Born Again And Again and Again
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There will be those who disagree.
There will exist those, gratefully, who will read the words of "Born Once again and Once again" and a lite bulb will go off within and an "Aha!" moment will follow that leads to, i tin promise, change
There's little denying that I follow what would be considered a more progressive theology, a fact that probable explains why I didn't necessarily discover commencement-time author Megan K. Westra's "Built-in Again and Again: Jesus' Call to Radical Transformation" to be that particularly radical.There volition be those who disagree.
In that location volition exist those, gratefully, who will read the words of "Born Again and Over again" and a low-cal bulb will go off inside and an "Aha!" moment will follow that leads to, one tin can hope, changes in both beliefs and practices along the faith journeying.
For most who've lived into a more progressive theology, however, "Built-in Again and Once again" will likely read like more of the same with one huge and incredibly important exception - Westra takes the time to deeply explore the scriptural basis for this "radical transformation" and puts a expert majority of it into historical context.
Bravo for that.
Westra is on the pastoral staff squad at Milwaukee'southward Transformation City Church building, a multi-indigenous non-denominational church that began in the fall of 2007 with a bones question - "What can the church exist?"
Indeed, that question seems to be at the core of "Born Again and Again," a book that calls united states of america into connexion over consumption and challenges Christians to plow off all the things we expect existence "saved" to get us - a expert job, a spouse, happiness, a life of comfort, some sense of authority - and settle into the idea that all we're supposed to truly "get" is Jesus.
What if Christianity isn't nearly possessing but about renouncing, Westra asks? What if we are called not to care for salvation as one more thing to acquire only to suit to Christ?
Where "Born Again and Again" excels is in Westra's scriptural and historical explorations of how a religion birthed on the margins of the Roman Empire became functionally the "official" religion of contemporary order's largest war machine superpower. Christianity has, in essence, gone from the fringes of society to a dominating presence and "Born Again and Again," at its core, questions whether that domination is actually what Christ intended for our lives.
Hint. He didn't, at to the lowest degree not if you believe those cerise messages.
The doctrine that has resulted all too frequently has led to planet-killing lifestyles, ceremonious religion, domination over the very types of people Jesus spent most of his time with, and the doctrine of discovery.
Jesus gave up everything to come up to humanity; humanity, all too often, seeks to acquire everything when coming to Jesus.
Westra's basic statement in this 226-page manifesto of transformation is that befitting to Christ radically reorients our lives, priorities, and organized religion away from this dominating manner of acquisition and into a pattern of discipleship that sets u.s. free from fear-based consumption of people, places, and things and releases the states into radically transforming possibilities for connection and true belonging within a community of God'southward people.
"Born Over again and Again" explores salvation, Westra'southward own and the cultural understanding of what salvation has been and what it has become over the years. Westra challenges us to expand our view of conservancy before transitioning into what is really a series of essays illustrating the ways that Christianity has spiraled into a consumption-oriented religion rather than the connecting, transforming organized religion information technology is intended to exist. Exploring such topics every bit politics, finances, corruption/violence, the roles of women, racial justice, and ending toward the sacredness of Communion, "Born Once more and Over again" is a consistent and structured exploration of each topic along with a brief simply pointed exegesis of scripture and exploration of applicability personally and universally.
Westra's piece of work here is near transforming when exploring how salvation has in some ways been hijacked over the years into its acquisition mode that often contradicts its intent. For much of her book, Westra weaves this transforming tapestry into her words and beautifully balances theology and practicality of daily Christian living. At times, yet, "Born Again and Again" settles into a talking point comfort zone, most manifestly when discussing both financial concerns and social justice concerns, and "Built-in Once again and Again" dances a niggling close to conflict with its ain cardinal tenet.
In other words, on fortunately rare occasions information technology feels like "radical transformation" becomes still some other theological "thing" to learn rather than a fluid and natural result of conservancy assuasive united states to deepen our relationship with Christ and with each other.
