I read quite a bit of Christian / Biblical literature and a lot of it is extremely repetitive and sadly quite boring. I understand that publishers demand x number of pages, which is ridiculous, but still, tell nicer stories, things that attract readers. This book is interesting from the beginning, as the author is initially very candid about his church life growing up. Mr. Strobel grew up in church and is very honest about how it affected his walk, good and bad. His church experience for many years was in an emerging seeker-sensitive environment with no tradition, but with plenty of programs for everyone. He didn’t really understand what his salvation was for and had to learn to walk with Jesus, not just wait for heaven. I think many of us feel the dichotomy of this and want to help as many people as possible and yet how many of the spiritual disciplines are we teaching and modeling?
We all have a worldview, how we see things in the world and around us, but do we have a Christian worldview? Basically, we sift information through a visual, intellectual and emotional sieve and perceive what we see. Kyle saw his view of the world as something that needed to change, and if we’re honest, we probably need to change relatively frequently as well. This, on the other hand, does not mean locking yourself in a Christian bubble. I think you need to know your heart and know what can lead you astray, but simply saying without understanding that, for example, you never watch R-rated movies can be quite closed. I chose movies, but you understand what I mean: this could relate to anything, including your children’s education and the brand of clothing you wear. We need to read the Bible and allow our worldview to change, not let the world do that for us.
Kyle talks about getting closer to God, not just working harder or volunteering more hours (although I’m pretty sure his local church wouldn’t say no to getting more help). Who do you hang out with regularly? Are they learning from each other? We were created to live in community, so are we really doing it? I think it is difficult to live in a first world country and think about being holy rather than successful. That is definitely not the American way! Jesus came to call us to be disciples and to walk with him so as not to forge our own paths.
Is having the last name Strobel an advantage in today’s world of Christian nonfiction literature? Well, I would say yes and no after reading this book. Kyle has sat under great teaching, but he has also seen some very negative sides of the emerging church. Many have strayed from the Scriptures, but he persevered. He says at first that he loves the church and knew he had to change, not the other way around. I totally agree. Get into the word, but read books like this aside. Being in the world but not of the world, a difficult task? Yes, but it’s definitely worth it!