Sorry, I thought I had posted this several weeks back, but obviously didn't...
This post is part of a weekly series based on Patrick Nachtigall's new book, Mosaic: A Journey Across the Church of God. You are invited to read the book along with me and contribute to the discussion in the comments.
We have finally reached the very end of the book. Nachtigall's journey ends where it started, at the South Dakota cemetery where some of his ancestor's lie. But, this time he projects himself in the future talking with his own son about the state of the Church of God at that time. Patrick's son observes that "'Maybe it's because we all love the church so much that we want to hold onto it with all our might in our own little way'' (256)
While the epilogue is a fitting and effective literary conclusion, the ending leaves me wanting more. Throughout Mosaic Nachtigall has taken us on a fascinating journey across the Church of God and has exposed us to the tremendous diversity that is among us. But, in his effort to narrate the journey he has been careful, perhaps too careful, not to offer in-depth assessments, critique and solutions for what he observes. If the epilogue was the true terminus the book would be a disappointment. But, fortunately he provides us a 28 page appendix where he ventures beyond being a mere observer and allows himself to speak much more frankly with his own thoughts and opinions.
Reading Mosaic without the appendix not only leaves one dissatisfied but it prevents the type of discussion that we must have, facing the realities of who we are currently as a movement. I just wish Nachtigall would have been more bold to state his ideas, without having to almost apologetically relegate them to the appendix. He has very valuable contributions to make and it is important that he is heard.
In any case, the appendix is full of excellent analysis and proposals written in a Q & A format. There are also some notable phrases worth quoting, especially this one:
"The biggest discovery of my journey was that in many ways we are more relevant today than in the nineteenth century; we just don't see it." (265)
Perhaps this says it all. The Church of God has a tremendous heritage and a strong message, but we have allowed our diversity to be a stumbling block that is preventing us from reaching our full potential. I believe that Mosaic reminds us that our many differences should be celebrated and that we have an opportunity to rise above them to truly demonstrate Christ to world.
Thank you, Patrick!
This post is part of a weekly series based on Patrick Nachtigall's new book, Mosaic: A Journey Across the Church of God. You are invited to read the book along with me and contribute to the discussion in the comments.
We have finally reached the very end of the book. Nachtigall's journey ends where it started, at the South Dakota cemetery where some of his ancestor's lie. But, this time he projects himself in the future talking with his own son about the state of the Church of God at that time. Patrick's son observes that "'Maybe it's because we all love the church so much that we want to hold onto it with all our might in our own little way'' (256)
While the epilogue is a fitting and effective literary conclusion, the ending leaves me wanting more. Throughout Mosaic Nachtigall has taken us on a fascinating journey across the Church of God and has exposed us to the tremendous diversity that is among us. But, in his effort to narrate the journey he has been careful, perhaps too careful, not to offer in-depth assessments, critique and solutions for what he observes. If the epilogue was the true terminus the book would be a disappointment. But, fortunately he provides us a 28 page appendix where he ventures beyond being a mere observer and allows himself to speak much more frankly with his own thoughts and opinions.
Reading Mosaic without the appendix not only leaves one dissatisfied but it prevents the type of discussion that we must have, facing the realities of who we are currently as a movement. I just wish Nachtigall would have been more bold to state his ideas, without having to almost apologetically relegate them to the appendix. He has very valuable contributions to make and it is important that he is heard.
In any case, the appendix is full of excellent analysis and proposals written in a Q & A format. There are also some notable phrases worth quoting, especially this one:
"The biggest discovery of my journey was that in many ways we are more relevant today than in the nineteenth century; we just don't see it." (265)
Perhaps this says it all. The Church of God has a tremendous heritage and a strong message, but we have allowed our diversity to be a stumbling block that is preventing us from reaching our full potential. I believe that Mosaic reminds us that our many differences should be celebrated and that we have an opportunity to rise above them to truly demonstrate Christ to world.
Thank you, Patrick!