It should be stressed, however, that this is a minor concern in a book that is both inspiring and educational every bit Westra, peradventure more than a good bulk of Christian authors, doesn't simply phone call readers into a transforming faith but reinforces through assay of scripture and historical research why this is what has been intended all along.
An exciting and inspirational writer who is already pop as a speaker, Megan 1000. Westra makes her literary debut with a volume that arrives at an opportunity fourth dimension in America as COVID-19 has transformed the style we do church and passionate cries for social justice are echoing at decibels heard earlier but not being ignored for the showtime time in years.
"Born Once more and Again: Jesus' Call to Radical Transformation" is scheduled for release on Baronial 11, 2020 by Herald Press.
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Megan interweaves her personal story, our collective story, and progressive insights on personal/community life. How might one be born again and again? Why does it look like to work out our organized religion within ours
Disclosure: Megan and I are acquaintances. We met through a mutual friend back when I was in Chicago. She is the real deal. Megan'due south approach to serving her community is a contrast to the stereotype of wealth-seeking "ministry." About chiefly, Megan has an affinity for the Bens in her life.Megan interweaves her personal story, our collective story, and progressive insights on personal/community life. How might one be built-in again and again? Why does it await like to work out our faith within ourselves and within our community? Grab a copy and run across for yourself.
In example Megan reads this, deplorable. I'one thousand another one who finished your longsuffering efforts without setting the book down.
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From the violent nativity of commercialism, philosophers such every bit John Locke began to cohere the thought that had been gestating in western thought: that of the individual and their supremacy. Afterwards all, every bit many conservative commentators are and so fond of saying, in that location is no minority smaller than the individual.
And, of course, there is some truth to that thought. Christian ethics, formulated in the Sermon on the Mount and elucidated through the lens of Christ's execution, are predicated on the thought that each individual human is equal in value and worth; they are fabricated in God'due south ain paradigm. But we cannot ignore the Sometime Attestation warnings to seek out justice, non just on an private level, but on a global scale. Christ begins his ministry past reading from Isaiah about systemic justice: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has all-powerful me to bring skilful news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed become free, to proclaim the year of the Lord'due south favor."
But, similar all adept things, humans have and corrupt what God calls practiced. The focus of sacrificing for i's neighbor, permit lone attempting to bring justice as a societal goal, has been subsumed by the idolization of the individual. And the church has not escaped this black hole of selfishness. Individualism has, over the last several centuries, seeped into the very doctrines we hold then dear.
Conservancy has ever been about customs. Of course, Jesus died for all. But he did this and so that we may alive in his kingdom every bit his family unit. This focus on an individual conversion moment has resulted in many God-fearing Christians recounting how, throughout their lives, they take been subjected to a multitude of unlike salvation experiences. Altar calls with their pitiful track records of sustained discipleship are bandied about similar holy success stories in the church when more and more young Christians are leaving the church.
In this book Megan Westra presents a different version of conservancy and Christian living. In fact, she links the two inextricably in a way that is both faithful to the gospel phone call and life giving to those struggling to follow Jesus in the modern world. Forget the soteriological debates that have plagued the church building since the very commencement and embrace the process that is conservancy. Yep, Jesus has saved united states of america! And he is true-blue to continue to save us until nosotros see him face to face.
In her introduction, Megan says, "God is shaking and reforming and reshaping my whole life all once again. This time, though, I don't recollect I'll be "getting" saved. Instead, I am coming to sympathize salvation as a people to which I belong and a practise to which I submit."
Westra invites the reader to encounter the murdered and resurrected Lord in a new fashion. One that renounces power so that we may truly pick up our crosses and follow him. Together.
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As a United Methodist minister, I read this as a possible volume discussion for many of our church members who are reconstructing their faith. Deconstructing and reconstructing are words for those whose religious upbringing did
I read this book for ii reasons: one) I was fortunate to be on the book launch squad, and ii) I had been post-obit Megan Westra on Twitter and found her to be quite funny and thoughtful at the same time. Not e'er an easy philharmonic. She didn't disappoint in her first book, either.Equally a United Methodist minister, I read this as a possible book discussion for many of our church members who are reconstructing their faith. Deconstructing and reconstructing are words for those whose religious upbringing did not carry over to their adult years. That is, when adults first asking questions like, "Why?" some of the easy respond - "It but is, and do it because you are supposed to" doesn't hold up. So they begin to reconstruct their faith, to ask the questions, to make some sense of believing in God, without some of the more restrictive, judging, and damning God answers.
