"The Emergents seem to me to have it right: No single program or rulebook can possibly speak to the hearts of this diversely gifted, diversely perceptive, and diversely wounded young generation who yearn for spiritual fulfillment yet deeply distrust "organized religion." We need to reassess—to find new models of creative ministries. Grace and peace to the Tender Twigs and Budding Tips of the Christian family tree—who draw strength from the Root, and now need also to draw strength from the Branches, Chris Armstrong Bethel Seminary Christianity Today
Chris encourages "Emergents" to get into Christian biographies of "dead Christians". Good advice and I think that in the future, the biographies that will be read and referenced most will be those that take on new media forms. Different for every country also - the "Emergents" in Germany tell me that Deitrick Bonhoffer is their favorite.
HT: EmergentNo
I am currently taking a Christian Church History class and our main text is Hans Kung's "Christianity". I think everyone (including myself) should study the history of Christianity and read these people Chris encourages. These are areas where, in opinion, the church has failed people. It's not just studying and knowing the Bible and Doctrines, but personal experiences of our own and others of the present and past, and history. Thanks for posting this!
Posted by: Existential Punk | October 01, 2005 at 07:04 PM
I vote for St. Bernard of Clairvaux (Loving God), and Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (Practice of the Presence of God).
Posted by: robbymac | October 01, 2005 at 10:10 PM
I have always been inspired by St. Jean de Brébeuf, though it is hard to find material about or by him.
Posted by: Jamie Arpin-Ricci | October 02, 2005 at 12:48 AM
Meister Eckhart inspires me.
Posted by: Existential Punk | October 02, 2005 at 04:05 AM
Bonhoffer
St. Francis of Assisi
St. John of the Cross
and so on...
Posted by: matt | October 04, 2005 at 11:49 AM
Great to find some fellow-travelers. My current favorite "saints" are listed and briefly profiled (and in some cases, much more--bios, timelines, etc.) on http://deadchristianssociety.blog.com/ -- drop by some time.
Peace,
Chris
Posted by: Chris Armstrong | October 06, 2005 at 07:29 PM
Hi chris!!!
this is my mail lamureneta@gmail.com
i want to talk you....i,m judith from Barcelona!!! kiss!!!
Posted by: judith | October 10, 2005 at 04:23 PM