It’s an intriguing title, for sure.  Martin Thielen, pastor of Lebanon First United Methodist Church, asks the basic questions of what, and what not, a Christian needs to believe and still feel confident in calling him or herself a Christian.  The book itself is divided into two sections – what a Christian doesn’t need to believe and what a Christian needs to believe.  His basic premise is that good, faithful Christians can have differing opinions on various topics and still be united in faith.

Overall, the book handles a wide swath of topics from women in ministry to evolution to homosexuality.  It also provides a basic overview of the foundational tenets of faith.  As an introduction into the discussion on these topics, Thielen does well at covering the basics.  But if you are looking for a thorough handling of any of these topics, the book comes up lacking.  Much of the book is dedicated to personal stories and less so to what scriptures relate to the topics.  At times Thielen’s more progressive views of scripture and of controversial topics is very evident.  The book provides a good introduction and points of discussion for topics, but leaves the reader without clear answers on some topics.  It also fails to encourage and empower Christians to see sharing faith with others as vital to the Christian life.  In this way we fall into the same old trap of faith as a set of beliefs one holds and not a commitment to a lifestyle of transformation through Jesus Christ.

Overall, Thielen may toe the line on various topics, but is careful to not cross over.  The book may be a great guide for challenging discussion for some groups, but should not be considered as a great resource for deep understanding of beliefs.  For mature believers who wish to discuss controversial topics this may be a good starting point, but I would not recommend it for those still seeking faith.  It may provide some answers, but more often than not it only leaves you with more questions and a desire to see what scripture itself may say.

A few weeks ago, when I preached on Sloth, I had a great quote from Charles “Tremendous” Jones -

The only difference between where you are right now, andwhere you’ll be next year at this same time, are the people youmeet and the books you read.  Charles “Tremendous” Jones

I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest Leonard Sweet fan.  I think his books drone on and on and he fills page after page with fluff and filler.  Maybe I grasp the point quicker than others, but I think he’s verbose.  But, I do have to admit that, while he may go on and on, he usually has good points.  The Gospel According to Starbucks is the perfect example of what I mean.  While I wish the writing were more succinct, the points he makes are valid for the church today.  His main point is that we as a church can learn a lot from the culture.  Using Starbucks as his cultural stand-in for the church, Sweet points out that the reasons that Starbucks is successful can translate into success in the church as well.  He uses the acronym EPIC to lay out for points – Church should be Experiential, Participatory, Image rich, and Connectional.  By experience he means that the church should reach out to provide a full range of experiences touching all senses.  Parcipatory means the church should be one in which worship is a participatory act and not a show.  Images are a rich part of the church and should be used thoughtfully.  Connection with others and with God should be a thought out part of ministry.  All valid points and should help us be intentional in building a church that reaches our culture without giving in to our culture.

My next book to review is Praise Habit by David Crowder (yes, that David Crowder!)

If you haven’t had the chance to read The Last Lecture, I encourage you to do so!  Randy Pausch was a professor teaching computer aided 3D graphic modeling who was diagnosed with cancer.  He was invited to give a lecture as part of what was formally called the “Last Lecture” series.  His lecture is his final words of advice to his students and to his kids.  It’s a very inspiring book!  You can watch his lecture online at http://www.cmu.edu/uls/journeys/randy-pausch/index.html.

If you’re looking for a good book, the book I just picked up to read is The Gospel According to Starbucks by Leonard Sweet.  Look for my review in a week or so!