I have spent countless hours hearing about Brian McLaren and hearing him speak in chapel. Finally, I was able to read one of his books. The first book I tackled was Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crisis, and a Revolution of Hope. In this book he has created a model for the "system" in which our society is controlled. In fact, he calls it a "suicidal machine" that we have created and is going to self-destruct if we don't save it. It is a system under which injustice, oppression, poverty, and destruction survive and dwell.
I think it was an extremely effective model that he created to get some strong political statements across.
Let me back up, I am reading this from my point of view, a believer from an extremely conservative republican background where laws are the guide and wealth is to be conserved and protected (maybe that was too strong?). I read this from a viewpoint which has heard much of the political reformation which must take place among evangelicals, but has not begun to practically understand how this can take place (until recent years).
Continuing on... this was an extremely effective model to present to myself, my family, and most of my conservative friends growing up who were/are opposed to socialism, environmentalism, and definitely pacifism.
If you find yourself in this boat, pick up Brian McLaren's book and just read the first chapter. If you have an open mind, it should draw you in. Don't be scared to contemplate ideas other than your own... the worst that could happen is your ignorance begins to crumble.
Trust me, it's an exciting experience.
