Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community

McCracken (Hipster Christianity), managing editor for Biola Magazine, believes that Christians shopping around for a church to fit their needs have the process backwards. “What if the biblical approach is actually that we should fit ourselves into the life and mission of the local church, adapting ourselves to the family and filling gaps where needed?” he writes. Church is supposed to bring discomfort, he argues, because Christianity addresses prickly issues, such as God’s wrath, sexual ethics, and submitting to authority. Each chapter tackles an uncomfortable faith topic with suggestions about how to let go of personal preferences and instead deal with such touchy matters from a scriptural perspective. When it comes to church diversity, for example, he quotes a pastor of an Asian-American congregation who points out that multiculturalism doesn’t mean white evangelicals inviting non-whites to their worship services. Rather, Christians of all backgrounds need to be willing to listen to and recognize other crosscultural worship practices to cultivate better understanding between cultures. At times the book slips into a scolding tone. McCracken showcases a deep concern about the current consumerist church culture and offers wise guidance to help churchgoers adapt to the needs of their community. [em](Sept.) [/em]