I get numerous emails from both blog readers and folks at my church asking me the following question:
What are the essential books I should be reading as a Christian?
Honestly, I have a hard time coming up with my list because it changes so often and I’m biased towards dead people. So, I’d like to ask you for your help in putting together a list of the 10 Most Essential Books for Christians. You don’t need to give me your entire list but what are couple books that you would absolutely include on anyone’s list?
Because there’s ten, think broadly so that we’re not just thinking about one aspect of Christianity. We should include theology, leadership, spirituality, etc., right?
This should be interesting.
And if you’re interested, you may also want to check a post from last year about people’s personal influential book.
I want to introduce you to Dave Gibbons. He’s known in some circles and not in others but what he has to share and offer is important to the larger Church – especially as the World changes in a way that the majority of the Church cannot see or [want to] acknowledge. I first met Dave about 14 years ago on a tour bus in Seoul, Korea [a long story]. This was before he planted NewSong Church and before Quest Church was even a thought in my heart.
One of the things that’s most impressed me about Dave – in his various roles – is his vision as a ‘social entrepeneur.’ And honestly, I’m also encouraged that he’s one of the handful of Asian-American faces that’s recognized in the so called ‘mainstream subculture of Western Christianity’. Truth be told, he’s half Korean and half Irish but we’re going to go ahead and claim him.
Mary – my European correspondent [just writing that makes this blog seem that more impressive] writes:
I don’t know much about the group that has financed this response to the Dawkins “There is no God” bus campaign, but I think it is worth thinking about the way they chose to address it.
I find it interesting that the Time article (although being a bit overly dramatic calling it the “London Bus Wars”) mentions the spread of the atheist bus campaigns all over the world.
Does this sort of campaign matter to those of us who believe in God? Should we see it as an attack or a stimulus for dialogue about God? Why does it appear that Christians (as opposed to other groups who believe in God) seem to be the most up in arms regarding the campaign (and thus are the ones who have responded with their own adverts)?
Just some questions to think about…
Couple Pennies for your Thoughts:
What do you think? Is this good? Are these as the Time articles writes the “London Bus Wars?” – a la ‘culture wars? Or is this good cultural engagement and conversation?
I had the joy of having a great chat with Phyllis Tickle recently and she was gracious enough to shoot this video interview with me. Phyllis’ recent book, The Great Emergence, is making the waves amongst many people and it’s also on my ‘To Read’ list for 2009. She is one sharp amazing lady and I don’t want to spread rumors but I’m pretty sure she’s on steroids too…just like Scot McKnight. :)
Whether you agree with her premise of ‘The Great Emergence,’ I think it’s pretty obvious that one thing is inevitable: CHANGE.
Change happens and and will always happen and according to many, we’re in the midst of a historic change. But lest we get think too much of ourselves in the ‘Church,’ this historic change isn’t just within christendom but one that encompasses the larger world.
Have you seen this picture [and article] of a London bus with the the following advertisement/banner posted to its side:
There’s Probably No God. Now Stop Worrying and Enjoy Your Life.
They were placed on 800 buses and in the next few weeks, another 1000 advertisements will be placed in the subways systems in and around London.
Question: What do you think ?
Most Christians push back and get all riled up. For starters, don’t even mention the word ‘persecution.’ This isn’t persecution. Personally, I think this is good for three reasons:
Like many of you, I have been following the recent escalation of tension and Israel’s “all our war” on Gaza with much sadness, frustration, and prayer. As a usual sympathizer with Israel for various reasons, I have been appalled at the current assault and the lack of strong condemnation by the U.S. leaders including both the current president and president elect.
The issues are immensely complex and Hamas had “something coming” [in my opinion] but the fallout on this “all-out assault” will only escalate to more deaths – on both sides and on both sides of the ocean. As you’re reading up on news wherever you are, also check out these additional news sources: BBC News and Al Jazeera.
I’m currently on vacation so I don’t have time to write more but I do want to “share” couple posts by others – today and tomorrow to engage your thoughts. This is a note that one of our church folks, Cyra, wrote and I thought it was worth sharing [with her permission].
I’m no blogger, but Matt’s at work, and he’s sick of listening to me vent about Israel and Palestine anyway.
