One of the things that Brian McLaren writes in his book A New Kind of Christian is that salvation isn’t an event, it is more of a process. I like the way he expresses it. He writes,

…maybe salvation isn’t something we “get” and then consider the option of joining God in his grand mission. Salvation is what we experience and spread in the process of joining God in his grand mission. Of course this is not a works/earning/self-justification thing — it’s all about God’s grace from start to finish. But the focus moves me to God, from my plan for myself to God’s plan for the whole world (not just [the] “wonderful plan for my life”).

This focus continues in odd ways throughout the book. Sometime reading it you think he is rather liberal and wishy-washy. But I don’t think he is. Rather his focus is on living in a relationship with God.

Another thought provoking theme is that the church should not be based on a consumer model. (In that model we make it attractive so that people will join and be part of the club.) Rather the purpose of being “in church” (in a community of believers) is to allow us to be part of God’s mission to the whole world. God loves the world, not just me. And we wants me to be like him – loving the whole world.

I rated this book an 8/10. Perhaps I should have said 10/10 – it has caused me to think a lot! But since I’m still thinking – the grade is still out. I’m trying to apply this hard thoughts to my own life.

In my book review section you will notice that I am now reading A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey. Unlike many books I read, I can’t just plow through this one. It has much food for thought.

The section I just finished read: “He [Neo, one of the characters] said that if the new kind of Christianity we had been dreaming about wasn’t radically generous, it was a waste of time. I responded by saying that it seemed like an overstatement to me, but he was adamant: ‘We live in the most affluent culture in the most affluent period of human history. If we can’t discipline ourselves to learn the joys of generous living, I think we’re an embarrassment to the gospel.’” (Just previously in the story the pastor character had learned that Neo lived on 75% of his income, saved 5%, and gave away 25%.)