Megan uses many of her own experiences to share how she has reconstructed some of the more common questions nosotros ask ourselves about God and about Scripture. What are we to sympathise about race, or gender, or stewardship of the world, or our relationship with money? Westra deconstructs and reconstructs each of these, and more, in three ways: What does it mean, personally; what does it mean, using stories of people she has encountered; and what does information technology mean, in our public expression of faith?
I found the book to be idea provoking and well written. Westra utilizes two things well: her satirical wit and her knowledge of Christian doctrine. What'southward best, though, is that she has made sense, for herself, and for the rest of us to consider, how we tin all grow in our faith journey. I'll recommend this book for one of our discussions once information technology'due south published.
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Salvation is not a matter we consume. Salvation is a mode we connect with reality. The ripple effects of this are enormous, forcing usa to think theologically and live Christianly in regards to the surroundings, politics, ecclesio
"If we enter into a personal relationship with God simply stop in that location, nosotros feel the theological equivalent of visiting someone'southward home but refusing to get whatsoever further than continuing in the doorway and insisting that the fashion we enter is in fact the whole thing." - Megan WestraSalvation is non a thing we eat. Salvation is a fashion we connect with reality. The ripple effects of this are enormous, forcing usa to think theologically and live Christianly in regards to the environment, politics, ecclesiology, money, etc. This volume is an effective guide for how to live every bit a true-blue Christian in our current context. Westra (succinctly!) narrates how we (theologically conservative Christians) arrived at our current consensuses regarding race, gender, ecclesiology, politics, etc. Her book then becomes constructive, telling readers "a better story" and inviting them into information technology.
I would strongly recommend this volume to insiders of the Christian tradition. It will help you lot re-orient your life. I would strongly recommend this volume to outsiders of the Christian tradition. It will expose you to some honest failings and possibilities of our tradition.
PS: The author is a dear friend of mine. We went to seminary together, and she is a remarkable person. I consider her to be like an older sister considering she models the way of living she writes about with such congruity.
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I was iv years old the
Whenever I read a physical copy of a volume, I will take pictures of quotes that stood out to me and type them into a certificate later on. Equally a pastor and public theologian, you never know when y'all might need a good stockpile of quotes. L pages and 50 pictures in, I abased that process lest I terminate upwardly with the world'due south worst pirated ebook. Every single page of Megan Westra's Born Again and Once more burns with a wisdom and passion that's difficult to describe. Merely let me try.I was four years quondam the commencement time I got saved. That's the start judgement of the book. The conversion feel she describes is one that I tin sympathize with quite clearly because this role could be my story. She was twelve when she was saved again—or "rededicated," every bit the parlance goes—and lived the life of the Christian over-achiever. Then she grew upwards. Then she got out into "the real globe." And information technology's then she was in for a stupor.
The Jesus I invited them to ask into their hearts had cypher to say about the daily struggles of their families or their communities. Information technology was a crisis moment in her faith, 1 that led to a new realization of what it meant to be saved—of a conservancy that meant becoming role of and bringing near God'south Kingdom in the present.
[I started to see] that justice was a arrangement, not a production. Justice wasn't a helpful and hip addition to the gospel, information technology was intrinsic to the gospel. This book is written well-nigh a decade subsequently this reflection and represents what Westra has learned forth the manner.
I'chiliad learning that the faith I love so much, that has raised me and held me tenderly, has been a crushing fist of oppression in the lives of others...I am coming to sympathize salvation as a people to which I belong and a do to which I submit. I am learning to live in ways that are consistent with the profound truth that the first opinion God has of us is non that we're terrible, rotten sinners, but that we're dearest. I am no longer focused on manipulating a divine system for my own interests—eternal or otherwise. Instead, I am learning to follow in the steps of Jesus, redirecting my own ability and relinquishing my privilege and find a new way of life—a life more than abundant.
