I'm a-Learnin', Here

Okay, I'm not the fullest...deck in the...henhouse...or whatever.

But eventually, I start to figure things out -- human nature-type things.  Like, you know, it's easier to be right when I argue with with what my opponent didn't say.

I've seen this played out around the web regarding this book.  Here's an author's attempt to engage the questions and objections. 

I *love* ideas.  I actually derive a perverse joy from being wrong.  I don't know if anyone can identify with that.  Maybe some other sicko can.  But it means a light clicked on, and I've learned something, and here's something else I can explore now.

But, then again, it's also fun to invade Straw Man City with a torch.  Easy, too.  Only problem is, it's not strategic, because it doesn't matter.  And much of the criticism I've seen takes aim at things the book doesn't actually say at all.

Not sure why that happens.  Maybe people immediately assume things, like  "Oh, then you must be one of those..." and run with it. 

Maybe I've done that before, too.  I like me better when I don't, though.

Comments

[Tiffany]

I just received this in the mail today and was able to read the introduction while waiting in the carpool line. Can't wait to discuss when I've finished it!

[John M.]

What are these "ideas", these "human nature-type things", of which you speak? Are they equations? Algorithms? Tech gadgets? Matrix sequels? You speaky foreign language to me!!

[Jim]

I think that (the link from Viola, and what he said about your review etc.) is the coolest thing I've ever seen!

Alright, maybe not the coolest, but close. Way to go, bro. Keep on rockin'!

[Nathan Bubna]

If i put ideas out there and don't get anything critical in response, it makes me feel really insecure, like it's hard for me to believe feedback if it doesn't show me how i can improve. So yeah, i like finding out i was wrong too.

[Mike P]

Cool I like to be right so YOU'RE WRONG AND IM RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!

[Shawn Bashor]

Actually the truth is, you just don't let all of us know when you are wrong. No pressure.

[M.E.]

Nertz. I went to Border's in the intent of buying the book and found it wasn't going to be released to the public until next month.

It ain't fair, I tells ya!

[chris, flippin' pages in Kentucky]

Got my copy yesterday, and starting on it today.

You just linked to that 'cause it linked back to you, didn't ya?

You and Barna got an 'arrangement'?

[Nathanael]

I'm with you, brother. I can think of few things in life that are more freeing than finding out that I'm wrong...although being able to laugh at myself might be even better. Life gets pretty tense when we take ourselves too seriously.

In regards to your statement about people making immediate assumptions, that's what happened with Rob Bell's last tour, "The gods Aren't Angry." So many "ODM" bloggers (those who are convinced their spiritual gift is discernment for the purpose of blasting everyone and anyone who doesn't agree with them) focused only on the name of the tour. And they even got that wrong since he said "gods" (plural with a lower case g) not God. They blasted Bell for something he was not saying. I saw him in Philly, and it was very encouraging and edifying. Some of our brothers and sisters don't seem to mind judging a book by what someone tells them the cover looks like.

[Wes Roberts]

Hey...Brant:

...do you have an email address?

...and what's your interest in Compassion?

...and I know Mike Bourque (small world!)

[From Brant: Yes! Email is branthansen, and then the ol' "at" sign, gmail.com.

I've worked with Compassion several times, raising sponsors. I've visited a couple of the kids whom we sponsor as a family. I love, love, love what Compassion does. I admire them greatly, and my wife and I love to send them money, as they work through the church to redeem lives.

Cool that you know Mike! That's awesome. Mike rules.]

[Randy]

I'm probably wrong(gotta cover myself) but does this have any relation to the post over at Intermonk?
If so then I gotta say this. 1. Intermonk never said he was reviewing that book. 2. I really liked your review of the book(humor and all). You made multiple points that the majority of Christians tend not to care about. 3.I really liked Intermonks review of current trends. Thats what I thought he was going for. I could be wrong, obviously but I didn't take it as an attack on the book or anyone who liked the book.
Isn't there an implied difference between recognizing that men may abuse the(non biblical) structure they created and the fact that structure in some cases and in some peoples minds is honest to goodness best practice?
Like say "membership". If you have really short term memory perhaps its just a tool to remember peoples names. Not an unbiblical system devised by the man to bring me down. Maybe that was a bad example. Probably.

[From Brant: No, not a response to imonk. I thought his post was cool. I did see a couple of reviews, though -- one of which he was responding to, I think -- that didn't treat the book fairly at all. That was top-of-mind there.]

[Jeanette]

www.paganchristianity.org is shipping the book now.