Book #31. Both-And, by Rich Nathan, with Insoo Kim. Paperback.
Too many times, especially since The Reformation, Christianity
has become filled with either-or propostions. There are choices between faith
or works, Bible or tradition, intellect or emotions, charismatic or
fundamentalist. Modern American culture plays into that divisiveness with its
own set of either-or choices.
But Nathan and Kim offer a different way of thinking. Instead
of an “either-or” approach, they propose that the natural tensions inherent in
Christian orthodoxy imply a “both-and” approach. Covering one topic per
chapter, they discuss their identity as both evangelical and charismatic, desiring
a community that is both united and diverse, showing concern for both justice
and mercy, methods that involve both proclamation and demonstration, an ethic
that is both social and personal, expectations that relate to both the now and
the not yet, and a callings that is both relevant and orthodox.
Nathan brings his own “both-and” to the writing of the book.
He is both an intellectually gifted thinker and writer, but also brings the
practicality of being a senior pastor of a large church. Many of the examples
in the book come from the church these men are pastors at, Vineyard Columbus.
The book strikes an unusual balance, offering a mix of
practice and belief that will make many uncomfortable. There are times when the
book will sound too liberal for conservatives, and times when it sounds too
conservative for liberals. But that is an “either-or” dichotomy, and as this
book makes clear, the Biblical path to maturity is something different.
Source: church bookstore.
Disclosure: I attend the church were these two men serve.
