16 December 2005

End of the Year Newsletter

Merry Christmas!

I just thought that I would touch base one last time this year before kicking off what is sure to be an exciting 2006!
Many of you have been tracking with us through our 'blog and our online photo album, but I figured I'd let you all know what else is going on other than all things Gabrielle Rae.

To begin with, Jasheen, Gabrielle and I are preparing to visit Jasheen's family in Singapore this January. We leave New Year's Day and are very excited about introducing Jasheen's parents to their granddaughter. This trip is truly a gift from the Lord. One of our dear friends and donors offered Jasheen and I enough frequent flyer miles to cover one of our tickets. When mom and dad heard about the trip, they decided to give us an early Christmas present by paying for the other one. That only left Gabrielle's ticket for us to purchase. Have you ever heard of a family of three flying roundtrip from the UK to Singapore for $84.00? What a blessing!

The new year is not even here yet and there are already some very exciting things happening for us to look forward to. One of the things that we have literally heard pastors here ask is, "How do we disciple people?" Recognizing that there is a great need for discipleship training and equipping, two of my teammates and I will be launching a leadership training program for local Christian leaders here in Glasgow at the end of January. It will be a microcosm of our nieuCommunities 42-week intensive experience in that it will last about 13 weeks and contain three 1-2 day retreats. Although the experience will be more brief, it should prove more than helpful for a generation of young church leaders here in Glasgow. I look forward to sharing about this in the future.

Members of my team are also looking forward to a pastor's conference being held in Geneva next May. Beginning next spring and carrying on through the summer we will be playing host to a number of groups that come to Glasgow on a "Beyond Borders Road Trip." This is effectively a two week version of the 10 month experience. Groups will be coming to learn and minister alongside us, getting a taste of whether or not this is something the Lord is calling them to do on a larger scale.

But perhaps the biggest and most exciting event we're looking forward to is happening in June. Every four years CRM has a worldwide staff conference that all staff around the world come to. There will be more than 500 people attending so it always has to be at an affordable, but big location. In the past it's been in cities such as Budapest, Hungary and Caracas, Venezuela, but this year it's in beautiful, sunny Santa Barbara, California... at Westmont College, no less (my alma mater). While this isn't the most exotic of locations, it does mean that we will be coming home and able to make a bit of a vacation out of the trip.

Some of you may recall that last January members of our team planted a church here called Regarding Hope (http://www.rehope.co.uk/). We're almost one year old and we have truly seen the Lord move in the lives of the people who come. In the last five weeks we've seen seven young adults become followers of Jesus. We are finding that while relationship is a very large part of introducing someone to a life devoted to Jesus, sometimes it's the simplest of things that ultimately gets them through the door... like just asking them if they want to. Some of the ways the Lord is reaching these people is astonishing. One guy picked up one of the church's cards that was left in his building's entry way and thought to himself, "I should go to this." That Sunday, knowing no one at the church, he came and gave his life to Christ. Another guy was sitting in one of his university classes (an Evolution class) and thought to himself, "This can't be right." He knew another guy who attends our church and asked if he could come along. On his first visit to re:hope he, too, gave his life to Jesus. Hallelujah! Amazing, huh?!? There are two teenage girls that have been coming to church since we started - never professing faith, but feeling a sense of belonging all the while. They're kind of affectionately known as the punk-girls (mainly b/c they're hair changes color every week - pink, blue, zebra, etc.). After spending a year in fellowship with us, within a week of each other they prayed to receive Christ.

It's funny, but it's things like this that show me how weak my faith is. It's weak b/c it surprises me so much when these kinds of things happen. Given all that I know about our God, I should be expecting these kinds of life-changing events to take place. I should be thanking God in advance for them... instead, I'm shocked when I hear that a teenage punk-rock chick who has spent a year with our community decides to accept Jesus. WHY WOULDN'T SHE??? Anyone who meets with Jesus every week for a year is either going to love him or hate him. And I think that through our love and acceptance she has been meeting with Jesus. Please pray for me and my team that our faith would increase and that we would continue to be Jesus in the lives of the young people that find their way to re:hope.

It may be noticeable that I'm not sharing much about Gabrielle. She is 11 weeks old today and is doing great! Jasheen and I love her to bits and probably kiss her more than she likes. I think I do a pretty good job of keeping the online photo album current so feel free to check that out from time to time - in fact, there are new photos up now. The web addresses to our photos and our online journal (or blog) are at the bottom of this email below my signature.