One of the hardest parts of growing up, I think, is learning that some of the things you were taught as a child are just wrong. Fortunately for me, as my worldview has shifted, so has my parents’, so we are able to agree that some of the things they taught me were wrong. One example is the relationship between Israel and Palestine.
As a child, all I ever heard about Israel and Palestine was that Israel is constantly under attack and that as Christians it is our duty to support Israel (since the Jews are God’s chosen people) and encourage our government to do the same. I heard this at home, but mostly I heard this at the various churches I attended. Just writing this, I can feel anger swelling up inside me toward all the people who propagated this lie, until I remind myself that many of those people, my parents included, were simply unaware of the truth of the situation and had been lied to themselves. Read the rest of this entry »
As we embark on a new year, I’d love to ask a simple question to my readers in hopes that many of you would join in on the blog community. In addition to “regulars” sharing their answers, I am especially inviting the lurkers and quiet blog readers to chime in and de-lurk. This is your chance to join in. So, here’s two simple questions:
Question:What’s the most beautiful city/place you’ve visited thus far in your life and why? And share one place in the world you’d like to visit at some point in the future?
My answers: Future visit – I’m excited that I get to visit one of the places I’ve always wanted to travel in the next couple weeks. I’ll be flying to South Africa (including Capetown) to do some research, praying, and relationship building for our poverty organization – One Day’s Wages (We were recently featured in the New York Times!)
I really need to do a better job in following up on sequels to earlier posts. This is the sequel to the original TheAbortion Conversation which sparked some good and intense dialogue.
A commenter wrote:
Eugene said:
“However, I just do not believe we can legislate it. Without going into all the details, the layers over abortion is so complex that even after extensive research, I can’t understand how a country like the United States can enforce abortion and pay for the enforcement – if it were to be turned illegal.”
Instead of “abortion”, replace it with any other crime; like murder, rape, slavery, theft. How does it read then? Is cost any reason not to criminalize an act where another person is harmed? Obviously, we still have murders and other crimes even though it’s illegal, but that doesn’t mean we should allow it. Read the rest of this entry »
Today is World AIDS Day. We must care. Every one of us…we need to take a step closer to learning, growing, giving, shouting, singing…each of us playing a part.
Do you have any good resources to share with others? Words of encouragement, advice, etc? How are you taking a step closer towards caring & acting?
One of the best resources to learn more about the HIV/AIDS crisis is UNAIDS. And from that site:
Approximately 33.4 people living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2008.
2.7 new people infected with HIV in 2008.
More than 25 million people have died of AIDS since 1981.
Africa has over 14 million AIDS orphans.
At the end of 2008, women accounted for 50% of all adults living with HIV worldwide
In developing and transitional countries, 9.5 million people are in immediate need of life-saving AIDS drugs; of these, only 4 million (42%) are receiving the drugs.
Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.
And of course, we need to be reminded that this isn’t just a global issue but a local and national issue as well: Read the rest of this entry »
Update [January 5, 2012] I read and saw this video yesterday and it tore me up. While perhaps this case and this girl’s situation may be extreme, the mistreatment and abuse of girls and women are nevertheless still common. It is and continues to be the “oldest injustice in human history.”
Don’t turn away. Read this article and watch this video:
In every culture and in every part of the world, this injustice is present. What is the oldest injustice in the world?
It is the way that ”we” view, treat, and oppress women.
It would be erroneous for me to say that Asian culture is entirely proned to be against women but I can share my personal experience that as a young Korean man, I was influenced – partly through the Confucian culture and worldview that women were born to serve their fathers as young girls, their husbands when they got married, and their grown sons when they were older mothers. Their lives and purpose – in part – revolved around men.
As a person of the Christian faith, I learned – in bits and pieces (both in subtle and occasionally in direct ways) that women should be our “partners.” They should be quiet, submissive and know their place. Obey and honor their fathers, love and submit to their husbands, and raise godly sons and daughters.
Why didn’t I learn that women and men are both created in the beautiful image of God? Why didn’t I learn that while we have different roles, we are also created equal in the image of God? Why didn’t I learn that through Christ, women and men can do all things through Him who gives strength and grace.
