I have just finished reading Pete Rollins ‘How (not) to Speak of God‘ in just 2 days. It’s rare for me to read a theology book in such a short space of time. True, the book is only 137 pages long but I thoroughly enjoyed this read as well as be challenged by the content in such a way that I did not wish to put the book down. The best way I can describe it is a great theology book written in the style of a thriller where you just need to read the next chapter!

After reading, in fact during, I feel my mind has been challenged to re-think how I am a Christian (or how I am becoming a Christian), and my soul has been awoken and nourished in a way it has not for a little while. Quite often my mind shouted a silent yes as I agreed with Pete’s words; such as

what is important about revelation is not that we seek to interpret it in the right way but rather that we all love it and are transformed by it.

we do not do theology, but rather are overcome and transformed by it (easy to lose sight of as a student!)

we cannot grasp God, not because God is absent, but rather because God is always given in excess of our ability to grasp.

These are but 3 gems in a treasure chest of mind blowing challenge. In case you had not guessed I love this book!

In short, this is all about ‘how’ rather than ‘what’.

I have been brought up in a wing of the church that strongly emphasises the importance of what we believe. Rollins suggests what is key is how we believe. Believing in the right way and practicing in the right way are tantalising re-interpretations of orthodox and orthopraxis. How our belief changes us, how our practice allows us to be Jesus, how we show an increasing radical love as our search for God transforms our whole being and existence.

I’m going to need to dwell and reflect more on what I have read, and what this means for me. This may mean I blog more on this at a later date. If others have read it I would be interested in your thoughts.