Finding God Outside of Church

The types of reading I do generall group into four categories: Study, Bible, Christian Living, and "recreational reading" (fiction). Most of my "recreational reading" goes on when I travel. I do a lot of "speed reading" when I study as part of my preparation for teaching. When I mention Bible as a category I also am thinking of some basic study tools that I use as a part of that.

During 2005 and for part of 2006 I was immersed in writing my D.Min. thesis. Because of that it's been a long time since I read a "Christian Living" book. These books tend to focus on themes related to Christian growth. Feeling a need for some further input into my walk, I picked up several books from the King County Library that I might be good.

The book that I am really enjoying right now is, Finding God in Unexpected Places, by Philip Yancey. "God is already present, in the most unexpected places. We just need to make God visible." I have enjoyed some of his books in the past -- I like his writing style and the way he thinks. This book is going to be a good one. In it he begins with a discussion on the Christian view of death and questions about why we have such a hard time facing it. It reminds me of Becker's book, The Denial of Death. This discussion reminds me of the times I have had to sit with people who are dying of have recently died -- thrust into these situations by virtue of being a Pastor. I think this helps me come to grips with my own mortality, but I still struggle with the old way of thinking -- fearing death -- whereas for us as Christians we have nothing to fear. In fact, we have something to look forward to.

Another book I picked up is Posers, Fakers & Wannabes, by Brennan Manning. This book has to do with "being yourself" or being the person God created you to be. I actually didn't like this book -- I don't think this is a BIG struggle for me -- I basically am who I am and don't try to be someone that I am not (I said basically -- I think we all struggle with this to some degree). This book might be helpful for some, but I didn't like it. There seems to be a a subtle stream of questionable content thrown into the book where the author is trying to get a reaction (occasional use of profanity), but it clashes with me. Reading Ephesians might be a better use of your time if you want to learn more about being the person God created you to be. This is the 3rd of Manning's books I've tried to read, but for some reason they don't hit home for me.