I still remember this email that I received from a congregant couple years ago after a sermon I gave at Quest regarding women:
But at one point today, you said, “Women, you were created equal to men in the image of God.” I mainly write because I don’t know if you realize how powerful that statement was. I don’t know if you realized what it would feel like to hear that statement coming from a man — what it would mean to me, and possibly to other individual women and men. You didn’t even say it to me individually…I have never been told by a man, Christian or not, that I am equal to him. I have never been told by a man that I am equal to him. And equal in that we are both created in the image of God…I cried all the way home. How is it that I’ve never been told by a male person that I am equal to him? That I am equally beautiful and broken? That we are both created in the image of God?
…Women are deeply wounded by living in this world, and wounded that men don’t fight for us. Instead, they fight to rule us, and we…sometimes we fight, but most of the time we believe them when they tell us we aren’t worth our weight (sometimes taken literally). Today I felt like a man was fighting for me, not because I can’t fight for myself, but because he recognized the wrongs in a world and a Church that have benefited him unfairly.
“Black Friday” claimed it’s first victim when an employee at a Walmart store in Long Island, New York was trampled to death right as doors opened. This is disgusting and I’m feeling sick to my stomach. I’m not trying to sound righteous here. People that know me know that I love bargains. Who doesn’t but what a way to die? And all this happening in the same time of the global tragedy of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India.
And sadly, even a person being trampled to death by hundreds isn’t going to stop this “cultural expression.” Look for a big lawsuit and then, business as usual. I’ve reposted an entry I shared on Sojo last week about Buy Nothing Day. I want folks to clearly know the entry isn’t coming from the angle of ”bash White folks” but rather a call a reflection on privilege – which certainly includes me. While I support Buy Nothing Day, I also understand the complex nature of our world economics. Buying Nothing isn’t the answer but I love what the cause stands for: Re-examine our consumption.
If that’s one of the natural results of the economic downturn, it’s a significant plus.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. For this post, I want to encourage you with two simple thoughts: You are Blessed and Remember the Vulnerable. One must choose to have this attitude of gratitude because it is our human nature to complain and be envious of others. The last few months – locally and globally – have certainly been like a bad roller coaster ride that leaves one disoriented and vomitaceous. And unless you’re completely detached from the money machine, you’re likely impacted on some personal level and feeling pretty anxious.
So: What are you thankful for?
For me, I’m thankful for the meaningful things in my life: the presence, truth and grace of the Triune God, my family, my wife and three children, my church community, friends, the opportunities I have, and thankful for the gift of choice that enables much privilege in my life. I pray that I can be a good steward of such gifts in my life.
While being away in the East Coast last weekend, I did not receive the news of Brenden Foster’s passing last Friday, November 21, 2008 until this morning. Brenden is the 11 year old boy from Seattle diagnosed with leukemia three years ago who stirred a movement of compassion and genersosity. On a recent trip from his doctor, he passed the homeless community called Nickelsville and his last wish was to help feed the homeless. It’s an amazing and beautiful story.
Like many others, I’m moved, compelled, and deeply encouraged by the short but significant life of Brenden. His life is an encouragement – simply – as a reminder that one person really can make a difference. And even more so, he isn’t alone. We are not alone. There are many people seeking to be agents of hope, compassion, and generosity.
The stuff below didn’t make the news and we don’t do it for the purposes of making news Read the rest of this entry »
Okay, let’s have at it respectfully. You knew that the hotly contested and ”controversial” Proposition 8 of California was eventually going to be discussed here. Why am I bringing it up now? This morning, I saw this billboard [online] and thought it would be worthwhile to host what I hope to be a passionate, compassionate, but above all, respectful dialogue. I confess I don’t know much about the precise details of all that led to the actual vote of Prop 8 beyond the big picture media blitz it has received during the election season.