Please have a wonderful Christmas holiday this season. Don't get lost in the husltle. Remember that Jesus came to bring PEACE ON EARTH. It would be a shame to miss out on the very thing that he came to bring b/c we're so overwhelmed packing our schedules, shopping 'til we drop and worrying about... uh... the in-laws. ;)

Jasheen and I feel so very loved and prayed for and we thank all of you for your contributions to our lives.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The McKenzie Clan

http://chrisandjasheen.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisandjasheen/

30 November 2005

Thanksgiving


Every year our team celebrates Thanksgiving together. It's always nice and offers a wee taste of home, but being in Scotland for Turkey Day and NOT being able to watch some great college and NFL match-ups always leaves something to be desired.
This year we decided to broaden our invitation list and invite all of our local friends to join us... and I mean ALL of them.
Because of our relationship with the Glasgow City Mission, we were able to use their facility to host our new, annual Thanksgiving with the Locals. We had over 80 people show up in all... and believe it or not, we didn't run out of food! In fact, there was enough for most to have seconds, and about three helpings of dessert - including pumpkin pie (a relatively repulsive thought to most Brits) - and they loved it!
Next year we thought we'd add a little to the festivities and dress up as Pilgrims and Indians (er... native Americans).

We're thinking we're going to do the same thing for Easter!

PS: Be sure to check out the photo link at the bottom right hand side of this page to see our online photo album - plenty of pics of Gabrielle, plus our wedding photos and some general fun from here in Glasgow!
You can also check out my most recent posts under the Previous Post header.

24 November 2005

Two Months Old


Gabrielle is now eight weeks old!
She's settled into a pretty good schedule and is sleeping a lot... as you'll see in the photo album. We're really beginning to learn her cries (the only way babies communicate) and are able to assist her much more quickly and efficiently. The fog is beginning to lift as we're getting more sleep and time to get things done. Jasheen is also doing a great job as she spends more time on her own with Gabrielle.
We're coming to the conclusion that we really do have a 'good' baby. She's more often than not very content and happy. She's giggling and coo-ing up a storm now. It even seems as though she's singing at times - exactly what a voice-coach mommy wants!

Be sure to check out the photo link at the bottom right hand side of this page to see our online photo album - plenty of pics of Gabrielle, plus our wedding photos and some general fun from here in Glasgow!

27 October 2005

One Month Old!

Gabrielle is now one month old and what a month it's been. We thank you all for your prayers and emails/notes of encourgement and congrats.
Please continue to keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as Jasheen and I are trying our best to parent well and love one another and Gabrielle as best we can!

(Don't forget to link to our online photo album - found at the bottom right side of this page)

11 October 2005

ONLINE PHOTO ALBUM!!!


If you'll scroll down to the lower right hand corner of this page, you'll see a link to our online photo album. This is going to allow me to post photos in a much larger quantity. Not only that, but the photos posted are interactive (in that you can leave comments for individual photos if you want). I can also title and give brief descriptions of the photos, and on some of them I've added a note. If you see a small, hollow square in the top left hand corner of a photo you've opened, scroll your cursor over that square and read the more detailed note. The easiest way to look at a particular picture set is to locate the folder on the left side of the page and click on that. Then you don't have to scroll through 53 pictures when you only want to see pictures of Gabrielle.
You'll see this picture here and many more like it!!!
Cheers!

4 October 2005

One Week with Gabrielle Rae

Gabrielle is a week old today and we have had an amazing time getting to know each other. She sleeps a lot... and does that other thing that they say babies do a lot of. Jasheen and I both still look at each other and say, 'I can't believe we actually have a baby!' I am going to try and avoid the mushy parent plugs of, 'Isn't she so beautiful,' and 'Is this not the best looking baby you've ever seen,' but as you can see, she is quite gorgeous! She's doing very well. In Britain, the National Health Society provides daily mid-wife visits for the first week, and then they will come as often as you'd like for the first year. This has been and amazing blessing as they have helped us with a lot of the practical baby-care stuff. All of their reports have been great. She's feeding, sleeping, crying, and growing as she should be. Please feel free to post comments if you like. We love reading them! By for now!

