Faith in a Time of Change - ed Michael Kooiman

I wanted to like this book for it has some very wise people, who love the church,  writing in it. But I have problems.  It was a quick read that was unsatisfying.  Unsatisfying because of the nature of the book.  I am not a fan of one page reflections.  I want some depth when I read.  It had hints of depth but each vignette stood on its own, no follow up by other posters.  ( It came from posts on Emerging Spirit) They did not seem to engage one another or the ideas of others.

Those who are in the book give some quick analysis, but again no where the depth needed if we  want to engage the church in reflection.  The nature of the book is there is no overarching coherent theme or theology.  I know the book is not designed to do that but why then spend time engaging it?

For some the book will have some value, and it did for me in a few occasions.  The value is that it will give some handy and very short hand snap shots.  Some will be useful in jump starting a discussion in a study group.  Some could find their way into a sermon.  But would I pay money for it?  If this type of book appeals to you, then yes.  But for me the briefness of each piece did not stick. A day after reading it,  did I find a new insight, that calls to me today? No. 

It is earnest.  The posts are from those who care for the church.  It is thoughtful.  But its programatic nature gave a short shift to theological exploration.  Of course I am asking something of the book that it did not set out to do.  So the sometimes mix bag of programatic ideas is what it sets out to do.  Given that there are a few ideas that will stay with you if you are a fan of such material.