Book Reviews

Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church is Transforming the Faith
Diana Butler Bass
Harper One, 2006. $13.95. 321 pp.

Dr. Rollie Martinson is the new academic dean at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and our facilitator at synod assembly. When we asked him for a good read to get everyone thinking he recommended one of Diana Butler Bass’ books. I read two: The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church (2004) and Christianity for the Rest of Us. We liked the latter for this group. Christianity for the Rest of Us was written two years later, and seems to represent some reflection after presenting to groups and hearing reactions to The Practicing Congregation. Christianity for the Rest of Us is bigger and contains most of the stories from her earlier book.

While not everyone will agree with her perspective or conclusions, Bass makes you think. She spells out a vision for the vital mainline church in an American sea of fundamentalism. What I enjoyed the most was hearing stories of actual congregations. No untried ideas. Real people in real places. Bass challenges the mainline church to be the mainline church and not cave into the extremes. If 60% of the country has no church home, perhaps the church ought to consider how to address spirituality with the people who have taken a look at popular religion and opted out, often for very good reasons. The Pharisees played to the religious and moral elite. Jesus went to the polloi.

Bass highlights ten “signposts” for renewal: Hospitality, Discernment, Healing, Contemplation, Testimony, Diversity, Justice, Worship, Reflection and Beauty. She offers no recipe. No one-size-fits-all. Only the hope that a congregation that holds true to the deepest values of the gospel, can discern a calling that looks more like the Jesus of the gospels than the Jesus of TV evangelism.

Diana Butler Bass has authored or co-authored (with Jim Wallis et al) at least eight books and written articles for mags like Sojourners. With a PhD from Duke, she is in much demand, having appeared on CNN, FOX, PBS and NPR.. Check out her web page (www.dianabutlerbass.com).