Finally, I’ve finished Tony Jones’ book, “The New Christians” and am a few chapters into Mark Driscoll’s book “Vintage Jesus”. What a contrast! “The New Christians” posed chapter after chapter of questions, comments, ideas and interpretations as to what it means to follow Christ. “Vintage Jesus” has begun reading like a dogmatic text with the Driscoll gravy of indignation spread over top. Don’t get me wrong, I love Driscoll’s style and the way he speaks from such an absolute stance. I’m just not sure that I can stand up and be as confident about whom God is, when the more I get to know Him, the more I realize how little I really know.

If “Vintage Jesus” is on the far right of the Christian perspective (which is where I would put it), then “The New Christians” is equally as far to the left. I believe both books are valid expressions of our faith journey and I’m finding that the two in contrast have helped me struggle with the tension of my own faith in our current culture. If you’re looking for something to challenge you in defining your Christian influence within your community, pick up these two books and lock yourself in a room for a few days. Then come up for air and begin chewing on the topics they present. Or, if you live near hurricane alley, pick them up for the next time you lose power for a couple of days…