The subtitle of this book says it all: "Finding Jesus in the mess of organized religion." This book is different from his previous books, in that it was not written for pastors to understand young people, the art/music crowd, etc. Rather, it was written for young people, artists, or really just anyone who has been hurt by by the church to love and appreciate the church. It is a very easy, quick read, but it is not "fluff." Much of the book portrays Dan's story of coming to Christ and learning to thrive in and in spite of the church. He shares his experiences, from scary, heretical and hypocritical to hilarious and heart-warming. He shares his experiences of hope and hurt found in the church. Dan relates to those who like Jesus but dislike the church, and then he challenges them with a strong theology of the church. (In the world of formal theology, we call it "ecclesiology" because we like big words. Dan, however, skips the big words and faithfully teaches the concepts of a solid, Biblical, practical, and convicting belief in the Church of Jesus Christ.) Some of the best material is found in the final chapters of the book, where Dan lands with his final challenges, the logical conclusion of what is written earlier. In one place he writes, "Every time Christians point at the church and say it is messed up, we point at ourselves. We are part of the problem because we are the church." Twice, he approvingly quotes Henri Nouwen- here is one sentence- "When we say, "I love Jesus, but I hate the Church," we end up losing not only the Church but Jesus too."
This is a resource I will keep on my shelf, waiting for the day someone, probably younger, but willing to engage in reasoned discussion, says, "I love Jesus, but I don't like the Church...." at which point I will say, "read this book and let's talk about it."
In the meantime, I will continue to lead the Church, as God has called me to do, faithfully but with greater sensitivity to those who might have had bad experiences in the Church. And I will be careful to clearly explain how we worship, helping every member and visitor know what we think happens with "the cup of wonder." (If you don't know what I am referring to- read the book- it is a pretty hilarious story- and convicting as well.)
If you find yourself disconnected, disgruntled, or just curious about the Church, pick up this book and check it out!
