Jordyn Joens

The Festival of Beginnings is a gathering to accomplish many requirements. It fulfilled what is the Concordia way of Chapel which I have found always has a readers theater style of scripture. The program was also able to work in a Homily by President Ries and a formal introduction of new professors student leaders. The audience included new and returning students, faculty, and staff. The program offered something for ever member, whether it was the music, scripture, homily or even just a welcome.

In this 119^th academic year I think the festival is scheduled on the first day of class because of its welcoming atmosphere. I interpreted the program as a way to embrace this year together. With the auditorium filled we welcomed each other to whatever this year will bring us. I thought the significance of President Ries summary of this year's book was to inspire us make new relationships and repair old ones all while keeping God's never ending love in mind.

Continuing on about Ries the summary of Picking Cotton and the thought of never ending love, it reminded me of the chapter about Christians being too judgmental in Unchristian. Ron Cotton could have judged Jennifer Thompson for doing him wrong. Instead he was able to forgive her and become friends. Another part of the Festival of Beginnings was the organ and koto music. I don't think the program would have been complete without it. Branching off of the discussion we had on art today, the music played was another way to demonstrate this year's theme on Refuge and Strength. I find it common that music is specifically chosen to reinforce the scripture for the day. 

I am not thrilled with the ending Kinnaman chose. I do not think that ending with 20 something responses about what Christianity will be like in 30 years is very strong or motivational. This was surprising to me because before end of the  last chapter I enjoyed the responses. I think Kinnaman could have written a better ending with his own words. Chapters nine and 10 (Afterword) were disappointing to me, so I will write on my reflections instead.

When I started the book I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, because it would be my first book on Christianity. I have found that the book did resonate with me. I liked that the book wasn't preaching how perfect Christians are, but instead admitted to the mistakes that have lead to this bad perceptions. The book was written in a different manner which made it more engaging as well. Overall, the book provokes thought and was worth reading, but I do not know if I would recommend the book to just anyone.

I can't wait to meet and discuss the book with all of you in just five days!

I agree with Kinnaman's statement on youth's, both insider and outsider, wariness of church motives found on page 184. Kinnaman described it exactly as I would "They believe we are more interested in proving we are right than that God is right," (194).

I think Kinnaman was right to conclude that respect equals access and his number six point I thought was most important: be my friend with no other motives. This principle works with any friendship and I hope to follow it throughout my life. It is not important to me to have many friends. I would rather have a few loyal, true friends.

Through eight chapters I have found that my favorite part of the chapter is the "Changing Perceptions" section. Therefore I will quote yet another phrase that I found encouraging.

Mike Fostrer shared "Porn stars or preachers, gay or straight, Republican or Democrat, it doesn't mean a rip to God," (Kinnaman, 203). I like this because it reminds us all that we are all the same, despite what labels we are given.

I agree with Kinnaman's opinion on today's young compromising. He states "For better or worse, young people embrace decisions that produce greater comfort or the least amount of conflict," (163). I don't think it is a bad thing to want to compromise. I think it is an important skill needed to succeed in life. For some reason it reminds me of the United Nations. They work together to make the world better and I bet they have to do at least some compromising. On the same page, I also agree that are generation is more skeptical of the Bible's influence. Kinnaman seemed to nail the "Climate Changes" on the head.

Mark Batterson impressed me in his section on page 175 when he said "But our primary role as spiritual leaders isn't making people see eye to eye. It's making sure our eyes are focused on Jesus." It is a good phrase to remember when I find myself I a heated discussion.

The last paragraph of Jim Wallis' contribution to the Changing Perceptions stirred something in me. He reminded me how Martin Luther King Jr. was able to change millions of lives peacefully and with the Bible as his aid.

Previously, I didn't know where the lyrics came from for the song "Lose My Soul" by Toby Mac, but once Kinnaman referenced it I immediately recognized it.  Now when I hear this song I will remember this book and Kinnaman's advice not to lose oneself during political affairs.

