Trans4m: A Radical Solution

March 2008

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The Scriptures say that we, as humans, are created in the image and likeness of God. As a result, we can attain to a relationship with the Creator through Jesus Christ. In fact, the Westminster Catechism states that that is our chief aim; to know God and love Him forever. Yet it seems sin has so corroded our aspirations for God that we are too often willing to settle for a life of banality. Louis of Granada says that, "Men have so perverted their natures that, like brute animals they seek nothing but the goods of the body. What greater disorder than that so noble a creature, capable of the happiness and glory of God, should live and act like an animal and not have any other occupation or seek any other end than to meet their bodily desires." Such radical sickness called for a radical solution! "Anyone who considers these things will not be surprised at the incarnation of the Son of God, because so great an evil demanded an extraordinary remedy." Let's make sure that these weeks of Easter we turn toward our true calling and live mindfully in relationship with the God who made us and redeemed us through Jesus! Blessings!

Reading for Revolutionaries

Shane Claiborne: The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical
This book will rock your world! I believe this is a must read for anyone serious about being a genuine Christ-follower. Read it and weep ... Read it and rejoice. (*****)
John Wood: Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children
This is at turns and incredibly inspirational and convicting book. John Wood left a cushy job and promising future at Microsoft in order to devote his life to building libraries and schools in the villages of Nepal and other third world countries with low literacy rates. I wonder if this is what Jesus meant when he spoke to the rich young ruler? (****)
F. LeRon Shults and Steven J. Sandage: Transforming Spirituality: Integrating Theology And Psychology
Shults and Sandage bring a fresh approach to this work on spiritual/personal/theological formation and its integration. As in their previous collaboration, "The Faces of Forgiveness," this book is a paradigm-breaking, creative, and invigorating contribution to the field of spiritual formation - though it deals as directly with subjects such as theology, psychology, anthropology, philosophy, and sociology, weaving them all into a rich, integrated whole. Just a taste of what awaits in Transforming Spirituality ... "However, the reformative Pneumatology we have been outlining can help us understand that our way of being-present to others in space and time is our spirituality." (*****)
Kathryn Tanner: Economy Of Grace
Theologian Kathryn Tanner explores alternative economies that are based on grace rather than greed and money. She provides a challenging and cogent argument for rethinking the foundations of current forms of advanced capitalism. Though I do not agree with all of her final conclusions, I agree with her primary premise that current systems are in need of change and rethinking our theology of economics is where we need to begin.
Larry L. King: In Search of Willie Morris: The Mercurial Life of a Legendary Writer and Editor
A powerful and sad tale about the troubled life of a near literary genius and how his dark side caused him to squander his talent and strengths. A sobering reminder of the need for Self-leadership!
Stanley J. Grenz: The Social God and the Relational Self: A Trinitarian Theology of the Imago Dei
This book addresses how an understanding of the triune nature of God should shape our concepts of "self" or "soul" as well as result in a more relational and communal church which takes responsibility for the "other." Because we are created with the imago dei, we can only find our true self-hood in relation to others. God is a social God. Grenz does an amazing job of debunking the post-modern concept of "possessive individualism" which is killing the missional focus of the church today. (*****)
Gerald Clarke: Capote: A Biography
This is an excellent biography of a brilliant writer whose life was sabatoged by the Dark Side. A study in how not to be a parent! This is an interesting read. (****)