Book Study

Beginning August 20, we will begin studying the book Do I Stay Christian by Brian McClaren. The discussion occurs shortly after worship concludes (roughly 10:30 am). 

Here is the reading plan for our study including the date and pages to be read:

Week 1 (August 20): Share our reasons for wanting to read the book and whether we have ever or are currently asking ourselves if we want to remain Christian. If time permits, discuss the Introduction (p. 1 - 9).

Week 2 (8/27): Chapters 1 - 5 (p. 13 - 45)

Week 3 (9/3): Chapters 6 - 10 (p. 46 - 80)

Week 4 (9/10): Chapters 11 - 15 (p. 83 - 120)

Week 5 (9/17): Chapters 16 - 20 (p. 121 - 155)

Week 6 (9/24): Chapters 21 - 25 (p. 159 - 199)

Week 7 (10/01): Chapters 26 - 28 and Afterword (p. 200 - 223) and Appendix III (p. 233 - 236)

The book's synopsis:

Do I Stay Christian? addresses in public the powerful question that surprising numbers of people—including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders—are asking in private. Picking up where Faith After Doubt leaves off, Do I Stay Christian? is not McLaren's attempt to persuade Christians to dig in their heels or run for the exit. Instead, he combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.

There is a way to say both yes and no to the question of staying Christian, McLaren says, by shifting the focus from whether we stay Christian to how we stay human. If Do I Stay Christian? is the question you're asking—or if it's a question that someone you love is asking—this is the book you've been waiting for.