Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis (Review)

Note:  My book reviews have been scattered throughout many forums (depending on the type of book) and I have decided consolidate them all here.  That was, after all, the original reason for the blog--no, I take that back, it was the secondary reason, but the primary reason has long-since evaporated. 

Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis by Lauren Winner

This is a book I am going to have to muse over for a while before I know what I think.  It is a thoughtfully and beautifully written account of the recent crisis of faith and of life that she found herself facing. I identified with some of the aspects of her feeling of facing a wall and of wondering what she really believed. I think this happens to many Christians--especially those who don't have the courage to talk through these issues with their friends.  Talking about this does require a large measure of courage because some people are very quick to give pat answers when one of their own questions their faith.

Now for spoilers:  Her descriptions of depression, anxiety attacks and OCD behavior left me wondering whether her original crisis was more a mental health issue that left her feeling unsure of her spiritual foundations.  I am not downplaying the spiritual aspect, but if an anti-depressant left her feeling like her old self (albeit with unacceptable side effects), perhaps she should consider finding a better medication while she works through this with a good therapist, rather than avoiding medication entirely. I hope that doesn't sound snarky, because I mean it in all seriousness.  When a person's life is impaired by the need to repeatedly check on whether the stove is off, or has the inability to get up off the floor, this is not necessarily a crisis of faith, but more likely a crisis of mental well-being.  That being said, I pray for God's blessing on Lauren's life and His guidance on whatever help she needs to walk through this time.  

Faith and Pop Culture

Sometimes I feel like I too easily accept whatever entertainment the culture sends my way—although my kids may feel that I am a too-strict guardian about what comes into my house. I struggle to know where to draw the line. Faith and Pop Culture, part of the Christianity Today Study Series, examines various aspects of today’s entertainment culture, from movies, videogames and TV to books and sports. I am always looking for books for my small group to study together and this eight-week study is one I will definitely suggest. Faith and Pop Culture begins each chapter with an essay or article about the week’s topic. Readers then reflect on their views about such entertainment as violent video games, for example. I love that readers are directed toward scripture in order to clarify their beliefs and are challenged to put them into practice. It makes me reconsider what I watch, read, listen to, etc. Recently I noticed that a Wii videogame we play (rated for ages 10 and up) had characters swearing and giving the crowd the finger when they won. I didn't even notice for the first few times I played. Do we give away the game, or just turn down the volume and opt to not play the player with the rude gestures? Why is it so hard to just toss the game?