Usually when I finish I reading a book, I have a rather clear idea of what I would say about it if someone asked or if I decided to write a review.
That didn’t happen with Michael Spencer’s Mere Churchianity.
In short, Spencer looks at the trend of people leaving the church and comes to a startlingly different conclusion than most church officials — that people are leaving in an effort to find Jesus. Church as it has come to be in America in the 21st century is layered in consumerism, nationalism and legalism that have obscured our view of Jesus himself. Spencer progresses through a description of this “Jesus disconnect” to finding the real Jesus and living a “Jesus life” as individuals and a community.
So often I wanted to shout, “Yes!” as I read. Other times I was more skeptical. Rarely did I flat out disagree with Spencer’s conclusions. He offers thought after thought that should spark debate in our churches. At the very least, his word should color how we see those who have left – or want to leave – the church.
Maybe, just maybe, it’s not them, it’s us.
