In the Process of Finishing Meyers' Book
I'm in the proces of finishing this book and so far I am very moved by what I'm reading. Meyers presents a much more forceful condemnation of the Christian Right than does a Jim Wallis. There's no squishy middle of the road stuff from Meyers as he speaks like a true prophet. I'm looking forward to finishing the book and hearing your thoughts as well.
I cannot tell you what this speech did for me. I just received it by email from a close friend in Austin with whom I enjoy these chats. NEVER has a written piece so concisely captured my own point of view. Mr. Meyers is a talented writer. His capacity for language is noteworthy, but even more remarkable is his ability to bring in the fold to include people who view their faith very differently than he does. He manages to indict the neocon heroes of "good people" who've been ensnared in the net of The Right, and my hope is that by not attacking the followers themselves, he can manage to rally them to a more righteous, less "Right" point of view. The States are full of good people caught up in the flurry.
Thank you, Robin Meyers ... I will be picking up his book ASAP and may get some of my old book club buddies engaged in a reconvening for this work. Hope to see more on this discussion board, too.
Thanks for your contributions.
Pat,
I feel your frustration...we haven't had a lot of interest in engaging in online book discussions.
We're going to keep at it though. If folks have recommendations on what books should be our future book of the month, let us know: http://www.crossleft.org/?q=forum/60
I have to agree, although Wallis has a voice in the media and people know him. He will be able to get more done, imo. What gets me is that there are only 2, now 3, comments on this. Of course, the newsletter just came out. But, really, are there no more? If we are "us 4 and no more", it is a sad thing.
Pat
I haven't read the book, as it sold out when I went to see him speak about the book at Sausalito Presbyterian, invited by my friend, Jim Burklo (The Center for Progressive Christianity). He was very impressive, and incredibly accessible AND charismatic (in a good way, for a change). The name of the book was his publishers idea. His idea was "The Message Heard 'Round the World." This book all evolved from an impassioned talk he gave in front of young, progressive Christians, a very small group. He literally gave these young people his only copy, handwritten, thinking nothing would come of it. They transcribed it and started to send it out, and then it became a "viral" phenomenon, circulating the globe, thousands of people reading it, to the point where Barbara Kingsolver's agent, contacted HIM to write a book on the same themes. This is a great lesson in the larger medium and faith that may respond if we get our own words out. He's an incredible guy, a philosopher and professor of rhetoric [knows language, for sure] as well as a United Church of Christ pastor in Tulsa, OK. Wow. I can't wait to hear your comments. I've been snowed under with work and wedding preparations. The huge hurdle in today's world is "salience". This conversation may start with a small group, but if taken up and put out there, we might have something similar to Dr. Meyers own experience.
Zeus Yiamouyiannis, Ph.D.
Berkeley, CA