A Theology For All

All people have some sort of theology (Harris, 2010). Even atheists have a theology. Theology is not relative; there is a right and a wrong theology. I am not convinced that my theology is 100% accurate, as I am continually growing in my knowledge and understanding of God. As a result, I am passionate about personally “Unearthing What I Belief and Why It Matters” (subtitle).

I agree with Harris’ (2010) statement:

“Theology matters, because if we get it wrong, then our whole life will be wrong” (p. 11).

In other words, the inaccurate beliefs I have about God will negatively impinge upon my ability to hear Him and follow Him. Harris (2010) articulates this truth alongside his personal journey to discern God’s Truth. He states:

“Our faith is not just a state of mind, a mystical experience, or concepts on a page. Theology, doctrine, and orthodoxy matter because God is real, and he has acted in our world, and his actions have meaning today and for all eternity” (p. 15).

Harris’ pursuit of Godly knowledge is based on his pursuit of understanding theology, doctrine, and orthodoxy. He describes this fascinating journey using personal stories and interesting examples. Such a format is strikingly similar to that of Jesus Christ’s parables and student-centered teaching style. I believe this format is effective, and I highly recommend Dug Down Deep for believers and seekers alike.

Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe & Why It Matters is available here.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah.

Christian Theology 101 – Conversational Style

I listened to a couple of podcasts yesterday that detailed the difference between a conversation and a debate. Feel free to listen here and here. The difference is most important when it comes to issues that people are passionate about –their personal belief systems. I don’t enjoy participating in debates because I am highly emotional. Generally, the emotions that debates evoke in me are not helpful. At the same time, I enjoy engaging in deep conversations with people of differing viewpoints when we heartily respect one another and all participants truly listen. Reading the thoughts of people with unique life experiences and perspectives is another way that I enjoy learning about the differences in people's belief systems.

Last summer, I read two books describing the authors’ atheistic belief systems in relation to their study of Christians and the Bible. I found the books fascinating! Both authors freely and eagerly shared their thoughts. Having never known life apart from Christ and Bible, I enjoyed reading these perspectives. There are many experiences and traditions that I simply take for granted because they are so normal in my world. I love considering such things with new eyes and ears.

Reading Joshua Harris’ personal encounters with Christian Theology and tradition in Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe & Why It Matters parallel the previous two books in that his writing is engaging and humorous. Harris’ work is different because he sincerely embraces the Christian faith; therefore, he experiences life transformation. I appreciate the deep questions that Harris attempts to address, and I appreciate his down-to-earth language. I have read numerous theological works with a dictionary by my side thinking, “Why is it necessary to use all these long and complicated words to study God?” Jesus didn’t teach in such a fashion, and I don’t think we should either! If reading such a work floats your boat, then read away; however, don’t judge those of us who seek to study God using everyday language. The study of God (Theology) is for every person on earth. Dug Down Deep encourages Theological knowledge and understanding for everyday kind of people.

Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe & Why It Matters is available here.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah.

Superficial Christianity: It Should Be an Oxymoron

In “blogging for books,” I choose the books that I review. Over the course of a month, Multnomah Books might send me information for five or more titles. I am immediately drawn to agree, or not. The next title I am reviewing is Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe & Why It Matters, by Joshua Harris. The title intrigued me, but the author made me skeptical. Joshua Harris authored I Kissed Dating Good-bye, and several other books that I have not read. Rather than reading his previous books, I just labeled them as “stereotypical Christian legalese,” and ignorantly determined that I was not interested.

Dug Down Deep caught my attention, however, via these descriptive words:

“I know from experience that it’s possible to be a Christian but live life on the surface. The surface can be empty tradition. It can be emotionalism. It can be doctrine without application. I’ve done it all. I’ve spent my share of time on the sandy beaches of superficial Christianity” (back cover).

I do not consider myself superficial. But, I battle the urge. Having been born and raised in a conservative Christian home, having graduated from a conservative Christian liberal arts university, having been employed by the same denomination my entire adult life, and having had very little “rebellion,” I could easily fall into the trap of superficial Christianity. Superficial Christianity may be convenient, but it is unfulfilling. I actively avoid this common trap, so you can see why Dug Down Deep caught my attention!

Inside the dust jacket, the publishers write:

“With startling transparency, Joshua Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth. This book shows how a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation – it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God.

