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The Last Word and the Word after That: A Tale of Faith, Doubt, and a New Kind of Christianity
For all those seeking more authentic ways to hold and practice Christian faith, Brian McLaren has been an inspiring, compassionate—and provocative—voice. Starting with the award-winning A New Kind of Christian, McLaren offered a lively, wide-ranging fictional conversation between Pastor Dan Poole and his friend Neil Oliver as they reflected about faith, doubt, reason, mission, leadership, and spiritual practice in the emerging postmodern world. That conversation widened to include several intriguing new characters in the sequel, The Story We Find Ourselves In, as Dan and friends continued to explore faith-stretching themes from evolution to evangelism, from death to the meaning of life. Now, in this third installment of their adventures, Dan and his widening circle of friends grapple with conventional Christian teachings about hell and judgment and what they mean for our relationship with God and each other. Is there an alternative to the usual polar views of a just God short on mercy or a merciful God short on justice? Could our conflicted views of hell be symptoms of a deeper set of problems – misunderstandings about what God’s justice and mercy are about, misconceptions about God’s purpose in creating the world, deep misgivings about what kind of character God is and what the Christian gospel is for?
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 8, 2005
16 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Brian D. McLaren
127 books553 followersBrian D. McLaren is an internationally known speaker and the author of over ten highly acclaimed books on contemporary Christianity, including A New Kind of Christian, A Generous Orthodoxy, and The Secret Message of Jesus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 28, 2019
Glad I read through this trilogy this year. If only more people from my background were asking questions like this, I really think Christianity would still be considered a viable worldview by a lot more people. From a purely historical perspective, it was super interesting to learn about the development of Hell / judgment from the divine as an idea for all religions and Judaism/Christianity in particular. Not my favorite of the three, but still an enjoyable, informative read.
December 20, 2024
Controversial stuff, yet at the same time oddly reassuring.
In his slightly strange 'creative non-fiction' style, McLaren gently introduces doubts about the conservative evangelical viewpoint of hell - the kind of thing that many of us have puzzled about over the years. Featuring the pastor Dan - who, McLaren declares, really isn't himself - his friend Neil, and a host of other interesting characters, the history and theology of hell are discussed at length.
There's room for disagreement. At one point Dan bemoans the fact that if he figures out how to help his daughter Jess in her understanding, he will upset his wife Carol, who continues in a fairly conservative exclusivist viewpoint. And there's also room for a great deal of thinking and pondering, and searching of the Scriptures.
Whatever the truth - or otherwise - of hell, many excellent points are made about the importance of living for Christ, of caring about justice on earth, of showing love and kindness to all. It's powerful stuff, leaving open as many questions as it answers.
The fiction part is rather lightweight, more a vehicle for the theology and history than anything else, but it works. And, in my view, is very readable.
Highly recommended if you don't mind the 'creative non-fiction' style, and are interested in exploring the various theories and points of view related to hell, with a historical and Scriptural background.
Latest longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
In his slightly strange 'creative non-fiction' style, McLaren gently introduces doubts about the conservative evangelical viewpoint of hell - the kind of thing that many of us have puzzled about over the years. Featuring the pastor Dan - who, McLaren declares, really isn't himself - his friend Neil, and a host of other interesting characters, the history and theology of hell are discussed at length.
There's room for disagreement. At one point Dan bemoans the fact that if he figures out how to help his daughter Jess in her understanding, he will upset his wife Carol, who continues in a fairly conservative exclusivist viewpoint. And there's also room for a great deal of thinking and pondering, and searching of the Scriptures.
Whatever the truth - or otherwise - of hell, many excellent points are made about the importance of living for Christ, of caring about justice on earth, of showing love and kindness to all. It's powerful stuff, leaving open as many questions as it answers.
The fiction part is rather lightweight, more a vehicle for the theology and history than anything else, but it works. And, in my view, is very readable.
Highly recommended if you don't mind the 'creative non-fiction' style, and are interested in exploring the various theories and points of view related to hell, with a historical and Scriptural background.
Latest longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
April 16, 2024
Reach out to me so I can ramble about how good this book was.
It helped me comprehend the paradox that Jesus was killed for being so inclusive and loving to everyone yet Christianity is known for being exclusive
I have so many questions about God and doubts but I loved this book’s perspective and new way of explaining faith
It helped me comprehend the paradox that Jesus was killed for being so inclusive and loving to everyone yet Christianity is known for being exclusive
I have so many questions about God and doubts but I loved this book’s perspective and new way of explaining faith
December 9, 2023
A safe book for those with questions.
May 10, 2012
This is the final book in McLaren's trilogy "A New Kind of Christian". Of the three, this was my favorite. His discussion of hell, what it means to be saved, how we live out the gospel (which he argues, is not 'going to heaven when I die' but living in the Kingdom of God now and eternally) and what it means to be 'church' were all very helpful in my own thinking and faith. It will not be a book for all people, but it certainly provides good fodder for conversation, for challenging one's own convictions and for seeing faith through a different set of lens.
February 5, 2012
Best one of the series, ties it all together and introduces some great new characters.
February 1, 2024
Setting expository material in the midst of a compelling story is a great way to maintain the readers interest and convey information.
