The Divine Crash

I spent some time reading this book.  I took my time so that I could properly digest what Peter Rollins was saying.  Well, I just finished it and I am left with two contradicting and yet complimentary thoughts.  I have read everything Rollins has written and this is by far his best work.

1. Wow! An amazing book that questioned my beliefs and didn’t let up until I had answer.
2. Now what? What do I do? How do I take what I have learned and make this world better?

I loved the way Rollins took some very complex ideas and made them seem like something two people could talk about over a drink.  But not one of those snooty high class drinks but a regular person’s drink.

I had a 2.98 GPA in seminary and yet this book wasn’t over my head but also didn’t treat me as if I were stupid.  I felt as though I were being challenged and comforted at the same time.  It was a wonderful feeling.

His logic was easy to follow, he moved from examples of Batman to theological statements with ease.

Yet, I am left with one nagging questions: What do I do now?

Rollins writes about engaging with the cross to find the resurrection and not helping the poor but instead asking why the poor exist.  Which is great but I still need an answer to why the poor exist in the first place?

My question is this: once I ask why the poor exist what is the answer and what do I do with the answer? Yes, helping the poor still keeps people poor but is it okay to give the homeless guy in McDonald’s a gift card for food?

As I digest this I think it will change the way I look at ministry and the way my church does activities but I am still left with questions.

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Book Review by RevBT