Posted by Helen on: 12.05.2007 /
I had an interesting, albeit brief, chat with Diana Butler Bass at Off The Map Live. Since then I’ve been reading her book Christianity for the Rest of Us.
Since Diana is a scholar and this book in some sense is a ‘study’ of what’s happening in mainline churches today, I was wondering if this book might be a bit dry and boring. In fact I found it to be a heartwarming eloquent book that was easy and enjoyable to read.
The book is full of encouraging stories about real people whose lives are being transformed by their participation in mainline church communities. Between sharing stories Diana reflects on what these faith communities emphasize and why it matters.
Diana visited the churches and spent time with the people she writes about – that makes her book much more interesting and personal than if she were simply reporting the results of someone else’s research or using written sources. At the same time, she is well-read and brings in other sources as appropriate.
All the churches Diana visits and writes about could be described as ‘liberal/progressive’. That they are inclusive churches without rigid doctrine is clearly part of their appeal. People are surprised to find themselves welcomed and accepted at these churches no matter what their background is or current life circumstances may be. If they are interested in exploring their spirituality through this community, the community is interested in them.
Diana is aware of the conservative Christian viewpoint that churches without strong conservative Christian doctrine are missing the point and will fall into demise, having nothing ultimately meaningful to hold them together. Historical data seems to somewhat support this theory, since many conservative Christian churches have seen huge growth this century while mainline liberal/progressive churches have languished.
Diana considers why this is. I was intrigued by her idea that perhaps it’s because liberal/progressive churches lost their humility for a while. I certainly have run into liberal/progressive Christians who look down on conservative Christians. I can see how this could be a factor.
Diana is an excellent writer and when she writes about such things as beauty and worship in mainline churches, the way she puts words together is beautiful. I loved this passage from her chapter on worship:
The English writer C. S. Lewis referred to [worship] as the “great dance,”, wherein justice and mercy clasp hands, and the universe moves in rhythm to God’s intention for creation. Worship is right harmony, all sounds of discord gone, all injustice banished. Every act of worship, no matter how private or public, how discreet or elaborate, enacts God’s dream for the world. By learning to look for it, by opening ourselves to sensing the awe and wonder of the dance, we might glimpse the ripples of God. Worship is much more than something Christians attend on Sunday Morning—it is something pilgrims make together. By making it, we join in the dance. This is what Christians mean when they refer to “mystery,” seeing that which lies beyond human knowledge to the passions and purpose of creation.
One of the reasons I quit church was that worship, as defined by the churches I went to, didn’t make sense to me anymore. I redefined worship for myself as ‘being the best person I can be’ – because that’s surely the best way I could possibly honor all that God (if he exists) is worth.
When I read Diana’s description of worship, it gets beyond all my issues with the worship I experienced – I sense I’m reading about something beautiful and worthwhile.
Christianity for the rest of us reminded me strongly of Christine Wicker’s writing (which is a compliment – I love Christine’s books). Both Diana and Christine have the ability to listen and notice details about other people and also an underlying respect for the experience of others which make their descriptions compelling and unusually accurate. It’s refreshing to feel that I am seeing people and communities as they really are through Diana’s (and Christine’s) eyes, rather than an incomplete 2-dimensional picture of the select pieces which made it through the author’s strong presuppositions. I appreciate this greatly, having read so many ‘non-fiction’ books which make me suspect I would have seen something quite different were I there myself. Both authors reflect on what they find, but have the rare ability and self-awareness to keep their reflections separate from their descriptions.
I’m glad I read Christianity for the Rest of Us. I’m encouraged to hear that across the country there are faith communities in mainline communities where people are being welcomed and accepted and their lives are being transformed. That what I’ve been told about mainline churches all dying (by people who don’t go to them) is definitely not the whole story.
Comment by: benjamin ady
1Diana Butler Bass has been placed in Benjamin’s “super-kewl people” box. So I am going to have to read the book. Thankyou for the review
Comment by: Pam Hogeweide
2I still want to be like Diana when I grow up. And I will definitely be adding her books to my library. Thanks for the great and detailed review, Helen. I love the passage you quote. That is a wonderful insight about the beauty and experience of worship.
Comment by: Helen
3Thanks Pam and Benjamin. I hope you’ll both post reviews on your blogs after you read Diana’s book – it would be fun to read your thoughts about it. I agree that Diana is “super-kewl” and someone to be like if I ever do grow up!