And all of this is from the commencement eight pages. In that location is a poetic beauty to Westra's prose. A prophetic beauty, as well. With dear, wisdom, and overwhelming zealousness, Born Once again and Over again calls readers to envision a new kind of conservancy and a new kind of faith—one that is lived and worked out in the public sphere.
Each chapter grounds itself in the history of the evangelical church and builds from that. Every bit such, Westra offers a valuable resource for evangelicals uncomfortable with the current country of things and offers them a lifeboat that ensures that jumping ship does not mean rejecting the center of their beliefs. She deftly picks her way through the event of authoritarianism, racial relations, capitalism and consumer culture, our use of coin, creation care, and gender equality. Each chapter concludes with sections on how to engage with these issues personally, toward other people, and publicly. Intertwining history, her own experience, and prophetic prose, Born Again and Once again excoriates the establishment of empire while calling on believers to build an alternative Kingdom.
Megan Westra gives me promise for the church. This book makes me feel less lonely. At that place are so many people who grew up in the kind of faith that Megan did and at present they've lost that faith completely because information technology was hypocritical and nonsensical to them. The terms "exvangelical" and "deconstruction" take become buzzwords as more than and more young people exit the church. But every deconstruction needs a reconstruction and Built-in Again and Again provides that. Westra shows that you tin deny a certain agreement of church, but in so doing you tin also encompass the Jesus of the Gospels ever closer.
...more In this case, the propos
I have read several books recently that follow a similar pattern. The writer starts with a suggestion and so collects like minded quotations from other writers who support the proposition and and then at the stop advise that their proffer is proven. Usually the proposition is something to the effect that "everything I know about "Ten" is wrong. Here's the way it out to exist." The book is then published to great praise of the persons who already agree with the proposition.In this case, the proposition is everything the author knew about Christianity growing upward is incorrect, and in 226 pages she is going to explain what the correct view is on a diverseness of subjects including ecclesiology (how churches should part), regime, Us history, gender roles and how to handle your money. Adept luck with that.
The "charges" are often vague. Take for example this one from chapter one: "The congregational landscape today is often characterized past . . . . Many churches reflect a belief that . . . " Oten characterized. Many churches. See what I mean?
Source cloth is often secondary. A passage critiquing Billy Graham's ministry doesn't cite annihilation direct written or spoken by Mr Graham. Instead all citations are from a 2014 book called _American Apocalypse: A History of Modern Evengelicalism_ by Matthew Sutton. I am not suggesting that Mr Sutton is at all incorrect, or that Ms Westra is wrong in her use of what I presume are Mr Sutton's conclusions abour Billy Graham. I am just pointing out that the author seems to be repeating someone else's conclusion.
Sometimes the historical connections are questionable. The author refers to the so-called Danvers Statement, which according to her footnote was published in 1988. Then she states "before long after the Danvers Statement was issued, the Southern Baptist Convention . . . rolled back policies assuasive the ordination of women." This issue, according to her footnote, took place in 1984, four years before the Danvers Statement.
Despite my criticisms hither, I don't really disagree with the author'southward proposition nor do I disagree with her conclusions or suggestions on improve ways to alive out the Christian life. So if you are a critic of conservative (Billy Graham-esque) Christianity so yous are probably going to like this volume. If yous are looking for a resources that reinforces what y'all already believe, then you lot are going to like this volume. If you are looking for a book that is going to modify someone's mind, then I don't think this is the book.
...more In Born Again and Again, Megan Westra makes a compelling argument for a faith that causes us to fabricated a difference in the community and in the world. Our faith is not just a individual matter; our salvation doesn't merely cleanse us from guilt and leave united states of america living in the aforementioned way. 18-carat faith doesn't hoard the blessing of salvation for ourselves without regard for others. Our religion should transform every aspect of our lives - our actions and our thoughts. Westra argues that we are chosen to "love God and love others"; we cannot do either if our approach to salvation is all about our own private life.