“For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris’s humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn’t just for scholars – it is for anyone who wants to know the living Jesus Christ.”

Even though “transparency” is one of the most overused words in 2009 (thereby an abused word), I value true transparency. I am also passionately driven to find “Truth” by God’s definition, rather than by man’s definition. I know the personal experience of God building a foundation of “informed knowledge” within me – it is like no other form of knowledge, and I desperately desire to help other believers experience God in this way. And finally, to read an author’s “humorous and engaging reflection on Christian beliefs” reminds me of two books that I enjoyed last summer - written by self-proclaimed atheists. The contrasts are interesting and relevant. So, you can see why Dug Down Deep caught my attention!

For now, I hope I have presented you with an appealing appetizer. There is more to come….

Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe & Why It Matters is available here.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah.

Don't Shoot Yourself In the Foot

This week I am "blogging for books." When given the opportunity to review Shaunti Feldhahn's newest release, I jumped at the chance. She is one of my favorites! Shaunti's strength is in her use of analytical skills to interpret research and develop practical theory. As one who appreciates an academic perspective without  academic jargon, I pour over Feldhahn's work. The Male Factor: The Unwritten Rules, Misperceptions, and Secret Beliefs of Men in the Workplace did not disappoint. I find myself pondering (and applying) Feldhahn's research results daily.

While reading The Male Factor, I had to remind myself of the book's purpose. I do not have to agree the unwritten rules and secret beliefs of men at work, but I desire to be aware of these rules and secrets in order to build my interpersonal skills accordingly. Feldhahn writes:

 "Just because certain expectations exist in the workplace doesn't mean we have to meet them, or allow them to pressure us into a course that is demonstrably not right for us" (p. 201).

Feldhahn's purpose is to inform, and to offer some basic advice in regards to male - female interactions in the workplace. I find that the foundation of her work - high quality research with a nationally representative  sample of over 1500 men - lends invaluable credibility to the message. She is not reporting her opinion; Feldhahn is reporting the results of her research that spans 8 years of collection and analysis. The resulting message is powerful!

I am not a corporate ladder climber, so why do I care about Feldhahn's message in The Male Factor? I care because experiences in the workplace frustrate me.... At times, these experiences even flabbergast me! As I read this book, new levels of awareness hit me over and over again. The bottomline is: Men and women think, act, expect, respond, relate, work differently. So, whether I am in the home interacting with my husband and sons, at a volunteer meeting in the elementary school, leading a small group for church, or working for pay, the more understanding I have towards the differences between men and women, the more effective (and efficient) I will become in these roles - including my role in the workplace.

What surprised me the most in reading The Male Factor? Men's beliefs about incorporating one's personal world with one's work world were eye-opening. Feldhahn calls them "the laws of gravity" because these beliefs "govern the working world" for men. At this point, I must insert that Feldhahn frequently recognizes that not ALL men hold these beliefs, but the research speaks for itself in identifying the belief system of MOST men in the American workplace. Back to the "laws of gravity" (p. 62-78):

• One Can Never Take Things Personally
• You Essentially Become Your Position
• One Doesn't Make Business Decisions Based on Personal Factors
• Get Business Done Despite Personal Factors
• Emotions in the Workplace Have to Be Related to Business
• Conflicts Are Task-Specific and Should Never Carry Over and Become Grudges

In a nutshell, for men, the catch-phrase is "It's just business," according to Feldhahn, and women who are not aware of these laws often unknowingly "shoot themselves in the foot."

Will everyone agree with Feldhahn's research results and subsequent theories? Not a chance. Have I been positively changed in reading this book? Absolutely! I highly value interpersonal growth and maturity. The Male Factor is guiding me towards new shoots of growth. I highly recommend the book!

To purchase this book, go here or here.
To read more, visit the book's website here.

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah.

Coming Up This Week!

This week I will be reviewing Shaunti Feldhaun's newest book: The Male Factor.

Just wanted to give you a head's up!

It's a great read!

Tight Jeans & Truth

I heard a person characterize their sheltered childhood in terms of being intentionally kept narrow-minded. When this person spoke of maturing, he/she referred to the mind uniquely being opened to new possibilities. These possibilities were considered fresh and eye-opening, thereby leading this person to pursue a different lifestyle that became more fulfilling than the teachings of a narrow-minded childhood. From my perspective, the lifestyle choices of this individual were questionable, and I wondered how one makes such drastic changes in belief systems?