20 September 2005

The Stork has Landed

On September 27th, 2005 at 3:45pm (GMT), Gabrielle Rae McKenzie came into this world. She weighs 8lbs-4oz and is 22 1/2 inches long. Jasheen's labor was a difficult one... in that it technically lasted for almost three days. She was in the early stages of labor for more than 48hrs before she actually began pushing. That part, however, went very quickly and smoothly. She only pushed for about a half-hour. I actually assisted the delivery (in that I was helping Jasheen during the pushing), and I didn't even pass out!
Both Mommy and baby are beautiful and healthy... and getting some much needed rest. As I am able to, I will post more pictures. Thank you for all your prayers!!!

18 September 2005

On My Nightstand

What I'm reading now...



Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - J.K. Rowling



(Image not available)
Problems of Christian discipleship - J. Oswald Sanders
OUT OF PRINT



2006 Reading List

The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
Dare I even begin to review the year's most controversial bestseller? The story is great, a real page-turner. To see more of my thoughts on the issues surrounding the message of this book, check out my May '06 blog entry, 'The Da Vinci Dudd.'

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - J.K. Rowling

2005 Reading List

An Unstoppable Force: Daring to Become the Church God had in Mind - Erwin R. McManus
McManus, 'futurist' and self-proclaimed cultural architect, focuses heavily on where the church in America is today... and where it could/should be going. He does a masterful job of weaving a vision of the church becoming the cultural-influencer that it once was. A must-read for anyone who cares at all about being all that God has called us to be.
Seizing Your Divine Moment - Erwin R. McManus
McManus uses the Old Testament story of Jonathan (King Saul's son) to illustrate how we can make the most of God's call on our lives and how to seize those divine, defining moments. He cautions readers that in order to live life to the fullest, we must take risks, and that being in God's will is inherently risky. It certainly does not protect us from harm or difficulty. McManus contrasts the characters of Jonathan and Saul to illustrate the differences between living a life of purpose and adventure, and living one of apathy and missed opportunity. He insists that God orchestrates divine opportunities for us to engage in His big-picture plan(s). READ THIS BOOK!
Buck Naked Faith: A Brutally Honest Look at Stunted Christianity - Eric Sandras
While this is not a new approach to authentic Christianity, this is a refreshing exercise in brutal honesty. Sandras lays bare his own personal failures with intense openness. A simple, straight-forward read that invites us to face our own areas of failure, fear, apathy and weakness with the hope and promise of restoration and healing.
a Generous Orthodoxy - Brian McLaren
McLaren celebrates the strengths of many traditions in the church (and beyond), exploring how they can combine to provide a "generous orthodoxy." In typical fashion, Brian shakes things up a bit, attempting to create a safe place for questions, doubt and challenges. He basically addresses the way that denominational/religious hair-splitting challenges the true message of Jesus, and how he would incorporate the best parts of each faith/denomination in his more inclusive orthodoxy. Definitely worth the read... if for no other reason, than the questions it raises and points it addresses.
Non-Fiction - Chuck Palahniuk
This is a collection of true, short stories as experienced by Palahniuk himself. Containing some of the most oddly disturbing accounts, Palahniuk shares intimately and honestly as he invites us into his (at times) dark world and gives a glimpse of what inspires his fiction (Fight Club, Lullaby, Haunted). He shares encounters with Marilyn Manson, accounts of his own experimentation with steroids, and the horrific witnessing of his own father's brutal murder at the hands of a white supremacist. Palahniuk's world is definitely different than yours and mine, and to be honest, this is not a read for the faint of heart.
Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Spirituality - Donald Miller
The book tells the tail of Miller's own spiritual journey - how he nearly lost his faith, his position on progressive politics and how Jesus has become relevant in his own spiritual walk. Miller offers his postmodern take on the current evangelical presentation of the Gospel. He writes simply and at times, self-indulgently, but has a very personally revealing approach rather than profoundly insightful. I think his simplicity is intentional, often coming across as remedial, but we get glimpses of his gifted writing prowess. His honesty with the reader is powerful and it seems to lend itself to his own distrust of the institutional church. I believe he's writing primarily to people intrigued or experimenting with the idea of faith, but it's a rich read even for those of us already on a spiritual journey with God. READ THIS!
Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies - Jared Diamond
I've had this book for about four years and only just read it. It's a VERY in depth look at the development of human societies presented from the biologist's approach: examining geography, demography and ecology. Diamond objectively looks at human history from every continent since the Ice Age - from an evolutionary perspective. It's a fascinating read, though it provides more statistical data and in depth review than most readers care to examine. If interested, I have been informed that a documentary-style version is coming available on TV and it may be easier to digest if watched.
The Barbarian Way - Erwin R. McManus
McManus invites readers to experience their faith in a 'barbaric' way, rather than as a 'civilized Christian.' This is a call to escape 'civilized' Christianity and become the authentic, untamed, powerful Christians that Jesus called us to be. There is not much new to McManus' writings if you've read his other works (Seizing Your Divine Moment, An Unstoppable Force). In and age of fearful, stagnant Christianity, this is a refreshing reminder that Christ called us to a risky, adventurous faith. It's a short, but powerful read and a great introduction to McManus' poignant message of reckless faith.