One thing this chapter didn't answer for me was what side Christians side with: Democrats or Republicans. But then Kinnaman proposed that "everyone makes assumptions about the size and motivations of the Christian community," (158). I think he was trying to point out that maybe I shouldn't know and I shouldn't let it affect my choice.

I found it funny that one-quarter of outsiders think Christians use words and phrases only they understand. For me this completely true and I am part of the religion! When you don't understand something someone is saying you do feel like an outsider. For example, when your friends have an inside joke and they are laugh while you sit silent.

Another thing I found funny is that our generation is the most protected and because of our previous generations overprotection we just want to be anything but safe. This goes along with the younger generations not as willing to accepting the Christian bubble.

Kinnaman explains "...our usefulness is hindered if we are more concerned about our protection from sin than the effects of sin in the lives of others," (132). This reminds me to be focused on how to help, instead of judging. We are all sinners, so rather than then trying to stay away, I think we use this similar quality to bring us all closer.

In the Changing Perceptions section I found Mark Batterson's idea for a church interesting and smart. He knew he would be able to get the "Christian Message" to more people in a coffee shop. I would want to visit the place if I was ever in Union Station.

My least favorite perception of Christians is that they are antihomosexual. I have friends who are gay and I would have a hard time turning my back on them because my religion says to. I believe they are good people.

I recall a time when a class of mine decided to have a group discussion. The topic came up and there was an instant up roar. A few students started spewing Bible verses at our class. I don't like this approach. Why would they want to even consider listening to our side when we aren't listening to them? Kinnaman confirmed my opinion when he explained "If we don't work at developing meaningful relationships with our co-workers, whether gay or straight, how can we expect them to respect us and or beliefs?" (108).

I was more than shocked when I read through the examples Kinnaman listed on pages 93-95. I was most appalled by the idea that gay and lesbian teachers can be fired whenever. I have a great respect for my teachers and I believe that their sexuality does inhibit their teaching abilities.

"One of the enduring truths of Christianity is to love people the world sets up as your enemies," (Kinamna, 104). I found this quote inspiring, not only to overcome homophobia, but any form of enemy.

I am going to end this post with one last quote that spoke to me. Besides the message of the quote I found it interesting because Kinnaman included backround information on Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was imprisoned and executed for opposing Nazis and he still had compassion while writing "Nothing that we despise in the other man is entirely absent from ourselves. We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or don't do, and more in the light of what they suffer," (Kinnaman, 107).

In my opinion chapter four depicts the least of the worst perceptions, but it still a problem. I have been told the get saved propaganda at my door, in the mall and even while eating dessert. I am sure everyone has had their own experiences. I find them to be annoyances and I never feel more strongly about my faith after their departure. I can see how outsiders feel like Christians are only focused on converting them.

My problem with Christians trying to convert others is that they are focusing on people who already have a strong belief  and maybe it's in another religion. They try forcing their "truth" on others when they have their own "truth." No one can say their religion is the 100% correct truth, but each person can believe in their own beliefs. There will always going to be different opinions and religious beliefs, so why does it seem that Christians want everyone to be Christians. Maybe I feel this way because I am more connected to Christian faith; it could every well be that other religious groups have just as strong conversion methods.

Kinnaman used a simile I found interesting for describing how the "Get Saved" mentality is perceived by outsiders: "Conversing about Christianity with there individuals is, for them, like being served leftovers. They may be spiritually hungry, but the menu is not appetizing," (78).

I really liked the opening to this chapter I thought the excerpt from Victoria fit well and clearly showed the perception is correct. I also thought the new perception was a good goal for me to work towards. "Christians are transparent about their flaws and act first a, talk second" (Kinnaman 41).

