Generous OrthododoxyBrian McLaren

Finally a book that puts into words feelings I’ve had for a long time – there has to be more to Jesus than Christianity and there has to be more to Christianity than the church. I’m sick to death of the willy nilly way we live out both.. As they are thought of today, both Jesus and the church, are not acceptable to me (and I think also God). If you have deep seated doubts about Christianity that you can’t put to rest, this book is for you. If you have a non-Christian friend for whom Christianity itself is the biggest drawback to them accepting Christ, this book is for you.

However, what you bring to this book, more than most books, will determine what you hear it saying and whether you love it or hate it. If you’re looking for a clear cut orthodoxy where all of your questions are answered, you won’t find it in this book. But if you approach this book as if you are a seeker of authentic faith, but turned off by most Christians you know, you will find this a treasure chest of gems.

Now a word of caution. I hope McLaren’s theology doesn’t evolve much more because this book borders on the edge of not only generous orthodoxy, but of becoming unorthodox. Those of us who have followed McLaren over the years have been blessed by his searching and probing of the faith. Such is the case with this book. But he’s at the edge of what will be acceptable or should I say understandable.