Searching For God Knows What - Donald Miller
In his follow up to 'Blue Like Jazz,' Miller continues his long conversation about life. This book doesn't exactly have a point as much as it explains his (somewhat) eccentric theories on the Christian faith/life. His strongest statement addresses the way evangelical Christianity has been 'sold' or presented. He questions the technique of breaking down salvation into a formula (or bullet points). He states, rather, that Christianity is relationship (not exactly ground-breaking material), and that evangelism should encompass biblical stories rather than 'the steps to salvation.' He also addresses the issue of redemption, and every person's desire for it. He explains that people seek this redemption through relationships, success, religion, status and escape, though only that true redemption comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Initially, I thought that I liked this book better than 'Jazz,' but upon further reflection, I think that I appreciate the story-telling and simplicity of his first book better.
Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience: Why Are Christians Living Just Like The Rest Of The World? - Ronald J. Sider
Like his first and most notable book, 'Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger,' Sider charges Christians to start walking their talk. The primary question this book raises is: Why aren't Christians living any differently than their non-Christian counterparts? Sider uses the first chapter to statistically breakdown the similarities between the Christian and non-Christian communities - stating that there are no differences in divorce rates, premarital sex, domestic violence and use of pornography - and citing that Christians are more likely to have racist views than others. He (again) addresses the issue of money, stating that, although western Christians are wealthier than any Christians in history, they are giving less and less to the poor, even though their incomes have increased. Sider offers some compelling and genuine responses to these issues by challenging the church to regain its ability to hold Christians accountable and for Christians to stop serving mammon (money) as its driving force. The second part of the book borrows Dietrich Bonhoeffer's concept of 'cheap grace,' which has grossly misled the church. This is a short and easy read and makes a powerful call to start living the life we claim to live. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Atonement for a 'Sinless' Society - Alan Mann
This book raises some valid questions to any and all people ministering in a postmodern context. This book is about the stories of the postmodern, post-industrialized, post-Christian 'sinless' self, and that of the atonement of Christ as illustrated in the Gospels. Mann addresses the difficulty in relating a story based on sin and guilt as meaningful to a society that no longer recognizes 'sin' as a viable, relevant concept. Mann suggests that if the Bible is re-read in light of this context, it can again speak meaningfully and sufficiently to a 'sinless' society.
Life After God - Douglas Coupland
Canadian author, Douglas Coupland, writes to the young, confused, and disenchanted members who have come to characterize themselves as 'Generation X' (a title of another of his books). He addresses this demographic as "the first generation raised without religion." What he's really addressing is the concept that all of humanity is born with the need to believe in something - God, religion, politics, art -- and how people respond to the world of materialism. Don't let the title of the book disuade you from reading it. It only vaguely has anything to do with the stories within. Only at the end of one of the short stories contained does the narrator conclude, "My secret is that I need God." Coupland doesn't try to over-analyze or explain this statement, he simply states it and lets it marinate. This was a facinating read, written in an unorthodox style, with little doodles and drawings splintered throughout (kind of like 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,' by Mark Haddon, if you're familiar).
Burn Collector: Collected Stories from One through Nine - Al Burian
This is a collection of stories written by the 'underground' author over a four or five year period. He seems to be emergent of the 'zine' era of the 90's. His style is reminiscent of Kurt Vonnegut, Jack Kerouac or J.D. Salinger, even. He strikes me as someone who would also read a lot of Chuck Palahniuk books (Fight Club, Choke) and be really into Adbusters, but really I know next to nothing about this guy. The read was pretty remedial and not worth the time.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone; Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling
Do I really need to review these? I have been reluctant to read the series b/c fantasy tends not to be my thing (save for LOTR, of course) and I usually lean towards non-fiction, but I wanted to really understand what all the controversy was about. I'm trying to understand why some Christians adamently boycott the series based on its content of witchcraft and sorcery, while simultaneously embracing The Lord of the Rings; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; and countless Disney classics (Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty) - all of which contain their fair share of good, evil, magic, witches and sorcery. Sadly, what I've discovered more often than not is that most of the people in stark opposition of the series haven't actually read it... and I didn't want to be one of those people. I will likely give a more thorough review of the overall series once I've completed it... or at least completed it through the books that are currently out.

