OK, some useful stuff here. Thom and Jess Rainer believe their research suggests that this generation of young adults (they only surveyed the older ha...moreOK, some useful stuff here. Thom and Jess Rainer believe their research suggests that this generation of young adults (they only surveyed the older half of the millenial generation) is family-oriented, relationship centered, and color-blind (not their word). They also see them as interested in making lots of money, feeling like they are bursting with unused potential, and being "spiritual but not religious."
The two major problems I see with this book may have to do with the popular nature of it. It seems to be one of those books that reveal someone's opinion, but mascarades as research. They talk a lot about their findings, but they say nothing about how it relates to other research. This raises several significant issues. Like, how can you state that the things they identify are different for this generation, when you do not demonstrate how other generations responded to similar questions. They also seem to make lots of inferences that seemed like a stretch to me.
Of course, part of my concern about these things may grow from my own suspicion about Generational Theory. Hard research seems to only support these issues if you use the widest possible brush. No person would actually be the typical representative of the generation because the forming issues of people are simply too personal for that.
One other odd note about this book. The Rainers make the assumption that the parents of millenials are boomers. That is so strange to me. By definition, the parents of one generation should be the previous generation . . . not Boomers, but Xers. OK, a lot of Boomers did have kids later in life. So maybe some of the Millennials will be children of Boomers. Perhaps with current trends, most of those in the sample would be Boomer kids. But, this sort of calls up a need to talk about "cuspers." The older Millenials should (if the theory holds out) have many characteristics in common with Xers. And the Boomer parents tauted by the book would also be "cuspers" having similar relationships with Xers. THis complicates the simplistic conclusions the Rainers made quite a bit I think. Perhaps it is important to ask who the parents of Xers were. Of course, by and large, the parents of Xers were Boomers. So, how does the discussion of Boomers' influence on Millenials make sense? In the end, I don't suppose that changes the results of the Rainer's research . . . just their interpretation. (less)
Intriguing read. Hunter contends that almost every Christian institution in America includes in it's purpose statement that it wants "to change the wo...moreIntriguing read. Hunter contends that almost every Christian institution in America includes in it's purpose statement that it wants "to change the world." However, he successfully, in my view, argues that most of the efforts we make as Christians to change culture have no real potential to do that. He argues that most of our efforts end up being focused on some kind of political endeavor--even those whose approach is to be a-political. However, politics has little ability to actually change culture. It can react to it, choose what issues are state-financed, even yell at culture, but can't really change it. The most significant approach to changing culture, according to Hunter, is for believers to use their sphere of influence to allow the creative potential of God to burst through us and impact the world in ways that bring positive effects to everyone . . . believers and unbelievers. And, even though Hunter contends that we mostly need to abandon our intention to change the world (and least when such attempts become coersive), this might just have the ability to accomplish real change. Good read.(less)
After a life of denying that she had a soul, the Wicked Witch surprises herself by saying that her deepest desire . . . what she would ask the wizard...moreAfter a life of denying that she had a soul, the Wicked Witch surprises herself by saying that her deepest desire . . . what she would ask the wizard for, given the opportunity . . . was a soul. The book was a little saucy, but an interesting retelling of the story of Oz. I expected Dorothy to be cast in a darker light. In fact, she was almost set up as a younger version of the witch, one that had the charm and the advantage the witch never had.
