----- Original Message ----- From: "Jonathan Hughes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Lance Muir" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: March 20, 2005 16:25 Subject: McLaren on his new book
> > Spring Update > > Hi, friends - thanks for visiting the site. If you're new - I hope > you'll find helpful information here, and if you're an old friend, > welcome back. > > *The Last Word ... And the Word After That* > is the conclusion to the NKOC trilogy and comes out *March 25, 2005*. > I'm excited about it ... and a little nervous. Yes, it's going to hurt > my reputation with some people, and yes, it will be controversial and > frequently misunderstood. And yes, I've been a bit anxious about that > - but at the moment, I'm less anxious and more excited. > > Two things began helping me overcome my anxiety. First, seeing the movie > *Hotel Rwanda*. (I've written a piece on the film which was carried by > the Leadership Journal and Sojourners websites.) Second, appearing on > Larry King Live with some prominent members of the Religious Right. > > Those two experiences helped me realize that the status quo really does > need some shaking up, even at the expense of some reputations - mine, if > need be. > > After the LKL appearance, I began receiving emails and letters and even > faxes from people saying, "Thank you, thank you. > The normal spokespeople don't speak for us. Finally we heard a voice > that resonates with our understanding of Jesus and his message." > > I heard from atheists who were surprised to hear a Christian express > love for the environment and concern about the war in Iraq. > > I heard from homosexual folk who feel all they ever hear from Christians > is hatred and judgment and were relieved to hear a Christian at least > say "these are your neighbors whom you are called to love - so get to > know them, invite them over to dinner, try to understand them as your > neighbors." > > And I heard from a lot of Christians who said they sometimes find > themselves so frustrated they start shouting at their televisions when > Christian spokespeople represent Jesus and his way as arrogant, hateful, > angry, judgmental, and exclusive. Their encouraging messages meant a lot > to me. > > A third experience is also helping me not be overly anxious about the > book release. The few people who have read the manuscript have responded > really warmly. Yes, one told me she was going to buy me a flack jacket. > Another asked if I have a good life insurance policy. > Another made a comment about me having more free time since my speaking > invitations will plummet. One told me he disagreed with the basic thrust > of the book, but still felt it raised important questions > - something which must be done in a living tradition. (Dead traditions > don't think any more.) Another told me this book paints a big target in > the center of my back and predicted I will lose some friends. Nearly all > said (spontaneously) that the book had a freeing effect on them - it > gave them breathing room, increased their energy to love God and > neighbors. Three said it was the best thing I've written. > > So - I hope you'll enjoy the book when it comes out. Remember - my goal > isn't to make you think the same way I do: I'll just be happy if the > book makes you think. I have loads of respect for others who don't reach > the same conclusions I do - and I hope they'll be able to do the same > for me. At the end of the day, if people experience increased energy to > love God and their neighbors, that matters most. > And if the status quo is destabilized so something better can shake > loose ... thanks be to God. > ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
