Uncomfortable Quotes

“But shouldn't we find connection over Christ, rather than our depravity? By focusing on brokenness as proof of our "realness" have we made authenticity a higher calling than holiness?”
― Brett McCracken, Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community

“Authenticity is a monlogue, while vulnerability is a dialogue.”
― Brett McCracken, Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community

“What it means is engaged alienation: a Christianity that preserves the distinctiveness of our gospel while not retreating from our callings as neighbors and friends, and citizens.”
― Brett McCracken, Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community

“To be a disciple of Jesus is to deny oneself (Matt. 6:24), to take up a cross (Luke 14:27), to be subject to persecution (John 15:20; 2 Tim 3:12). It is to give up the creature comforts of home (Luke 9:58), to forsake the priority of family (Luke 9:59-62, 14:26), to be willing to give up all material posessions (Matt. 19:21, Luke 14:33), to be crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20). It is also to embrace the messiness of community, bearing with one another in love (Eph. 4:2), bearing one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2), and working for a seemingly impossible unity (Gal. 3:28).”
― Brett McCracken, Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community

“For too long the consumer logic of Christian culture has been Find a Church that Meets your Needs!... Not only is it coldly transctional and devoid of covenantal commitment, it's also anti-gospel.”
― Brett McCracken, Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community

“We grow most when we are outside of our comfort zones. We are more effective when we are on the edge of risk. We hold beliefs more dear and pursue goals more passionately when they are accompanied by a cost.”
― Brett McCracken, Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community

“It means we exercise humility by being good listeners, quicker to hear and slower to speak (Heb. 1:19).”
― Brett McCracken, Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community

“I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.....”
― C.S. Lewis, Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community