Maguire has more imagination that writing ability. His efforts toward the end of the book to wrap everything up in a conversation between the witch and Dorothy leaves the reader a little confused from all of the false starts and scattered dialogue. The characters were never well enough developed for the reader to develop empathy with any of them. But the idea that there is more to the story of Oz than the little we see through Dorothy's eyes was fun. While we are all broken, real life villains are almost always shaped by the pain of their lives. Now we know how the Wicked Witch of the West became a villain.(less)
September 19, 2010--While in Boston this summer, I visited the house of seven gables, the home Nathaniel Hawthorne was supposed to have used as the se...moreSeptember 19, 2010--While in Boston this summer, I visited the house of seven gables, the home Nathaniel Hawthorne was supposed to have used as the setting for this novel. to be honest, I didn't even know what a gable was before that trip. My visit prompted me to read Hawthorne's novel. I suppose giving the novel 2.5 stars says more about me than it does about the great American author, but the book is really more of a mood piece than a story. Hawthorne took great pains in describing for us the decrepit house, the tawdry gardens, the ancient and withering main characters, and the general mood of everyone who wandered past. While the book ends with a satisfactory if discomforting resolution, the reader is left wondering about the old house with all of its ghosts from ages past. The House of Seven Gables is an interesting read, but not particularly fun. The kind of book that literature professors love and inflict on their students.(less)
It took me several years to launch into Eldest after reading Paolini's first attempt, Eragon. As debut novels of a teenaged writer, I give Paolini hig...moreIt took me several years to launch into Eldest after reading Paolini's first attempt, Eragon. As debut novels of a teenaged writer, I give Paolini high praise. The story moves you along with intriguing bits of action and a noble attempt to create a series of different peoples of different characters . . . all of which profoundly affect the main character, Eragon.
That said, Paolini is a victim of his own reading. His characters feel like adaptations from Tolkien rather than unique creations. The story feels like you have heard it before, and perhaps the assertions that this is merely a retelling of the Star Wars saga explains why.
All in all, Paolini has turned in a fun freshman effort. The first two books in his trilogy are worth a read. I think he has real talent and I hope that talent will mature with him.(less)
This book was painful in all the right ways. A couple who had settled into a life of mediocracy shook themselves up toward a plan to live an adventure...moreThis book was painful in all the right ways. A couple who had settled into a life of mediocracy shook themselves up toward a plan to live an adventure. The transition proved too scary and ends tragically. It struck a chord with me. How simple it is to neglect the things that are most important in the malaise of doing life. Of course, I suppose one could come to the opposite conclusion: How easy is it to rue the joy of the simple life because you are always looking for something different, better, fuller, more meaningful. Follow your calling. Live your calling. Then, love the life you are called to live.
The book was a gift from my niece--thank you, Lauren--and it was an audio book, so I listened to it instead of read it. (I wonder how that affects your perception of a story.)(less)
So, if you were concerned about all the things non-Christians don't like about biblical Christianity and you wanted to make the faith a bit more palat...moreSo, if you were concerned about all the things non-Christians don't like about biblical Christianity and you wanted to make the faith a bit more palatable to them, you might begin by explaining away some of the scarier bits like hell, justice, and judgment, and make God someone who loves us so much that he would never do anything to discipline us--just wait for eternity for us to come around. You would reinterpret biblical teaching and re-write history. Then, package it as a Christian message that has always been the way it is, just been missed by so many who try to make themselves feel better by claiming exclusive rights to God. That could really make Christianity more acceptable for good Americans who would never just accept the Gospel the way it is taught in the Bible.(less)
So, I'm at the airport. I have several books with me, but they are all heavy and I just can't wrap my head around them. One of my friends has introduc...moreSo, I'm at the airport. I have several books with me, but they are all heavy and I just can't wrap my head around them. One of my friends has introduced me to this entire genre of books that find their genesis in the mind of Gene Roddenberry. So, why not? Now, I used to watch the TV shows and I've seen the movies, so most of the characters in Gods of Night were familiar. Warp engines. Time travel. First contact. All concepts I've been exposed to before. Just enough actual story to make the characters almost seem like real people (and I use the term people loosely . . . Trills, Klingons, Vulcans, you know). My opinion of the book? As mind candy, not bad. Nothing that encourages deep thoughts or personal reflection, but a fun jaunt in outer space sometime in the future.(less)
