this book. The key to this book is just that, ideas and suggestions. Brian doesn't give us any magic answers to make this subject smooth and easy, but gently prods us to...more

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Apr 24, 2013 Christy rated it 1 of 5 stars

This started out great, but I got bored quickly by the repetition and didn't finish.

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Jan 29, 2013 Mark Dodson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very good read that covers a wide range of reasons of why there is so much intolerance between different faiths and/or nonbelievers. There is a lot of history and examples of how we got here along with suggestions on what can be done to to reverse the trend. It also explores the psychology and mindset that can make it very easy for most people to view other groups or tribes negatively.

McLaren is a “Christian” writer, but to his credit, does not spare Christianity for adding to the problems and...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Dennis Schvejda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion, christianity

A surprise terrific read! This is the first book I've read by Pastor Brian D. McLaren. He's written a dozen books about what is being called "Emerging Church." He tackles head on the issue of Christians hypocritically failing to follow the teachings and actions of Christ, with a focus on the treatment of "others," those not of our religion, or .... (fill in the blank). I believe McLaren is on the right track, and I plan on reading more of his work. If you're dissatisfied with the state of today'...more

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Oct 08, 2012 Larry rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mclaren speaks to the hostility in one faith against another talking about how violence, superiority, dislike for another's faith beliefs will continue to foster more violence until we are ready and willing to accept others beliefs as readily as our own. McLaren does an excellent job of drawing out the seemingly insurmountable issues between the largest faiths as well as new beliefs that are being fostered. I think it was a great read and will return to the book from time to time to remind mysel...more

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Apr 27, 2013 LB rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Concisely and with reference to many other authors, activists, and theologians, Mclaren writes how Christians can become more Christ-like in character and behavior. He says Christians can be open to and appreciative of what other religions have to offer in their encounters with the Holy Spirit without diminishing their own Christian faith as they invite people into conversation and mutual exchange across boundaries. Essentially, one can learn how various religions compliment each other, rather t...more

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Jan 08, 2013 David rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianity-and-culture, global-christianity, religions, theology

Growing up in a Christian home I eventually, like most kids, began to question the faith I had been taught. Some stories of questioning begin with taking a biology class and learning about evolution. This was never a problem for me. I always figured that the truth of falsity of evolution had little to do with the central claims of Christian faith. For me the questions always revolved around other religions.

If I believe Jesus is the savior of the world, is unique, what does this say about other w...more Growing up in a Christian home I eventually, like most kids, began to question the faith I had been taught. Some stories of questioning begin with taking a biology class and learning about evolution. This was never a problem for me. I always figured that the truth of falsity of evolution had little to do with the central claims of Christian faith. For me the questions always revolved around other religions.

If I believe Jesus is the savior of the world, is unique, what does this say about other world religions and religious figures?

If there is only one God, how come there are so many religions?

Can people of different religions ever learn to live together in the world?

It was questions such as these which led me to major in religious studies at Penn State. And it is questions such as these that lead me to pick up books such as Brian McLaren’s Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Muhammad Cross the Road?

Brian McLaren is one of those authors that causes me to get nervous as I write a review of their books. If I say positive things, some Christians will assume I have gone down the same path of apostasy that they say Brian has, a path that will lead to hell. If I say negative things, other Christians will assume I am just a closed-minded fundamentalist who thinks I am one of the lucky few who get to go to heaven. The truth is that I enjoy reading McLaren’s books because they make me think and question my own assumptions. I am less and less interested in reading books that just reinforce what I already and have always believed.

This book is McLaren on how Christians ought to relate to followers of other religions. He sees a problem in the Christian church. Those who have a strong Christian identity, who are unquestionably orthodox, often are very hostile to outsiders. But those who are kind to outsiders often water down their Christian faith to such an extent that there is not much “Christian” about it. McLaren seeks a Christian identity that is both strong and kind. He does this with sections on doctrine, liturgy and mission.

I imagine that those who are already fans of McLaren will enjoy this book while those who see him as a false teacher will not like this book. Personally, after finding much to like in many of McLaren’s books I did not like his A New Kind of Christianity (I think I gave it 2 stars out of five) so my expectations for this were not high. That said, I found this book mostly helpful, challenging and encouraging. McLaren correctly identifies the problem that most of us Christians (and really, most humans) find our identity in what we are against. In other words, “we” are right and “they” are wrong,” or, “they” are the problem which needs to be changed or fixed. McLaren’s argument is that Jesus frees us from this hostile attitude and sends us in the world to reach out to the other in love and friendship. He says that the world does not need Christians to abandon their faith, it needs Christians to take their faith even more seriously.