By looking at the history of the evangelical church in the United states of america, Westra lays out a case for a faith that reflects Christ's Kingdom priorities; she argues for a faith that is evident in action, and that action is outward focused, not inward focused. The Church, the "Body of Christ", is not a collection of private cells that office in their ain self-involvement; it is to be a united organism where all parts part for the do good of the whole. And as the "Body of Christ", Westra shows united states some of the things here on earth that nosotros can do in practical ways to "live in a manner worthy of our calling".
I highly recommend this book to those that are wondering if their faith can make a departure in this world. I'd give it 10 out of v stars if I could.
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Through the book, Westra offers her personal growth, including her mistakes, and includes stories and testimonies from other believers. I really liked the str
Westra strides frontwards with a bold, prophetic voice in Born Again and Once more. She details her journeying from her mainstream, Evangelical upbringing to her deadening conviction that faith is more than than attending church and arguing apostates with solid Biblical facts. Her journey looks so much similar my own, and I really appreciate her candid memories.Through the book, Westra offers her personal growth, including her mistakes, and includes stories and testimonies from other believers. I really liked the structure of each chapter, where she presents an issue of modern Christian culture that needs to exist addressed, such as racism or sexism, and gives the readers a brief history lesson explaining how this effect considering office of the culture. She goes on to offer Biblical scholarship and research to explain how the church could improve answer to racial differences (or whichever issue this chapter tackles) and includes testimonies about how her own thinking changed, how others have been hurt by or learned about the outcome, and then includes real ways nosotros can movement forwards.
Tying the book together is a critique of consumer civilization, in the church and in our nation, that consumes people. Again and once again, Westra explains how Jesus calls his followers to care for all humans every bit precious and worthy, for the mere fact of existence a swain man (and ya know, nosotros need to take care of the Globe because it supports humans, so also respect the Earth and the animals and all). Westra'due south downwards to earth vocalisation and willingness to join in the journeying to a more wholistic application of faith go along the book from being preachy or self-righteous. I tin't await to purchase this volume for my friends who struggle with a church building that seems to ignore justice-- this book will really encourage those of u.s. who are fed upward with surface-level religion. Cheers!
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Since our country is talking more about race, I volition say that there were a couple of points where I idea Westra could accept brought out the history of how the anti-abortion movement is tied so closely to racism and segregationism merely that is a minor complaint in an otherwise strong book. For a book on race and the evangelical church building, I recommend Jemar Tisby's The Color of Compromise (she also mentions this book, and then I recollect she would hold).
NetGalley provided me with a re-create of this to review merely my opinions are my own.
...more Through vulnerable and relatable personal stories, Westra connects to readers by reminding them that their experiences with questioning and deconstructing their faith hasn't led them into a lonely life. Instead, readers are awakened to the fascinating and ofte
In this volume Westra does an expert chore at weaving some of her comical and harrowing experiences growing upward in Evangelical civilization in America into a revealing narrative about the state of American popular Christianity through the decades.Through vulnerable and relatable personal stories, Westra connects to readers by reminding them that their experiences with questioning and deconstructing their religion hasn't led them into a solitary life. Instead, readers are awakened to the fascinating and often devastating history of the Evangelical church in America. By doing her historical enquiry, Westra reveals that many of the cultural norms immature Christians are socialized into accept sinister roots.
As a millennial Christian beginning to face some of these same questions myself, this book was both enlightening and refreshing. Although the work of confronting some of the oppressive tendencies in our faith tradition is hard, Westra attacks the issue with grace, whit, and nearly chiefly; research and facts.
I highly recommend this volume for anyone dealing with questions in their personal faith journey or who simply wants to learn more about the story of pop Christianity in the West!