17 September 2005

On My Playlist

MUSIC

Thrice - Vheissu
American Analog Set - Know by Heart
Hot Water Music - The New What Next
The Bad Plus - These Are The Vistas
Ben Harper & The Blind Boys of Alabama - Live at the Apollo
My Morning Jacket - At Dawn

PODCASTS

ESPN: Dan and Keith - The Big Show
ESPN Baseball Today
ESPN Radio SportsCenter
ESPN Radio Podcast
ESPN: PTI

Reading List 2005

Here's a list of what I've been reading during 2005:

An Unstoppable Force: Daring to Become the Church God had in Mind - Erwin R. McManus
McManus, 'futurist' and self-proclaimed cultural architect, focuses heavily on where the church in America is today... and where it could/should be going. He does a masterful job of weaving a vision of the church becoming the cultural-influencer that it once was. A must-read for anyone who cares at all about being all that God has called us to be.
Seizing Your Divine Moment - Erwin R. McManus
McManus uses the Old Testament story of Jonathan (King Saul's son) to illustrate how we can make the most of God's call on our lives and how to seize those divine, defining moments. He cautions readers that in order to live life to the fullest, we must take risks, and that being in God's will is inherently risky. It certainly does not protect us from harm or difficulty. McManus contrasts the characters of Jonathan and Saul to illustrate the differences between living a life of purpose and adventure, and living one of apathy and missed opportunity. He insists that God orchestrates divine opportunities for us to engage in His big-picture plan(s). READ THIS BOOK!
Buck Naked Faith: A Brutally Honest Look at Stunted Christianity - Eric Sandras
While this is not a new approach to authentic Christianity, this is a refreshing exercise in brutal honesty. Sandras lays bare his own personal failures with intense openness. A simple, straight-forward read that invites us to face our own areas of failure, fear, apathy and weakness with the hope and promise of restoration and healing.
a Generous Orthodoxy - Brian McLaren
McLaren celebrates the strengths of many traditions in the church (and beyond), exploring how they can combine to provide a "generous orthodoxy." In typical fashion, Brian shakes things up a bit, attempting to create a safe place for questions, doubt and challenges. He basically addresses the way that denominational/religious hair-splitting challenges the true message of Jesus, and how he would incorporate the best parts of each faith/denomination in his more inclusive orthodoxy. Definitely worth the read... if for no other reason, than the questions it raises and points it addresses.
Non-Fiction - Chuck Palahniuk
This is a collection of true, short stories as experienced by Palahniuk himself. Containing some of the most oddly disturbing accounts, Palahniuk shares intimately and honestly as he invites us into his (at times) dark world and gives a glimpse of what inspires his fiction (Fight Club, Lullaby, Haunted). He shares encounters with Marilyn Manson, accounts of his own experimentation with steroids, and the horrific witnessing of his own father's brutal murder at the hands of a white supremacist. Palahniuk's world is definitely different than yours and mine, and to be honest, this is not a read for the faint of heart.
Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Spirituality - Donald Miller
The book tells the tail of Miller's own spiritual journey - how he nearly lost his faith, his position on progressive politics and how Jesus has become relevant in his own spiritual walk. Miller offers his postmodern take on the current evangelical presentation of the Gospel. He writes simply and at times, self-indulgently, but has a very personally revealing approach rather than profoundly insightful. I think his simplicity is intentional, often coming across as remedial, but we get glimpses of his gifted writing prowess. His honesty with the reader is powerful and it seems to lend itself to his own distrust of the institutional church. I believe he's writing primarily to people intrigued or experimenting with the idea of faith, but it's a rich read even for those of us already on a spiritual journey with God. READ THIS!
Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies - Jared Diamond
I've had this book for about four years and only just read it. It's a VERY in depth look at the development of human societies presented from the biologist's approach: examining geography, demography and ecology. Diamond objectively looks at human history from every continent since the Ice Age - from an evolutionary perspective. It's a fascinating read, though it provides more statistical data and in depth review than most readers care to examine. If interested, I have been informed that a documentary-style version is coming available on TV and it may be easier to digest if watched.
The Barbarian Way - Erwin R. McManus
