Brian D. McLaren has been releasing bits of Naked Spirituality on his site over the past few weeks. These nuggets of wisdom offer a sliver of the greater picture that McLaren envisions. This book is very personal and familiar in tone. McLaren does not try to dress up the language or appeal to "Christianese" speaking audiences. He clearly speaks to the unchurched and disenfranchised fringes who may still have a speck of curiosity about religion, God and Christian teaching.
Much like N.T. Wright's Simply Christian, McLaren wants to strip the historic and monolithic form of Christianity - sometimes referred to as "Christendom," responsible for generational wounds and intense frustrations - and re-declare a humbler form of the faith.
The title says it all. Spirituality at its core speaks volumes. Not the trendy overly used spirituality of Hollywood fame. Neither is this a self-help X-number step program, which is sure to sell and to tickle the ears. Christian spirituality has much to offer; it just needs to be framed in fresh, organic language. Four seasons (simplicity, complexity, perplexity, and harmony) suggest the nature of his approach to relationship with God, which encompasses a spectrum of black, white and gray hues.
Centuries of embellishments have covered over these beautiful truths. And, this call to remember the first things is much appreciated in the 21st century cyber-driven world. We can only pray that this work will provoke the Christians from all walks of faith to pursue soul searching questions and not a cursory glance and a swift dismissal.
Stay tuned for more links and more insights into Naked Spirituality.
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Here are the links to pieces of Naked Spirituality during the first week of posts:
Day 45 - Day 44 - Day 43 - Day 42 - Day 41 - Day 40
Read the Publishers Weekly Review.
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