The section entitled "Who Cares" interested me because I agreed with most of his points. He concludes that Mosaics and Busters don't care about hypocrisy because we have learned that we will be disappointed and everyone does what is necessary to look good. This applies to me because I am always suspicious of things that look to perfect and I always expect something bad to happen if things are going too well.

Another message I found important is one Kinnaman found while surveying churchgoers. Here is a reminder of what Kinnaman found: "Three out of five churchgoers in America feel that they 'do not measure up to God's standards.' And one quarter admitted that they serve God out of a sense of 'guilt and obligation rather than joy and gratitude" (51). I would consider myself an avid churchgoer and I have to agree with his results. There are times that I have not wanted to go to church on Sunday and chose not to attend. Not only do I feel like I don't measure up to God's standards but I also feel like a disappointment when I the eyes of the church members look down on me. I also have a personal connection with the "sense of guilt and obligation" comment. When I was young I went to large churches and only recently has my family switched to a new church. When church opened we attended and they were in need of many volunteers. One day I received a phone call from a sister working with the church asking me to become an alter server. I didn't feel like I could say no to her and felt obligated to do something I didn't want to. Seven years later and I am still an altar server and it is the best thing that has happened to me because it got me involved in the church. I wasn't thrilled with the idea when I started the job but over the years I began to like it, so maybe obligation is not a negative comment.

My favorite part of the whole chapter is found in the Changing Perceptions section. Margaret Feinberg's segment entitled "We Need Help" is completely sincere about her hypocrisy issues. Furthermore she knows who she is and she is not afraid to admit she sins, but she is also fighting it. I find her attitude inspiring and if the rest of her blog is anything like the excerpt I would most definitely read it.

For those who are interested, I think this is her blog website, but I can't fully tell because it is down for maintenance

www.margaretfeinberg.com

I am going to jump right into chapter two, because it was during this chapter that I first connected to the author. Discovering unChristian Faith starts out with David Kiinnaman telling a story about a time he was at a bookstore. The story seemed cheesy and made up, so I had hard time believing it. Not even five lines past the story Kinnaman nailed me on the head by saying that today's young adults are skeptical. Another important note Kinnaman makes is that we Mosaics and the Busters find loyalty an important value. He continues describing the type of personalities today's youth have and I can't help but self-reflect. I find that I am the type of person he s describing and I have to agree with his opinions. I begin to wonder who Kinnaman's audience is. At first I thought an older population because of his explanations of Mosaics and Busters, but who is to say we cannot use this information to relate better to our own generation.

I did not agree with Kinnaman on his conclusion that some born-again youth are afraid to declare themselves Christian not because of being unpopular but the chance they might lose creditability. First, with Christianity being one of the largest religions I find it hard people think Christianity or being Christian is unpopular. Second, it is hard to supersede some of the negative perceptions of Christians but I have never had experience where the perceptions of "outsiders" have taken my creditability.  Is there someone with an experience they'd like to share that made them feel like they couldn't say they were Christian?

Hello Everyone!

My name is Jordyn Joens. I live in Ramsey, Minnesota. I love that the place I call home is just a short drive into the cities. I attended Buffalo High a small school out west. I chose to attend a school outside of my district because it offered an Arts Magnet Program. This can confuse some, so here is the crash course to "Arts Magnet" it basically means art is infused into all of the classes, even Math and Government. That's it! My preferred art form is dancing, but I also enjoy theater and music.

I chose Concordia because I love the cities and most importantly, the small size! To be honest I wasn't sure if I would apply to the honors program, but I am so glad I did. I like to think it was fate that I was accepted considering I sent my application in at the last minute (hopefully this doesn't become my new college habit!) and with out a postage stamp.  It can be amazing how things work out. The aspect of a small group that learns together and utilizes discussions to promote learning attracted me to the program. I hope to graduate as an honor student with a BBA in Business Marketing. I am pursing this area of business because I absolutely love commercials and you will probably encounter me quoting them throughout the time we are together.

It's not delivery. It's DiGiorno.