Godology

For many in our postmodern culture Godology is most often like mixology. Like a bartender making concoctions people pick and choose the aspects of Christian belief and every other religion and worldview and mix them together to have their own signature beverage. Christian George is a writer who is in touch with the current trends of culture enough that he sees the need for a resurgence in the way the church does theology. This resurgence isn't rooted in fads and trends but in the historic orthodoxy of the Christian faith. In his latest book, George muses on the Doctrine of God while including sound bites from The Office, The Simpsons, DC Talk, martial arts, chocolate indulgences, and the list goes on. The strength of this book to me is not just the exploration of doctrine but the application of doctrine. Each chapter begins with thoughts on different aspects God and ends with an succinct introduction to historic spiritual disciplines (including meditation, fasting, and labyrinth walking). George has a way of making the ancient, fresh. He also has a way of connecting with younger generations that many Christian authors just don't possess.

Here are a few of my more memorable passages:

Christ loves crude prayers more than crafted ones. p.22

No matter how many times we drop the ball, God still controls the game. His plans are etched in marble, not pencil. His love is carved in stone, not Styrofoam. Humans are not tall creatures, but we do worship a tall God. A venti God, if we're ordering at Starbucks. Most of us can't even bench-press our own weight, much less hoist ourselves to Christ. But God lowers Himself to us. He secures us inside His vault and throws away the key. p.31

Spurgeon was once asked how he reconciles God's sovereignty and human freedom. He responded, "I never reconcile friends." p.32

And then God spoke. Perhaps a word, then a sentence. From the same throat came three chords-Father, Son, and Spirit-a holy harmonic. p.39

What does it mean to be holy? Holiness is to be set apart. It's the lone Kit Kat bar in a bucket of Butterfingers. p.66

God doesn't want diluted worship. He wants it straight and strong. p.73

God has a passion for broken things. He collects, polishes, and perfects them. p.80

When God purchased us, He didn't keep the receipt. p.86

But we don't just go to church to get our God-fix. We go to church to fix our eyes on God. And the whole world is watching our watching. p.101

We can win the world for God not by merging with it or emerging from it, but by transforming it with the power and clarity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. p.102