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Grace is granted for learning and deconstructing, space is given
Built-in AGAIN AND AGAIN put into words and so many ideas I've struggled with over the years and has helped me discover the connections I've been searching for between my upbringing at my nowadays religion. Within, Megan 1000. Westra explores the history of mainstream evangelicalism in the United states, speaks from her experiences, amplified the voices of many others, and invites u.s.a. all into a clarified and sanctified view of living and being saved.Grace is granted for learning and deconstructing, space is given for new discoveries forth the fashion, and knowledge is handed out in this well-researched and admirably inclusive book. Westra structures every chapter similarly, so even in unfamiliar environment, we have guideposts to await for, including: a variety of personal experiences, what the Bible says, and ways to put this knowledge into action.
If you're into the radical love brand of Christianity, you'll probably get a lot from this book. If you're clinging to something else, you might not, but you'll never know unless you give it a attempt.
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Non a lot of new information for me. She apace and broadly covers how the American evangelical church got to where information technology is at present. Megan besides has very practical means to bear witness beloved to those that are marginalized, both in our private and public lives. Christianity isn't simply about our personal life. Information technology is looking to serve those in need, serving/loving the outcasts of guild. How does our privilege (gender, religion, race, wealth) affect others? What may seem like an insignificant decision for me,
3.5Not a lot of new information for me. She quickly and broadly covers how the American evangelical church got to where it is now. Megan also has very practical means to prove dear to those that are marginalized, both in our individual and public lives. Christianity isn't just almost our personal life. Information technology is looking to serve those in need, serving/loving the outcasts of society. How does our privilege (gender, religion, race, wealth) affect others? What may seem similar an insignificant determination for me, might have a bigger impact on someone else (i.e. voting or not voting for certain policies; admission to food or transportation and healthcare). God is working here and now. Jesus cared very much about people's concrete needs, not just spiritual. Nosotros shouldn't be living just to go to heaven or until "the end times", and employ that every bit an excuse to non work towards social justice. "Your kingdom come up, your will be done on Earth equally it is in heaven."
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Highly recommend.
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I dear that she not only takes the reader through her own transformation from obedient proficient Christian daughter to a lived out faith, just she brings us through the history of how our individual-centric, personal-savior-faith has evolved in America. She tells her story, but she sets it in a larger context of theology and history that shows she knows her stuff and is a voice to heed. The book takes the reader through a number of hot simply
Megan tackles some tough stuff in this book, and I am here for it!I love that she not only takes the reader through her ain transformation from obedient good Christian girl to a lived out religion, but she brings us through the history of how our individual-centric, personal-savior-faith has evolved in America. She tells her story, merely she sets it in a larger context of theology and history that shows she knows her stuff and is a voice to heed. The book takes the reader through a number of hot push topics and offers the reason for a wholistic, thought out approach to them with faith. That she absolutely lives what she talks about makes it all the more than compelling.
...more "When salvation is a strict
Megan Westra does a phenomenal chore of challenging, informing, only always pointing alee with hope to a new way of seeing salvation and our place in this world. This is a beautiful read and and so timely as relates to topics such every bit: politics, race, finance, environmental, and gender roles. Refreshingly honest, Megan invites u.s. through her own faith journey, to rethink what it means to radically follow Christ, not but individually, but for the flourishing and good of our globe."When salvation is a strictly personal, spiritual business between and individual and God, it lacks muscle sufficient for standing upwardly against the systemic suffering of humanity."
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This is an engaging and thoroughly researched book combining diverse perspectives, historical context, and current events to aid us examine critically how our consumer mindset has shaped the expression of our religion. Megan provides physical deportment we can have in our personal and public lives In Born Again and Again Megan Westra invites united states of america to look beyond the personal or a moment of being saved to consider salvation as "a manner of being with God, yourself, your neighbor, and the world around you".
This is an engaging and thoroughly researched book combining diverse perspectives, historical context, and electric current events to assistance usa examine critically how our consumer mindset has shaped the expression of our organized religion. Megan provides concrete actions we tin have in our personal and public lives to cull connectedness and live into our salvation as an ongoing transformative experience. This book offers and then much nutrient for thought and generates great give-and-take. I would definitely recommend it for a Bible study group or a book club. I know I am looking forward to reading it again in that setting. ...more
Westra writes from her ain experience and biblical interpretation, including other voices in telling the story of God's purpose and mission for the church and the world.
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