Blue like a smurf

The popular book going around these days seems to be one called Blue Like Jazz. Maybe it's just 'going around' in my circles, maybe no one else has heard of it, but I've noticed that a lot of my friends are reading it and really thinking that it's got some good answers. I'm not getting it. I've read the book, finished the other day, and I'm left shaking my head. It's a book self described as non-religious thoughts about Christian spirituality. Now, I recognize the need to be open to and embrace cultural change in communicating the faith, but I can't say that this book really pushed my thinking. The guy's big insights, like everyone needing relationships, aren't quite what I'd call big. Really, I don't plan to use Don Rabbit and Don Astronaut as illustrations. Really.

It seems to me that what the author, Donald Miller, has to say can be summed up in a few ideas. In sharing your faith and living your life, be in community, be yourself and don't be judgemental (be accepting). I learned all that stuff from Papa Smurf way back in the day. And how could you argue it? The guy doesn't use a single Bible reference in the whole book. Two hundred forty-two pages and no attempt to back up any of his blog-worthy ramblings.

I'm happy that this book has helped people realize and put to words some questions they have and articulate their creed in a culturally sensitive way. That's all good. But for me, a description of a faith that avoids all links to the words of the Originator has gotten a little too sophisticated. Call me simple.

Oh, this won't be my last rant on how people are dealing with cultural change in the Christian faith.

Out.