Man Centered Ministry

I just finished reading Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour.  It’s the story of a Palestinian Christian who grew up in the early years of Israel’s reestablishment as a nation.  His village was destroyed and his family lost everything.  The one thing that remained, was his faith in God.  Elias was especially impressed by the Beatitudes.  It was from this teaching, that he found his calling in life.  “Blessed are the peacemakers.”  To this day, Elias Chacour is still working for peace in Israel.

I highly recommend this book, but, this is not why I’m writing this post.

While reading it, I was especially impressed by a comment that Elias made while in seminary.  He made an observation and shared his frustration concerning the church being so “man centered” rather than “God centered”.

It was just a few lines.  He didn’t even explain what he meant.  I’m not sure what Elias would have defined as being: “man centered” as opposed to “God centered”.  In the book, it was a passing comment.  In my mind, it was etched with undeniable emphasis.

Velvet Elvis

I’ve spent the last 10 months or so on a fiction binge.  I’ve been devouring Fantasy, Science Fiction and Western books like a box of donuts.  I was especially addicted to the books written by Robin Hobb.  Every book developed an excitement within me to read the next one.  The most recent book that she released was still in hardcover.  I bought it, read it, and set it down, reckoning the whole experience disappointing.  The last book stunk.  I’m glad it stunk.  I’m actually excited that it stunk.  My addiction was broken.  It was not only disappointing, it was glorious.

So, what to read next?  I’m already reading stuff that is not profitable.  Might as well take it up a notch and read something that could possibly be, moderately profitable.  There’s been a lot of discussion lately around the books:  The Shack, Velvet Elvis and even Blue Like Jazz (which has been out for quite some time now).  I decided to read these.

The Shack

First off, this is a fictional story.  It has allegorical tones to it.  It is a combination of great imagination, intertwined with rich Biblical knowledge and VERY profound wisdom.

Some people are having knee jerk reactions to it.