In all of the noise about Islam, Esposito makes some important points. He uses research information from a Global Gallup pole to describe Muslims as p...moreIn all of the noise about Islam, Esposito makes some important points. He uses research information from a Global Gallup pole to describe Muslims as people who are primarily peace-loving people who resent the intrusion of the United States into their lives and their countries. The book does, however, seem one-sided and unbalanced. It identifies a few key findings and absolutely wears them out to make the point that the United States is the problem. While I do not doubt that our foreign policies have added to the problem, It is naive to think that if we simply left the world alone and treated them with respect that everyone would suddenly get along and begin to solve their own problems. Still, I think the book adds an important voice to the conversation. (less)
Despite the obvious bias in historical perspective, The One Year Christian History is a great look at significant ways in which God has worked in and...moreDespite the obvious bias in historical perspective, The One Year Christian History is a great look at significant ways in which God has worked in and through his people throughout recorded human history. The book is a "this day in history" approach, but personally I found the skipping around from 5th Century B.C. to the year 2000 annoying. In the back of the book, I found a chronological list of the daily stories and decided to follow that approach to reading it instead. I liked the common themes I found in particularly periods of history as well as ways that God has seemed to work with people across the centuries. All in all, I enjoyed it. Thanks to my friend Jason Odom who gave me this book as a birthday present a year and a half ago.(less)
The theological approach is not biblical theology, but a brand of practical theology that seeks to determine God's movement through observation of hum...moreThe theological approach is not biblical theology, but a brand of practical theology that seeks to determine God's movement through observation of human behavior informed by "tradition." There is a hunger, I think, in the discussion of youth ministry for a "theological turn," but this book disappoints. It is a series of warmed over journal articles with some added discussion suggestions that are more offensive than helpful. It has occasional inspiring moments, some passages that generate thought, but more platitudes dressed in academic language (worn much like the Emperor's new cloths) than anything else. Unless you are interested in the academic discussion of a narrow view of youth ministry, give this book a pass. (less)
I wonder how I lived this long having never read Robinson Crusoe. It is a wonderful story of adventure that is full of the providence of God and redem...moreI wonder how I lived this long having never read Robinson Crusoe. It is a wonderful story of adventure that is full of the providence of God and redemption from sin. While he does not deny the fallen nature of man nor the harshness of the world, Defoe paints an optimistic picture of the world. Over and over again, Crusoe encounters kind and honorable people who selflessly offer him aid and are true to him in dire circumstances. I suppose the most troubling aspect of this book, and perhaps of Enlightenment Christianity, is a cavalier attitude toward slavery. Nevertheless, this book is an interesting picture of the fascinations of Seventeenth Century Europe with the New World and really ought to be on everyone’s reading list.(less)
Ross has done an admirable job at putting together a call to Christ-centered youth ministry. I am more impressed with Ross' organizational structure t...moreRoss has done an admirable job at putting together a call to Christ-centered youth ministry. I am more impressed with Ross' organizational structure than his development of his stated purpose, but the book is an easy read and worth the time for anyone leading youth ministry in his/her church. Ross insists that effective youth ministry begins with a passionate walk with Christ in the adults who lead the ministry. Engaging parents in discipling their own teenagers is a huge emphasis. Plus, Ross calls churches to integrate the youth ministry into the lfie of the church. This book is really a compilation of all of the things that Ross has been saying for years. But, Ross thinks well.(less)
Not a bad primer on teaching youth. Lambert spends a lot of time giving suggestions on curriculum development (though he never gives much help in what...moreNot a bad primer on teaching youth. Lambert spends a lot of time giving suggestions on curriculum development (though he never gives much help in what a curriculum for youth should include) and doesn't spend nearly enough time helping leaders understand how to develop effective Bible study. All the pieces are here, but not with much clarity. I was looking forward to his chapter on how Jesus taught. Unfortunately, it includes a lot of ideas, but many of them are extraneous--he doesn't really do much with it. All in all, a helpful read for new leaders of youth, but not deep enough for a long-term tool nor practical enough to be a good training book.(less)
