I selected this book on the recommendation of a friend… with less exciting results than my previous week’s entry, I’m afraid. This is not a reflection on my friend or his taste in books.
Pollster George Barna has become somewhat famous for giving us the facts… just the facts. He has helped millions become more aware of cultural trends and also given pastors the ability to sound much more intelligent than we really are – quoting statistics does wonders that way.
Disappointingly absent from this submission are the same cold hard facts that Barna is so known for producing. His recent offering is rife with conjecture and devoid of a single footnote.
The essence of the book makes it plain that the Church has totally missed the mark and as such will implode upon herself. While Barna makes some accurate (and at times, stinging) criticisms, the book rings of opinion and preference.
The saddest fact of all (pun intended) is that if the Church does not listen to some of these types of warnings… there is a 100% chance that we will begin to feel the weight of Barna’s speculative musings.
re:THINK 
there was a great article from his site or his eletter that had some great things to say. I like that he said these things. In many ways he has exemplified the epidimy of the modern church…stats, messurable, tangible, it can all be “programed, catagorized and easily referanced”[Fox Maulder]. I just hope that enough people that are Barna fans will heed his warnings. I think it can be more influential when a Baby Boomer says stuff like this. wait…was I talking just then?
I liked Barna’s book. I think every Church leader should read this book. No, I don’t agree with everything he says. But, like Randy sort of expressed, I’m glad he’s saying the things he’s saying. The brilliant part of Revolution, in my humble opinion, is Barna’s encouragement to church leaders to rediscover the passions of the early believers, which the Church today has seemed to lose sight of in the consumer culture we live in. Barna’s book has inspired me to continue asking, “What can I give?” and not “What can I get?”
Barna’s book has encouraged me to keep resting in God’s hands and not trying to put Him in mine. It’s resting in God’s hands where these passions are rediscovered.
Two thumbs up from me for Revolution!
jg
I don’t agree with everything George says, but I think he helps us see what “church” culture is evolving into. I believe that one of the things he is trying to awake church leadership to is the fact that this generation is sick and tired of “playing” church. I believe that this generation wants something real and worth living for.