Preface

I’ve read a number of popular Christian books in the past that succeed admirably in leading readers to think deeply about some important, rarely contemplated idea. But in some of these cases, I’ve been hesitant to embrace the way in which they accomplish that feat. I often find that successful books like these employ a strategy that, in essence, leads the reader in a full-out sprint towards the precipice of a cliff. The author doesn’t say “jump”, but they intentionally don’t post any bright orange warning signs saying “STOP!” Momentum is a powerful thing. And as such, many people find themselves in a free fall.

Despite my reluctance to approve of these authors’ techniques, I’m forced to recognize that a lot of what I write in the following posts may, for some, have the same effect. I also understand the unfortunate correlation between an inclination to not stop at the cliff and an inclination to not read prefaces. So, maybe I’m preaching to the choir. But it nevertheless must be said that the intent of these pages are to take the reader to a place that may be a cliff… but also may be something entirely different. I, like you, don’t fully know what lies on the other side. But, in writing this, I haven’t leapt full-on into the unknown- I’ve thoughtfully and patiently considered these ideas in a way that allows me to engage with them yet not fall prey to the potentially dangerous lands they could take me (at least, that is my hope). This is what I’d advise the reader do, as well.

I’m not proposing a radical new way of being a Christian. I’m just proposing that we come humbly to the table and have dinner with an idea. If what we eat turns out to be sour, toss it away and return to the traditional foods. It’s likely that there are at least a few points here that are sour indeed. But on the off chance that we may stumble upon something of nutritional value, I propose that we give it a try. I certainly won’t risk you eating some poisonous fruit that I haven’t tried myself. For what it’s worth, I’ve dined at the table for some time without becoming ill. Despite that, I’d caution the reader to eat small bites. Not everyone’s stomach is the same, and some of us do have allergies. But if you find yourself, after a few bites, liking what you taste and feeling comfortable that it’s not Eve’s apple, I welcome you to the table. Enjoy the feast.