Jazzy and Blue

A couple of years ago I read this great book
called Blue Like Jazz and subtitled Non-religious
Thoughts on Christian Spirituality and written by
Donald Miller. I really enjoyed his honesty throughout
the book. Here is an excerpt:

But the trouble with deep belief is that it costs
something. And there is something inside me, some
selfish beast of a subtle thing that doesn't like the
truth at all because it carries responsibilities, and
if I actually believe these things I have to do something
about them. It is so, so cumbersome to believe anything.
And it isn't cool.

Miller writes the book in a Generation X voice. Where it
is at times unfocused and choppy but still manages to get
his point across. I loved it!

A running theme in the book is being authentic as a
Christian. I believe the number one thing that young
people are looking for today is authenticity. In the book
Miller admits he is sometimes skeptical about his Christian
beliefs. I believe it is alright to say you have doubts. Doubts
shouldn't be viewed as weak faith but as a critical and
reflective look at one's faith. There are many ills facing
contemporary American Christianity (consumerism...cough)
but this opening up to deeper questioning and not just
accepting traditions at face value is one of the positive
things I'm seeing.