This semester I will be leading a book study on Brian McLaren's A New Kind of Christian, ISBN: 9780787955991.  The group will meet from 12:30-1:20 on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, beginning September 15.  The book is written as a novel, recounting the discussions and activities of two friends: one a conservative pastor who has become so disillusioned that he wants to leave the pastorate; the other a former pastor now working as a High School teacher.  Throughout the book, McLaren presents ways to move beyond the conservative vs. liberal ideology.  "Drawing a line in the dirt, Neal said, 'it's as if the liberals are here at one end of the line and the conservatives are here at the other.'  He waved his hand about a foot of the ground.  'But maybe the answers are up here.  Not on the line at all.'"  The book discusses many issues in modern Christianity, separated into chapters like "where the cross meets the dream catcher," "it's none of your business who goes to Hell," and "french fries and the kingdom of God."  The novel-like structure of the book makes it easy to read, while in no way diminishing the content.  If you are interested in participating, I recommend that you purchase the book from an online site (I found like-new versions for $3-5 at half.com) or borrow it from the IC public library and read a chapter or two for our first discussion.  If you have any questions, feel free to email me or ask me at worship.

~Alicia Maxwell