McManus invites readers to experience their faith in a 'barbaric' way, rather than as a 'civilized Christian.' This is a call to escape 'civilized' Christianity and become the authentic, untamed, powerful Christians that Jesus called us to be. There is not much new to McManus' writings if you've read his other works (Seizing Your Divine Moment, An Unstoppable Force). In and age of fearful, stagnant Christianity, this is a refreshing reminder that Christ called us to a risky, adventurous faith. It's a short, but powerful read and a great introduction to McManus' poignant message of reckless faith.
Searching For God Knows What - Donald Miller
In his follow up to 'Blue Like Jazz,' Miller continues his long conversation about life. This book doesn't exactly have a point as much as it explains his (somewhat) eccentric theories on the Christian faith/life. His strongest statement addresses the way evangelical Christianity has been 'sold' or presented. He questions the technique of breaking down salvation into a formula (or bullet points). He states, rather, that Christianity is relationship (not exactly ground-breaking material), and that evangelism should encompass biblical stories rather than 'the steps to salvation.' He also addresses the issue of redemption, and every person's desire for it. He explains that people seek this redemption through relationships, success, religion, status and escape, though only that true redemption comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Initially, I thought that I liked this book better than 'Jazz,' but upon further reflection, I think that I appreciate the story-telling and simplicity of his first book better.
Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience: Why Are Christians Living Just Like The Rest Of The World? - Ronald J. Sider
Like his first and most notable book, 'Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger,' Sider charges Christians to start walking their talk. The primary question this book raises is: Why aren't Christians living any differently than their non-Christian counterparts? Sider uses the first chapter to statistically breakdown the similarities between the Christian and non-Christian communities - stating that there are no differences in divorce rates, premarital sex, domestic violence and use of pornography - and citing that Christians are more likely to have racist views than others. He (again) addresses the issue of money, stating that, although western Christians are wealthier than any Christians in history, they are giving less and less to the poor, even though their incomes have increased. Sider offers some compelling and genuine responses to these issues by challenging the church to regain its ability to hold Christians accountable and for Christians to stop serving mammon (money) as its driving force. The second part of the book borrows Dietrich Bonhoeffer's concept of 'cheap grace,' which has grossly misled the church. This is a short and easy read and makes a powerful call to start living the life we claim to live. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Atonement for a 'Sinless' Society - Alan Mann
This book raises some valid questions to any and all people ministering in a postmodern context. This book is about the stories of the postmodern, post-industrialized, post-Christian 'sinless' self, and that of the atonement of Christ as illustrated in the Gospels. Mann addresses the difficulty in relating a story based on sin and guilt as meaningful to a society that no longer recognizes 'sin' as a viable, relevant concept. Mann suggests that if the Bible is re-read in light of this context, it can again speak meaningfully and sufficiently to a 'sinless' society.
Life After God - Douglas Coupland
Canadian author, Douglas Coupland, writes to the young, confused, and disenchanted members who have come to characterize themselves as 'Generation X' (a title of another of his books). He addresses this demographic as "the first generation raised without religion." What he's really addressing is the concept that all of humanity is born with the need to believe in something - God, religion, politics, art -- and how people respond to the world of materialism. Don't let the title of the book disuade you from reading it. It only vaguely has anything to do with the stories within. Only at the end of one of the short stories contained does the narrator conclude, "My secret is that I need God." Coupland doesn't try to over-analyze or explain this statement, he simply states it and lets it marinate. This was a facinating read, written in an unorthodox style, with little doodles and drawings splintered throughout (kind of like 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,' by Mark Haddon, if you're familiar).

16 September 2005

The 411

Chris & Jasheen: We're currently living in Glasgow, Scotland, serving with nieuCommunities. Married for just over a year, we're expecting our first child any day now (Sept 25th). To find out more about our ministry, visit the 'nieuCommunities' link in our LINKS section.

Temp Site

Thank you for visiting our Blog. As our personal web page is under construction, this is where we'll post news, pictures and general information.