This week begins a new regular feature in the format of the Books by the Numbers blog: "Fast Forward" entries. Since it does appear at this point that the blog is leaning towards taking the path of straight through the DDC in numerical order, I want to do something to keep everyone's interest. So, why not mix in entries about newer non-fiction books that are classified in areas other than Books by the Numbers' current focus? I should be able to kill two birds with one stone in that this will provide the blog with entries about high interest, new books and provide variety in the subject areas that they cover.
The other exciting change I am announcing this week signals the transition of my role on the blog from that of creator and sole author to that of editor. Yes, we will now be having guest bloggers here at Books by the Numbers! In the future, expect that unless I specifically state otherwise, I am writing the blog. All contributors to the blog will be fully credited.
With that, it is my pleasure to introduce a good friend of mine to you all: Jim Ramsey. Jim works at the Milford Memorial Library in Milford, Iowa. Jim enjoys reading non-fiction books, and he reads quite a few.
Jim holds a BA in Social Science from California State University in Fullerton, California, and a Master of Divinity from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. Jim was formerly a Methodist minister.
Quitting Church: Why the Faithful Are Fleeing and What to do About It by Julia Duin (277.3 DU)
I recommend this book to anyone who has concerns about the decline in church membership that has taken place over the past few decades. While I have some problems with the author’s perspective she still makes some good points.Ms Duin is a part of the charismatic movement, which is seen most prominently in the Pentecostal churches. I have no problems with their faith, but they are a bit narrow and would not consider me a “life long Christian” as truly a Christian by their standards. So she is on a mission and while her message could speak to a wide range of churches, it gets caught in a narrow perspective.
If one can get by her bias, then there are some lessons to be learned. One is that most worship experiences do not challenge the congregation and more could be done to make services more engaging. People are busy and they want the worship experience to speak to them or they will stay home.
She also talks about how singles, especially single women, feel left out of the life of the church. This lack of understanding and inclusion results in large numbers of people feeling like they are pushed out of the church.
Her last main point is that Pastors like control, and when this happens it blocks many participants from feeling like they are deeply involved in the church. So a more open and inclusive church environment would be a plus.
Jim Ramsey
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