My Sunday School class has been reading unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity...and Why It Matters by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. We finished it this past Sunday, giving me the opportunity to reflect on the book as a whole. There are six essential points: that 'outsiders' see Christians as too hypocritical, too focused on the get saved mentality, antihomosexual, too sheltered, too political, and too judgmental. For the most part, I agreed that Christianity does seem to have a bad rap in society today, though I'm not sure how much of that is our fault, and how much of it can be ascribed to other forces.

What really gave me food for thought, though, was the final pages in which the authors printed responses from several notable Christian public figures on the question of where they saw the Church and the Christian image in thirty years. It wasn't something I'd considered before. Like many who have grown up in the church, I have lived in a fairly safe bubble. Not a great deal has changed within that bubble in the past few years, and though I can see a general decline in people's views of Christianity, it has yet to affect me in a major way. Despite that, however, I can say with all honesty that I would hate to be someone's example of what it means to be a Christian.

Anyway, I was thinking about where Christianity might be in thirty years, and I started thinking about where we were thirty years ago. Did anyone expect the changes we've seen from 1980 until now? I don't think anyone could have predicted any of what we've experienced since then.

I don't really have a point with this, I guess, except to recommend that you read the book for yourselves and tell me what you think.

Next book: Answering Islam by Norman Geisler

This is what happens when I don't update more frequently.

I have too much to tell you, and not enough time to give a proper accounting. These past few weeks have been incredibly busy, both with my work at Hallmark, and especially with my new job.

Yes, you read correctly. I am officially a government employee now, working the 2010 Census. It's a time-consuming job, and I have a suitcase full of forms and manuals that I have to refer to every ten minutes, but it's fascinating work, and I'm enjoying the opportunity to get to know more about my community. My floor isn't faring well under the strain, but I've promised my mother that I'll get it clean at some point in the undetermined future.

Next bit of news - I may be in Greenwood earlier than I thought. This is privileged information, so I don't know what will come of it, but there is a chance that I'll be able to get started on things without having my full support raised. Things are happening in this world, and we can't really wait any longer to get the word out. This has caused some reshuffling and has prompted a lot of prayer, as I don't know what this will entail. Whatever happens, I'm thinking I'll definitely be attending CROSS-training in July and take my first trip before the year is out. Praise God!

Otherwise, things are going well. I had to buy a new calendar the other day so I could keep track of everything and know where I have to be. I have another meeting tonight, but before I'm out the door, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of me. You are all wonderful, and I can't express enough gratitude for all you've done. As I've been doing quite frequently lately, I'll let Paul explain it for me.

Philippians 4:10-20

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. You sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.