Wednesday, May 14, 2008

For the Book Poll

The Last Word and the Word After That - Brian McLaren
Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture - Michael Frost
An Emergent Manifesto of Hope - editors: Doug Pagitt & Tony Jones (multiple authors)
unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters - David Kinnaman
The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier - Tony Jones

8 comments:

maventheavenger aka jamie said...

I vote for Exiles. Because I've read about half of it. And it's totally wonderful.

Unknown said...

I vote for An Emergent Manifesto of Hope so that we can hear from several authors and leaders of the emergent movement. Now that our group has built a solid foundation, I think it would be a great book to read to really get us talking about what the emerging movement is and how we fit into it (or don't necessarily fit into it) individually and as a group.

I also like the sermon idea. Maybe now, or after the next book, we can spend a few weeks listening to various sermons during the week and then discussing them at our gatherings. I know that Adam has mentioned that he listens to Rob Bell's sermons. I think those would be great ones to dive into together.

maventheavenger aka jamie said...

Okay, I'm going to try to sell my suggestion a little more...

The book "Exiles" explores the idea that followers of Jesus are "rediscovering intentional disciplines marked by danger... [they] are driven back to dangerous memories, their recollections of the promises made by Jesus and his daring agenda for human society. Exiles are prepared to practice a set of dangerous promises, promises that point to the kingdom and are caught up with the prevailing values of the empire. Exiles will mock the folly of that empire by offering a dangerous critique of a society wracked by greed, lust, selfishness, and inequality. And finally, exiles will sing a repertoire of dangerous songs that speak of an unexpected newness of life."

I've read about half of this book, and I love the depth. I'll bring a copy of it with me to the meeting on Sunday. But please take a look at the excerpt available on the Amazon link.

Yard said...

I love the lobbying...all in good democratic fun. Maven, you may start a 'side' book reading group, for those that are super ambitious and want extra credit. You know, the over-achievers.

You're getting me all fired up with words like exile, dangerous, and daring.

By the way, if anybody would like new posts and all comments emailed to them from emerging desert, let me or Adam know. It helps me keep in touch for sure.

Jimbo said...

Jacob, I'd like to get posts e-mailed so I know when there is one. I haven't checked for days, see that I am missing out.
BTW - I'm currently studing "UnChristian" w/couple other guys. Very interesting book as well.
However, I am intrigued by Jamies suggestion.

Forsetti1063 said...

Hi all,

I will be unable to make it today, sadly... but if any of you are feeling ill come see me at Banner Desert's ER :) I hope something is planned for next weekend!

Tara said...

Well Jamie, your lobbying won my vote. Although, I would love to read any of those books as they all sound really thought provoking.

I also like the idea of throwing in some Rob Bell messages (or something similar) in our transition weeks... maybe that would give everyone enough time to get a hold of the new book.

Kelly Vickers said...

Although I like the different voices approach to Emergent Manifesto, I too would like to cast a vote for Exiles. I have it, and have enjoyed the first few chapters. Brian McLaren says, "Exiles captures the intensity, anger, wonder, heartache, clear-sightedness, and hope so many of us share in this moment of in-betweenness." It seems a very good choice for a new cohort.