I just finished reading Douglas John Hall’s brief book The End of Christendom and the Future of Christianity for the class I am taking in June. It’s a quick read, and at the time it was written (1997) might have been a profound work. It’s a bit dated now but still contains a few gems:
If at the level of fundamental belief and lifestyle we disengage ourselves, as a Christian movement, from the dominant societies, classes, and institutions we have been for centuries trying to court, we may be able to serve those societies, classes, and institutions in ways far more faithful and more humanly needful than Christendom usually did. (51)
Add to Google Reader
Matt, I blogged about DJH’s stance on this a while back: http://dan-mayes.blogspot.com/2007/05/on-second-thought.html
The interview with DJH (which might help you greatly in your class) was on a recording released by the Princeton Institute for Youth Ministry called “Cloud of Witnesses”. It was volume 10 and can be listened to online at http://www2.ptsem.edu/iym/cow.aspx?menu_id=440&id=3434
Peace,
Dan
Awesome, thanks for the links. I’ve never seen your post before, and I forgot about his contribution to “Cloud of Witnesses.” At the time it was published I wasn’t familiar with DJH so I didn’t make the connection. Thanks for reminding me.