While there are certainly neither easy answers to this question, nor quick fixes, I do believe the above scenario represents common human experiences. Take the biblical Eve, for example. She did not choose to eat the fruit simply because she was starving, and an apple was her only option. She choose to eat the fruit because she was enticed to eat it. She considered the options before her, and she believed the lies of the serpent. We all make similar evaluations and decisions on a regular basis. I struggle with eating too much. I hate the way my jeans fit, but when edible options are before me - even while in my tight jeans - I have a hard time choosing the healthy option over the more convenient option, or the more tasty option. My taste buds have experienced a different lifestyle, and they find the new lifestyle option quite fulfilling - whether it is best for my body, mind, and spirit, or not. My desires regularly convince me to compromise (and to forget about the tight jeans).

The serpent, the enemy, is very good at convincing humans that what is best for us is really rather narrow-minded. The enemy makes his way appear fresh, and new, and delicious, and oh, so wise. He entices us by making us believe that our struggles and hardships may be overcome by following his way, rather than God's way. The road of the enemy is complex - as one compromise leads to another until one does not even recognize the difference between Truth and deception. There are many people who are feasting on deception, and they do not even know it!

"There are many who walk along the Christian road who are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Their future is eternal loss, for their god is their appetite: they are proud of what they should be ashamed of; and all they think about is life here on earth" (Philippians 3:18-19, TLB).

God gladly provides Truth to anyone who sinerely seeks Truth. Seeking Truth, much like pursuing healthy lifestyle choices, takes discipline and focus. I know the joyous feeling of fitting into a smaller jean size, but the fulfullment of finding Truth is beyond measurable!

20 Chronological Points in 2009

I suppose one is to share an annual recap before one shares her New Year's goals, but I'm not one to do everything in order... which may be a reason why I am not so good in the kitchen, or with crafts. Here is Heidi Tracht's 2009 in 20 chronological points (see, I like some elements of order):

1. In January, Beth Moore inspired me (and a few thousand others) to begin memorizing 2 pieces of scripture a month for 2009.
2. In January, I traveled with Steve to San Diego for a few days. The season of winter is a choice....
   
3. I started blogging in February.
4. I began teaching my first courses, as an MVNU adjunct professor, in February.
   
5. I coordinated the MVNU Women's Auxiliary Retreat in March featuring Shaunti Felhahn, as speaker; and Kim Tharp, as musician. It was a big highlight of 2009.
6. Tyler had surgery in March (after the retreat), and he (we) lived through 6 weeks of 2 walking casts.
7. The months of April and May were a blur.... I was likely studying every waking moment.
   
8. I finished my master's degree in June (M.S. in General Psychology from Capella University)!
9. Thanks to our dearest friends, Dennis & Amy Moles, I experienced the awesome beauty of Michigan beaches in June.
10. As a graduation gift, Steve gave me my first i-pod. I have entered the 21st century - although a little late!
    
11. I soooo enjoyed catching up with several of my ONU friends in July.
12. The boys and I made our annual 3-week pilgrimage to Washington State and Oregon in July/August. There is a possibility that it was our last such trip....
    
13. Tanner began Middle School in August - what a change for both me and him.
14. In September, I started teaching 2 courses (4 sections total, and 75 students) at MVNU - what a wild ride!
15. Something this fall, I started texting - again, a little late, but I am sort of technologically savvy.
    
16. It is safe to say that I attended more soccer games in the months of September, October, and November than ever before in my life (Tanner's team, Tyler's team, the MVNU team, and the final game of the MV High School team). I am officially addicted!
    
17. November took us on a family trip to Rochester, New York for the purpose of cheering on the MVNU men's soccer team. We also visited our friends, Paul & Gay Andree.
18. In December, I actually completed my 2009 New Year's Challenge of memorizing 24 pieces of scripture!!!
19. As a reward, I will be attending a special event (only for those who completed the challenge) in Houston with Beth Moore and Travis Cottrell.
20. In December, I have just been informed that I spent $800 in groceries! Wow, or Ooops, I do not know.... We entertained ALOT this month, and I baked a TON of Christmas goodies. I guess it will be easy to do better in January!