I just finished The Road. It was a gift from my friend Jason Odom. A long flight gave me uninterrupted time to read. This is one of those books that l...moreI just finished The Road. It was a gift from my friend Jason Odom. A long flight gave me uninterrupted time to read. This is one of those books that leaves you thinking for days. The characters are hollow with little hope to live for. The circumstances are bleak . . . full of real horror . . . and lonely. The story has the kind of existential feel of a Camus novel or a play by Sartre. And yet there is this vague sense that there is something beyond us. I think this is one of those books that everyone should read. I've ignored McCarthy as an author. Perhaps it is time I pay a bit more attention to his work. By the way, thanks Jason. Great gift.(less)
Wow! This book paints an ugly face on a preacher who is trying to do the job without any real commitment to Christ or any real calling. It is set in t...moreWow! This book paints an ugly face on a preacher who is trying to do the job without any real commitment to Christ or any real calling. It is set in the early part of the 20th Century and offers an interesting indictment on pioneering religion. I suppose Lewis intends to paint preachers with a rather black brush because he offers us no characters that are truly remarkable men of God. While the book could serve to anger those of us who are in ministry, perhaps it is a important look at how "human" spiritual leadership can be. I actually think the book is worth a read by anyone trying to following God in a ministry position.(less)
When I met Roger Glidewell, he was the youth minister at the well-known Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, serving with Buckner Fanning. His passi...moreWhen I met Roger Glidewell, he was the youth minister at the well-known Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, serving with Buckner Fanning. His passion for evangelism and discipling teens to lead the church (not just show up) is refreshing. Roger talks about developing a ministry that doesn't expect all teenagers to be at the same place spiritually. He applies clear biblical principles and then encourages creativity to make ministry appropriate for a given church situation. Roger's book is self-published so it is only available through his website: www.globalyouthministry.org.(less)
In approaching youth culture, Pam Erwin took what I see as an atypical approach to the study of youth culture. The book actually contains very little...moreIn approaching youth culture, Pam Erwin took what I see as an atypical approach to the study of youth culture. The book actually contains very little about trends in youth culture. Mostly, this book is designed to teach youth ministers to be students of culture and it has application for the study of any cultural group. I would have preferred that she offer more specific examples of how her methods reveal cultural truth and what to do with that truth when you discover it, but I think this is a very useful text . . . one that will be useful to me as I teach classes in youth culture.(less)
This is a good introduction to dealing with crisis situations in youth ministry. It covers a lot of ground . . . particularly in section 5 which highl...moreThis is a good introduction to dealing with crisis situations in youth ministry. It covers a lot of ground . . . particularly in section 5 which highlights many crisis issues adolescents often face. For each, the authors provide a very sketchy approach to providing pastoral care and/or crisis intervention in the specific situation. The personal stories of the authors related to crisis situations they have encountered add color and value to the book. The book is far from complete in providing guidance to youth leaders in pastoral care during a crisis, but it is a good introduction.(less)
Feb. 20--Most of this book is a list of straw men that Grassel sets up as problems then knocks down. The chapters on discipleship, mentoring, and inve...moreFeb. 20--Most of this book is a list of straw men that Grassel sets up as problems then knocks down. The chapters on discipleship, mentoring, and investment in the entire church were the best parts of the book, but Grassel presents them as three different strategies for youth ministry rather than three essential aspects of youth ministry in the small church. Grassel is right: youth ministry in a small church is different than it is in a mega-church. Unfortunately, I don't think he provides much real help in this book concerning how to do youth ministry in a small church.(less)
While I think Marko has missed the point on some of what he says, I enjoyed the read. Marko is certainly right in this: we can't just keep doing what...moreWhile I think Marko has missed the point on some of what he says, I enjoyed the read. Marko is certainly right in this: we can't just keep doing what we have been doing and expect it to change the results we are getting. And I do think Marko's encouragement to pare back the never-ending activity and focus more on investing in kids is right on the money. Ultimately, we are not going to be successful if we can't help families to be places where faith is nurtured. I think this book is worth the read, though I hope readers will consider it with a critical eye.(less)
Mueller is the guy that watches youth culture so I can pay attention to other things. Thanks, Walt. This book is targeted more at parents and is usefu...moreMueller is the guy that watches youth culture so I can pay attention to other things. Thanks, Walt. This book is targeted more at parents and is useful in helping them understand the world of their teenagers and how to build kids who are not eaten alive by some of the traps. That said, Walt's research is pretty dated. Unfortunately, a book like this has a short shelf-life and Mueller started out with lots of research that was over 10 years old. Youth culture is changing rapidly and, while this is a nice primer of some of the issues, it is hardly the seminal work.(less)
