As the father of a teen daughter, I’m periodically reminded how powerful the desire to “fit in” really is. Being different isn’t always easy and often-times requires standing alone and being ostracized by peers. Unfortunately, some buckle under the pressure, and the results are sometimes disastrous.
But being different, not “fitting in” is what we Christians are called to do. Jesus said we are to be “in the world, not of it.” Similarly, Paul said “be not conformed to this world.” Sadly though, in their zeal and honest attempt to be “relevant” to today’s culture, far too many Christians have unwittingly violated these two biblical principles. Distinguishing them from the world isn’t always easy.
In Unfashionable: Making a Difference by Being Different, Tullen Tchividjian, grandson of Billy Graham, issues a clarion call for Christians to recapture the vision of being different. Written with pastoral sensitivity, theological clarity, cultural awareness, and practicality, Tullen argues persuasively that to truly make a difference in the world, Christians must be radically different from the world. He does so by addressing such topics such as calling, community, the Kingdom, justice, reconciliation, and evangelism.
Unfashionable resonated with me, and I’m sure it will with many of you. Get a copy and let’s dialogue about it. As and added plus, there’s a study guide in the back that can be used for personal growth and group settings.
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Posted On: Thursday, September 10, 2009 -- Posted By: Ron Carter
Categories: Resource Review
Tags: Book Review
Responses
Edrin Williams said...
Excellent piece, Ron. Earlier this summer, I was invited to preach at a church here in Minneapolis that was doing a serious on Radical Living. I preached a sermon titled, "Un-Popular!" The big ideas was: Radical living = (saying NO to popularity) + (saying YES to the work of Christ.
It was an amazing message that blessed the congregation that I was visiting.
I'm glad that you used all-encompassing language because this is a issue that affects adults just as much as it affects youth. In some cases, adult issues are deeper.
I'll check out the book. I'd love to chat more about it and send you my sermon to read.
Be Blessed!
Edrin W.
at 4:15 PM on Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Ron Carter said...
Edrin,
Indeed, let make it a point of chatting more about the book. I'd love to read your sermon. So go ahead and email it to me.
Your Brother in the Bond and in Christ.
at 2:39 PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2009