Reflections on They Like Jesus, but Not the Church

My 12 year old daughter thought it was the best study we've ever done and she is going back through and reading the book. My 14 year old daughter felt like it was lacking because she feels like New Hope is so different from all other churches (and she couldn't get past Dan Kimball's hair).

For some of my friends it was an opportunity to look at how the church has oppressed women in the past and the impact that had. God is healing.

During this teaching series I also read a book called "The War of Art." I HIGHLY recommend the book - just may bring out the writer in you; however, it contains some 'spiritual' views to which I do not ascribe. I liked being open to a book that I do not 100% agree with. One of the things that struck me most about the teaching series is that it is our responsibility to figure out what we believe and why we believe it. The days of blind following are over. We are called to be thoughtful theologians.

Some New Hopers see that we - as a church - need to repent...Myself included. We need to own up to the narrow-mindedness that has divided people and learn to respect and love everyone - whether they challenge our belief system or not. God changes hearts. It is our job to love.

My hope is that the end of the teaching series is NOT the end of the conversation. As we talk & as we listen, we learn. I love learning with all of you.