I think the question is, am I willing to listen to some of the critiques? Hopefully the critiques are couched in love, though

Interestingly, I think that most non-western Christians have the same observations of American Christianity that they would have of America as a whole – materialism, bigger is better, etc. Most Christians I meet outside America offer their observations more as shock and surprise, rather than critique.

But yeah, I'm sure some political resentment can color their perspectives too, especially if one dubs the US a Christian nation without acknowledging the religious diversity here (which I think some theocratic countries would likely do).

In sum though, it's a really cool phenomenon that we can even have this conversation about global perspectives on Christianity. I'm glad that there are so many folks from around the world who are wrestling over what Biblical Christianity looks like!

On a side note, can we work toward a more inclusive faith where it's OK to be at various stages of certainly concerning what God has taught us? I don't feel comfortable telling someone their faith is simplistic or dogmatic just because they have arrived at conclusions I don't yet understand or embrace. Just because I don't feel at peace with a certain issue should not mean nobody else can either.

At the very least, I think we (as the western church) can notice our “blindspots” when Christians from other countries come and observe some of our theological presuppositions and church practices. I think it's safe to say that many Christians from outside America have keen insights into what may, or may not, look Biblical (such as racism, exorbitant and sometimes misguided use of wealth, etc).

We're (the western church) so immersed with what we're doing, that it's difficult to notice when we're adopting cultural values more than Biblical ones (hence the term blindspot). Therefore, I think we're (the western church) at a disadvantage from the start because it's hard to know which questions to ask ourselves, thereby settling for the sort of simplistic faith that dj refers to.

I do think that bridge-building is the next frontier, where global perspectives from non-western christians and leaders are taken into account (and in fact welcomed) by the western church.

Another book that's been kinda cool to read is Whose Religion is Christianity? by Lammin Sanneh. It describes some of the amazing ways Christianity has been exploding in regions of the world untouched by the west. Mike Keller recommended to me. Good stuff.

In terms of institutional change, I think it will take bridge-building leadership from the people in power.

An interesting sidenote, is that I believe many African-Americans are wondering about what the country will look like for African Americans post-Obama… I heard of a discussion from some African American leaders that some fear that people may be misguided into thinking that now that there's been an African American president, all is well and that access is equal for everyone. I think it's safe to say that as monumental as Obama's election was, there's still a long way to go in terms of empowering minority leaders.

DJ, lemme know where you'll be discussing Rah's book. I'd love to join the discussion!

Why? What do you risk?