What do you think of the billboard and it’s message from a group of Christians ”sorry” about the results of Prop. 8. From their website, Our Hearts are With You:
As a Christian, I am sorry for the narrow-minded, judgmental, deceptive, manipulative actions of those who took away the rights & equality of so many in the name of God… Read the rest of this entry »
I’ve spent the past couple days in Princeton, New Jersey and will be returning to Seattle shortly. I so much enjoy returning to Princeton for various reasons. I went to grad school here at Princeton Seminary and Minhee and I began our marriage here before we trekked out to Seattle. But mostly, I return to Princeton as often as I can because of REGRETS. Watch the video reflection for my explanation and enjoy the pics.
I was 21 when I entered seminary. I breezed through college in 3 years and just wanted to get through seminary as fast as I could. Now 38, I wish I knew then what I know now. Read the rest of this entry »
I had the privilege today to give a short chat in a class at Princeton Theological Seminary on the topic of justice and compassion and it’s intersection with the church. The challenge of the church and its leaders is to raise the consciousness of the larger world – including the church – to a calling and purpose towards the reconciliation and restoration of ‘Shalom.’ We have to remind people that there are suffering and injustice in our cities and larger world - because many choose not to believe. We know it’s there but we choose not to believe.
We are competing against the principalities and forces of the world – compounded by the simple issue of human depravity – that prefers and chooses the stories of gossip and entertainment rather than the ways of Mercy, Justice, and Compassion. The church struggles also with the church. We struggle with ourselves and our temptation to build up the Institution, Fame, and Programs of the church rather the elevate the Trinity and the work of the Larger Kingdom.
Amongst many things that we can do, one that is absolutely critical is to put a “Face” to the other – or, to put a “story” to the other. Read the rest of this entry »
Over the past year, our family and I have been trying to be a source of support for a brother at our church who was diagnosed with brain cancer. He, his wife, and their two young children are wonderful people. Folks from Quest and his friends recently threw him a surprise birthday party and it was amazing to see people from around the city, state, country, and world fly into Seattle to celebrate his life.
While my “ministry paradigm” say it’s supposed to be the pastor ministering to the people, many times it just doesn’t work that way. It’s both. It’s reciprocal. It’s all. And sometimes, we’re all clueless and we live and wrestfully rest in the mystery of God’s infinite knowledge and grace. So, at times, we’re speechless, silent and still.
I’ve been reflecting on this brother’s journal – the ups, downs, and everything in between. His physical days are numbered – whether it be one month, one year, or 50 years. We obviously pray and hope for the latter but the life expectancy statistics from doctors and medical reports say otherwise. I’ve particularly been blessed by his “life lessons” that he’s been sharing through his journal. Here’s his latest. I’m also sharing a new video created by Justin [aka Roboto] from Quest who made this as an encouragement to his Community Group: Read the rest of this entry »
At least once every week, someone emails me to ask about Quest Church’shistory, connection, and affiliation. Specifically, are we non-denominational, independent, cultic, or affiliated with some sort of denominational group? People tend to be scared of charismatic Asian dudes with long curly hair and bad patches of facial hair.
Minhee and I initially planted Quest as a non-denominational church. I had no interest in denominations. I was burnt out. I was weary and cynical about organized religion and chose to leave my then denominational affiliation. The theme of my life – then – was ‘rage against the machine.’ I was somewhat of an angry deconstructionist pastor. It was probably a good thing that I had no idea what ’blogging’ was back then because it would have been pretty intense. But after some months, I also came to realize that I didn’t want to pastor or lead a church on an island to ourselves. We felt we could do more in partnership and relationship with other like minded and like hearted followers of Christ. So, after some months of intense research, conversations, and reciprocal interviews, we decided to partner with the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Some of my friends still give me grief that I chose to partner with “a bunch of Swedes” particularly because diversity and multiethnicty was always an important ecclesiological pursuit for my vision as a pastor and leader. So, why did I partner with the ECC even despite no truth to the rumors that Covenant pastors receive 50% discount from IKEA? Read the rest of this entry »
Appreciate my team @QCafe & the all-ages music venue we run in hopes of creating a more beautiful city. Don't just critique...but create. || 8 hours ago
You welcome. I'm about to introduce you to one of your new favorite bands in the next tweet. Really dig their music & the peeps in the band. || 8 hours ago
Beautiful how the citizens of Moore, Oklahoma are caring & serving one another.Thank you for showing us what it means to love your neighbor. || 1 day ago
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