I'd like to say this book feels typically Russian, but I'm not sure my 2 weeks in Moscow qualify me to make that assessment. The dialogue is long and...moreI'd like to say this book feels typically Russian, but I'm not sure my 2 weeks in Moscow qualify me to make that assessment. The dialogue is long and reflective. The characters are archetypes more than people. But the story did capture my imagination. I suppose we get to see a lot of Dostoevsky's own spiritual pilgrimage as the characters wrestle with issues of God, the Church, and their own spiritual natures. In the end, I was surprised at the rich humanism (in the best sense of the word) and the hearty acknowledgement that there is something more to come.(less)
I am officially a Wilbur Smith fan. He is a master story-weaver and I am particularly taken with his passion for Egypt and Northern African culture. T...moreI am officially a Wilbur Smith fan. He is a master story-weaver and I am particularly taken with his passion for Egypt and Northern African culture. This book had an odd premise. It was a modern day sequel of his book, River God, set several millennium ago. Modern day archeologists find the fiction in River God to be true and set out to uncover the tomb of Pharoah, the tomb designed by a eunich servant who is the main character in the earlier book. Friends, be aware that Smith can get a little racy in his descriptions, but the story is fascinating.(less)
Bob Hughes is a GREAT story-teller. I've known Bob for years and am not sure why it took me this long to pick up his fantasy trilogy, but these books...moreBob Hughes is a GREAT story-teller. I've known Bob for years and am not sure why it took me this long to pick up his fantasy trilogy, but these books were well worth the effort to find (they've been out of print for a number of years). I suppose the most remarkable point in this third book is Bob's picture of redemption. While Bob is a devoted Christian, he is not heavy handed. This book is fiction and not theology after all. But, he doesn't let us leave the story without a reminder that our redemption has been paid with blood.(less)
I appreciate Chromey's love for small church youth leaders, but this book is only rarely helpful. Chromey has a tendency to get lost in his own metaph...moreI appreciate Chromey's love for small church youth leaders, but this book is only rarely helpful. Chromey has a tendency to get lost in his own metaphors. It is so bad that he (or, more likely, the publisher) decided to get someone to write some "in the trenches" (read: what the author should have said) reaction. There are a few very helpful words here. But mostly the author enjoys sharing with us his experience at local restaurants all over the country, extolling the virtues of Southwest Airlines, and telling us "small is tall."(less)
Heflin presents the work of the youth minister in five pairs of roles a youth minister must play. Each pair includes tension. Am I primarily an evange...moreHeflin presents the work of the youth minister in five pairs of roles a youth minister must play. Each pair includes tension. Am I primarily an evangelist with lost youth or a discipler or Christian youth? Am I primarily a spiritual friend to hurting teenagers or an equipping recruiter of adults who will invest in teenagers? Of course, the answer to each question is Yes. The youth minister is all of that. The book is a great addition to the literature available for those who are called to be youth ministers.(less)
My dad bought me this book while we were visiting the Palo Duro Canyon. The author has written a whole set of books set in the panhandle of Texas. It...moreMy dad bought me this book while we were visiting the Palo Duro Canyon. The author has written a whole set of books set in the panhandle of Texas. It is a self-published book, but McCathern gives the reader a good sense of what life was like post-Civil War on the frontier of Texas. The story tends to jump around. It feels more like a set of Old West serials rather than a novel. The characters are a little flat. But, all in all, it was a great read and made the visit to Palo Duro take on new meaning.(less)
I have an idea. Let's make John Grisham a writer for NPR. His stories have all the flavor of an NPR news story and perhaps the same slant on the news....moreI have an idea. Let's make John Grisham a writer for NPR. His stories have all the flavor of an NPR news story and perhaps the same slant on the news. Where is the guy who wrote The Firm, The Client, and A Time to Kill? This story was dry and lifeless and had a totally unsatisfying ending. By the middle of the book, I was just hoping for the kind of ending we get in Shakespeare's tragedies. At least in those, everyone dies. In this book, the only real tragedy is that I invested the time to read it.(less)
8/23/10--I am becoming a Wilbur Smith fan. The adventure of doing safaris in Africa at the time of the First World War is pretty intriguing. The chara...more8/23/10--I am becoming a Wilbur Smith fan. The adventure of doing safaris in Africa at the time of the First World War is pretty intriguing. The characters were rich and full, people I grew to love, hate . . . or, in a few cases, both. The story line was a little odd. The focus of the book is on a love relationship that doesn't begin until late in the second half of the story. So, maybe a little too much build up before the story got started. But, all in all, I thought it was a great read.(less)
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