Do I Stay Christian? is a worthy successor to Brian McLaren’s lifelong quest for real life.
In all of his books, he seeks to illuminate a “new kind of Christian” that transcends the old, calcified, often loveless and irrelevant one. His fictional trilogy–A New Kind of Christian, The Story We Find Ourselves In, and The Last Word and the Word After That–tells the story of Dan Poole, a pastor who goes through a period of questioning whether he can stay Christian.
Not surprisingly, then, McLaren has been a midwife for many post-Christian persons by emphasizing the new humanity Jesus talks to Nicodemus about in John 3 and that Paul talks about in his letters to the Ephesians and the Colossians.
Sadly, the term “Christian” has become problematic for many, including me, over the years. In his introduction McClaren notes that when “people speak of leaving Christianity, part of their struggle is that Christianity doesn’t refer to one simple thing.” He then lists the eleven facets of Christianity–for example, the cultural, institutional, political, social facets. In short, he makes clear that Christianity is multi-faceted, diverse, and often contradictory.
In Part One each chapter thoughtfully offers McClaren’s best arguments for saying “No” to the question, “Do I stay Christian?” His many reasons include the following: because Christians have been violent in the name of Jesus; because of Crusader Colonialism; because it’s been run by “loyal company men;” because Christianity’s real Master has been money, influence, guns and white supremacy, to say nothing of the Cult of Trump.
In Part Two each chapter offers McClaren’s equally-thoughtful reasons for saying “Yes” to the book’s central question. His many reasons include the following: because leaving hurts allies trying to live a better way; because leaving defiantly or staying compliantly are not the only options; because, where else would I go?; because there are embers and sparks bringing light and heat to the cold and lonely; because our Founder still wants to “build my church.”
In Part Three, he details the stages through which thoughtful “Christians” will pass on their way to “the growth that you desire and need” (160). His contention is that “Religion is desire formation” that harnesses our desire to connect with our tribe and the wider world. He wants to lead us beyond “early stage religion” to “a more mature humanity [that] will desire the good of all people” (169-172). He offers ways to hold both the No of Part One and the Yes of Part Two together in tension, so that Christians can focus, instead, on how to live well.
This book is a much-needed addition for addressing the current crisis in Christian consciousness. In the face of horrific COVID disruptions we endured, amid all the social divisions and denominational implosions and congregational dysfunction still with us, there is turmoil over the term “Christian.” Sadly, for many on the left it smacks of bigotry, xenophobia, white supremacy, suppression of science, and patriarchy; for many on the right it is suspect for its radical, leftist socialism.
I am, frankly, drawn to his withering critique of what passes for Christianity. Yet McClaren’s honest search for truth raises honest questions in me. I wonder, for example, if his brand of Christianity is ultimately antithetical to classic formulations of “the faith”? Or is it a legitimate, Holy-Spirit-led evolution of the mindset of our Lord? And is his “new self” the same “new self” as described in Paul’s letters? And, how does his form of Christianity differ from what we used to call “secular humanism”?
In his closing chapter, McClaren, who is no stranger to criticism, shows he is well aware of how his “new kind of Christian” may be received by other Christians. Nevertheless, he writes, “I am learning to be content whatever I am called, as long as I am eager to embody a way of being human that is pro-justice, pro-kindness, and pro humility” (219). He challenges readers on that same spiritual quest to do so with that same contentment.
In the end, Brian McClaren’s Do I Stay Christian? honestly addresses the questions and issues faced by doubters, seekers, and burned-out veterans of the faith. It’s richly illustrative of his own struggles and those of others. Get this book: for yourself or others you know, for any who are going through a painful time of reappraisal.
One Response
Thank you, John. Many of us find it almost compelling to walk away from institutional Christianity, but still cling to the impossible but life affirming teachings of Jesus. I’ll search out the book.