What if we Christians took our faith, took Jesus more seriously? What if we really did seek to love our enemies, even to the point of dying for them as Jesus did?

What if instead of trying to change everybody into clones of ourselves, we sought to serve and bless others as Jesus did?

Those are the sorts of questions I take away from this book and for that I am grateful.(less)

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Oct 23, 2012 Michael Clevenger rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thoroughly enjoyed Brian's newest book on Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World. In a witty tongue-in-cheek manner he addresses a strong benevolent Christian identity around the joke, "Why did the chicken cross the road".

In the beginning chapter I enjoyed this passage, that set the tone for the book.

"If you're a Christian like me, of whatever sort--Catholic, Protestant or Eastern Orthodox; conservative, liberal, or moderate; traditional or whatever--if you love Jesus, if you know and have...more I thoroughly enjoyed Brian's newest book on Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World. In a witty tongue-in-cheek manner he addresses a strong benevolent Christian identity around the joke, "Why did the chicken cross the road".

In the beginning chapter I enjoyed this passage, that set the tone for the book.

"If you're a Christian like me, of whatever sort--Catholic, Protestant or Eastern Orthodox; conservative, liberal, or moderate; traditional or whatever--if you love Jesus, if you know and have confidence in him as Lord, Savior, Son of God, Son of Man, God incarnate, Word made flesh, and more, let me ask you to seriously consider this: how do you think Jesus would treat Moses, Mohammed, and Siddhartha Guatama (the Buddha) if they came to a crosswalk together?

Would Jesus push Moses aside and demand to cross first, claiming that his ancestor's failed religion had been forever superseded by his own? Would he trade insults with Mohammed, claiming his crusaders could whup Mohammed's jihadists any day of the week, demanding that Mohammed cross behind, not beside him? Would Jesus demand the Buddha kneel at his feet and demonstrate submission before letthim him cross? Or would he walk with them and, once on the other side, welcome each to a table of fellowship, not demanding any special status or privileges, maybe even take a role of a servant--hanging up their coats, getting them something to eat and drink, making sure each felt welcome, safe, and at home?

If his three counterparts reached out their hands in friendship, it's pretty hard to imagine that "the friend of siners" would cross his arms or turn his back, refusing to reciprocate. It's much more likely he would embrace them with open arms and without hesitation, proving himself over time to be the best friend they ever had. It's pretty hard to imagine Jesus cursing or "smiting" them, but entirely natural to imagine him blessing them and "doing unto others' as he would want them to do for him. I have no doubt that Jesus would actually practice the neighborliness he preached rather than following our example of religious supremacy, hostility, fear, isolation, misinformation, exclusion, or demonization."

There were parts at the end that made me cry, with stories of reconciliation and the beauty of withness vs. witness. As I'm on the field, it gave me lots to think about and I believe makes you a better apologist (and evangelist if you will). To have a strong benevolent Christian identity.. Not just coexisting, but working alongside to see the kingdom of God released.

He covered a lot of ground and I would recommend reading this book as we move forward as followers of Christ.(less)

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Jan 14, 2013 Malin Friess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Brian McLaren was an unknown pastor until 2005 when Time listed him as one of the top 50 most influential Christian Leaders. He was at a evangelical pastors gathering and asked to declare his position on homosexuality. He responded by saying: "The thing that breaks my heart is that there is no way to answer that question without hurting someone else on the other side." This "tension" branded him the label from Time as a "kinder and gentler brand of religion."

McLaren at the time was a leader or t...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Pearl rated it 4 of 5 stars

The title is kind of catchy even if it's an old joke that's a bit trite, and often not that funny. But I'll bite - what's the answer?

McLaren asks us to imagine what would happen if four of the world's greatest religious leaders met on a road. Since his book is addressed to the Christian world, he asks if Christians think Jesus would push Moses aside, telling him that his religion and laws have been superceded; or would he trade insults with Mohammed, claiming that Christian crusaders could whip...more The title is kind of catchy even if it's an old joke that's a bit trite, and often not that funny. But I'll bite - what's the answer?

McLaren asks us to imagine what would happen if four of the world's greatest religious leaders met on a road. Since his book is addressed to the Christian world, he asks if Christians think Jesus would push Moses aside, telling him that his religion and laws have been superceded; or would he trade insults with Mohammed, claiming that Christian crusaders could whip jihadists any day; or would he demand the Buddha kneel before him before allowing him to cross the road?

