BOOK REVIEW: UNCOMFORTABLE (BRETT MCCRACKEN)
There is a very real temptation within the church to idealize and dream of the “perfect” church community. I myself have often been plagued by this. And those of us who are prone to this often find that any real church community falls far short of the dreams we have. The reality of real relationships and community is often far more painful, disappointing, and dramatic than we might want to admit. In fact, we might even find, and try to suppress, the truth that our ideals of a perfect community often get in the way of the real thing.
This is a classic, ever-present struggle within all church life, and it is given full focus in Uncomfortable by Brett McCracken. In this book, McCracken guides us through all of the necessary discomfort that comes with being a Christian, and in loving people like Jesus. He establishes a foundation of reminding us that Jesus specifically calls us all to sacrifice and the giving of our very lives. Comfort, by definition, should not be our goal. And so we should not be surprised when the Christian life he has called us to is markedly uncomfortable.
This book takes us on a journey through all of the examples in Scripture of people being called to hard, sacrificial things. The author connects this to our current experience by laying out a vision of shunning fake authenticity and pursuing the truly uncomfortable reality of living as a Christian in the world. And this holy living brings with it the commands to love one another, which is a thoroughly selfless act of sacrifice, not just a satisfying feeling. This foundation of a commitment to the uncomfortable, in the service of loving God and others well, is what real Christian community ought to be built upon. And McCracken guides the reader through a vision of how to apply this to the local church. Guidance is given on loving people despite their quirks and flaws, on championing real diversity, honoring spiritual authority, and fighting for unity amidst countless disagreements. Overall, the message is one of rejecting “consumer” Christianity for one of genuine commitment and service to the community of the local church.
These are truths and messages that many of us here at Paradox, and in most churches, can deeply benefit from. McCracken approaches all of this in a very readable and approachable style that feels conversational and pastoral. Not only this, but he is deeply vulnerable about his own struggles with the very things he is teaching. It makes for a great resource to explore the depths of our calling to community within the church, and it is a special encouragement in the difficult moments that real relationships are bound to bring.