Christianity for the Rest of Us

General Summary of the Book - An Overview
The book offers a "narrative" and "prescriptive" response to thechallenge of contemporary mainline congregational renewal. "Anecdotal expression of what is happening here" characterizes the book.Butler-Bass organizes responses in her survey according to both type andfrequency. The book is written for a non-academic but literate readershipthat wants to see a rebirth in mainline Christianity. "Christianity for the Rest of Us" focuses on the "neighbourhood church"(not the evangelical "megachurch") in the United States (there are noCanadian case studies.) Nevertheless, some good application to theCanadian situation can be made. The book needs to be read alongsideCanadian studies like Reg. Bibby's "Restless Gods and Restless Churches"and Michael Schwartzentruber's "The Emerging Christian Way." Theological/spiritual issues addressed here are common to both countries,but the social/cultural/political context varies._____ A key theme: "Christianity is not about pure doctrine or commonly-heldbeliefs. It is about "pilgrimage" and walking "the Way of Jesus" (71-3). TEN SIGNPOSTS/CHARACTERISTICS OF RENEWAL 1. Hospitality - an ancient Christian quality that offers people the space they need to be themselves. It equalizes and changes them (83-5). 2. Discernment - coming to know God's will, not mechanically but experientially. From reflection to decision. A third way between "absolute truth" and "moral relativism" (91-4). 3. Healing - an ancient Christian practice restored. Coming to terms with medical science and the supernatural dimension of reality. "Salvation" is a process by which we enter God's saving work (106-114). 4. Contemplation - taking prayer and its benefits seriously; not as a formula of words, but an orientation of our whole selves (121). 5. Testimony - speaking links faith to daily life. A way to confirm, and live out one's vocation. Testimony changes and evolves over time (133-8). 6. Diversity - in God's family, there are no outsiders - whether political, cultural, theological, race, sex or gender-based. Difference is honoured. Christian diversity is biblically grounded. Redeeming and reclaiming a classic liberal stance (148-151). 7. Justice - both political and spiritual. Biblical justice involves more than liberal, secular human rights. It claims a social as well as personal holiness (Wesley)and the black American church experience of "journeying to the promised land" (163-170). 8. Worship - connects the "inner" and "outer" life. It opens us to the experience of God. A holistic way of engaging God (173-181). 9. Reflection - learning Christianity, not about it. Approaching the Bible seriously, but not literally. Helps people to think about what is real. (187-198). 10. Beauty - Art, music, drama. You don't need a theological education to "know" and "love" beauty. Bringing joy and creativity to all. A gateway to higher understanding (208-212). Transformation ocurs in personal lives, in congregations, and in the world. Personal: Many said that God, through "this congregation" changed my life.It is difficult to sustain the pilgrim life alone (235). Congregational: People need community to change, to sustain a life ofpilgrimage and to go deeper into that needed transformation (242). Global: Its not just about church. Its also about politics (259). Churcheshave a unique political/theological contribution to make. A strong focusneeds to be the blending of red and blue extremes (into a colourful purple)and following the Jesus path; rejecting both theocracy and secularism (267). In the end, its all about transformative Christianity (281).

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