Or can we [Christians] imagine that Jesus would walk down the road with them and then, once on the other side, welcome each to a table of fellowship, not demanding any special privileges or seating for himself, maybe even taking the role of servant, hanging up coats, putting food on the table to share, and when they ran out of wine . . . Well, you know the end of that sentence.

As McLaren's subtitle announces, he wants to explore what it means/or should mean to be a Christian in a multi-faith world. Why does so much of Christianity divide the world into "us" and "them"? Christians, he says, are often (very often) hostile to other faiths or religions because that hostility is used to make us feel stronger in our own faith. Can't we be committed Christians without having to condemn or convert people of other faiths? Can we affirm other religious traditions without watering down our own? McLaren wants to lead Christians into a more capacious kind of Christianity, and this he tries to do in his book by exploring Christian identity; Christian doctrines; Christian liturgy; and what the Missional challenge is all about.

Others, of course, have written books with the same message. What I found different about McLaren's book was his tone. Although he has moved away from the evangelical background in which he was raised, he is not scornful of those who have not. Nor does he advocate for a kind of cafeteria kind of Christianity where one picks and chooses, at will, bits and pieces from other religious faiths and traditions. Such a mish-mash he says, will likely weaken the faith and the integrity of each tradition. He tries to open Christian doctrines and practices to reflect what he finds to be the benevolence and hospitality found in the Gospels and most specifically in Jesus. Not everyone will agree with McLaren's doctrinal stances but, although well versed in Christian doctrine, his book is not academic but pastoral.

So, once again, why did Jesus and company cross the road? McLaren's answer is to get to the "other." (less)

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Jan 09, 2013 Mgmaudlin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

I loved the big idea at the heart of the book--that we should question our tribal and oppositional Christian identities and reinterpret them in nontribal ways. Amen and amen. Still, I thought Brian was a little too heady/abstract at times and went down too many rabbit trails, which prolonged the book. I also wish he was more careful in how he constructed the book since some may interpret him as being arrogant (since he is the hero/ideal/solution to all the problems), but he certainly is not arro...more

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Jan 11, 2013 Scott Brazil rated it 4 of 5 stars

As you can expect from anything written by Brian McLaren, the reader will be both challenged and inspired by what you find in the book. I was particularly intrigued by his argument that Constanstine's "conversion" laid the seeds for later hostitlities between Islam and Christianity. Also, I should add that this book got me to think not so much about interreligious relations but, more specifically, the "other" that seems to get my blood boiling in my own religious tradition and how I need to resp...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Andrew Marr rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-spirituality, pastoral-theology, religion, theology

Very clear an easy-to-read introduction to Christian dialog with other religions. A valuable book on an important topic for our time. McLaren does much to build empathy for other points of view & traditions without losing focus as a follower of Christ. Extensive use is made of René Girard's thought, helping to pave the way for using Girard's theory constructively in inter-religious dialogue.

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Dec 14, 2012 Jo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: religious-spiritual

Interesting, thought-provoking, hopeful book for our time. McClaren makes an argument that God wishes Christians to love our neighbors, to live responsibly in a pluralistic society, yet not lose our Christian identity in the process. He begins the book by exploring the hostility and violence we see around us. He then moves into practical suggestions on how to build a strong faith identity with a benevolent posture, rather than hostility, toward other faiths, and how NOT to weaken your faith iden...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Chantal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: self-improvement

If the premise of a good book is that it makes you think and question, then this is a great book.

Thought-provoking, spiritually motivating,and a thinking mans/woman's book, told in simple language, with a regular dose of humour. The footnotes, will have me finding additional books to read, for many months to come.

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Aug 14, 2012 Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion

Well it is no big secret that I love this book. I loved it from the day the proposal hit my desk and I am delighted with the final result. I am a McLaren reader and I have the utmost respect for the man. This, in my humble opinion, is the best thing that Brian has ever written. So far...

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Mar 06, 2013 John Foster rated it 5 of 5 stars

Extremely difficult book for me on an emotional/academic level. It challenges the mainstay orthodox evangelical theology of why we believe and do what we do. Challenging to be sure. My wife says Brian makes me angry... Is there such a reality as generous orthodoxy?

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Mar 19, 2013 Jim rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: interesting

If you haven't read much by Brian McLaren, then be prepared for him to challenge the normal set of assumptions you might bring to the book table!

I really enjoyed his attempt to wrestle with the far bigger issues facing the Christian church!

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