McLaren does a great job wrestling with the inconsistencies of a traditional conservative Christian view of hell and God and exploring other possibilities. My experience is that if one is to continue to be transformed and grow as a follower of Christ, one has to continually deconstruct their views of God and theology and be open to letting go of what others have taught and to approach scripture and their experience of God with a fresh perspective. Otherwise you’re just following a man-made idol in your image of God and arrogantly thinking you or whoever you’ve been listening to has it all figured out with no mistakes.
McLaren handily helps us to do that in this book.
McLaren does a great job wrestling with the inconsistencies of a traditional conservative Christian view of hell and God and exploring other possibilities. My experience is that if one is to continue to be transformed and grow as a follower of Christ, one has to continually deconstruct their views of God and theology and be open to letting go of what others have taught and to approach scripture and their experience of God with a fresh perspective. Otherwise you’re just following a man-made idol in your image of God and arrogantly thinking you or whoever you’ve been listening to has it all figured out with no mistakes.
McLaren handily helps us to do that in this book.
January 7, 2020
A very worthwhile read, even if I ultimately go beyond McLaren's view that evangelism is something that can or should be salvaged and preserved. In fact, the aspects of the book that make the most sense to me are ones that point toward the ultimate flaws that leave no legs on which evangelism can stand.
June 16, 2017
By far the best book in the trilogy. Gave me so many things to think about and ponder and changed many of my views on hell.
August 2, 2019
Thought provoking, encouraging, challenging, helpful, lots to think about, reflect on and pray through
March 18, 2020
Like his other fiction books 5 for content and ideas but 2 for writing. Still the book is inspiring.
March 21, 2023
Very interesting and I think the best book in the trilogy.
February 7, 2024
Read in 2006 when I was starting to deconstruct my Christian faith. It hit close to home and was encouraging and informative. In 2024 and as an atheist, I don't think it would do much for me. But I'll always appreciate Brian McLaren for his part in my journey.
August 5, 2011
In this very well written work of "creative nonfiction," McLaren provides thinking, questioning, and open minded Christians--evangelicals in particular--with a very helpful treatment on the topic of hell. I especially appreciated learning much more about the cultural and historical context on the subject within Scripture as well as how the church and various Christian scholars have understood hell as well.
Additionally, within the context of a very well written story, McLaren also does an outstanding job of having his readers contemplate a new--actually more ancient--and broader view of salvation as well as God's purposes for all of creation and its creatures since the beginning, i.e. the missio dei or mission of God.
Although the characters are fictional, their experiences, feelings, and struggles are quite real and familiar . . . especially to evangelicals who question and struggle with and question certain beliefs, but hesitate to share them for fear of judgment and exclusion from their "church family." However, I suspect that if people felt safe enough to honestly and openly share their thoughts and questions, we would discover that many more people than we might expect would admit such doubts and struggles.
Hopefully, many will read this book and begin conversations with others within their faith communities as well. Perhaps as more of us begin openly discussing these important and essential matters to the life and work of Christ's body, the Church, churches will increasingly become the loving, accepting, welcoming, and safe communities which reflect and witness to God's redemptive love and desire for shalom.
Additionally, within the context of a very well written story, McLaren also does an outstanding job of having his readers contemplate a new--actually more ancient--and broader view of salvation as well as God's purposes for all of creation and its creatures since the beginning, i.e. the missio dei or mission of God.
Although the characters are fictional, their experiences, feelings, and struggles are quite real and familiar . . . especially to evangelicals who question and struggle with and question certain beliefs, but hesitate to share them for fear of judgment and exclusion from their "church family." However, I suspect that if people felt safe enough to honestly and openly share their thoughts and questions, we would discover that many more people than we might expect would admit such doubts and struggles.
Hopefully, many will read this book and begin conversations with others within their faith communities as well. Perhaps as more of us begin openly discussing these important and essential matters to the life and work of Christ's body, the Church, churches will increasingly become the loving, accepting, welcoming, and safe communities which reflect and witness to God's redemptive love and desire for shalom.
July 18, 2016
+5 stars for its humanist message. -2 stars for its theistic message.
You're right, Mr. McLaren. It is awful to terrify your kids into subordination using imagery of hellfire and eternal torture. Bravo for joining the rest of us.
It's nice to see that some Christians understand what their savior--either the son of their god or their god himself--is trying to say. If only more Christians could put their politics aside and come to the same conclusion: we are all we have and we need each other if we hope to make things bearable, or even great, for everyone. Unfortunately, I don't think those entrenched in conservativism are so easily swayed. Otherwise the latest Pope wouldn't be causing a stir.
There were plenty of lines that made me cringe, but it's more than a good start, anyway. There's hope for humanity yet.
As far as the book itself, it's entertaining. I enjoyed the various dialogues, for the most part. It could have used another pass from its editor,though. I don't think it was particularly well written, but it was sufficient to get its point across.
It's too bad that so many cling to faith and can't experience wonder and awe at reality and nature without the help of a supernatural being that seems to just sit on the sidelines and watch its creation fall apart. I don't believe in miracles, but there's definitely something wonderful about humanity and I hope more people are able to realize that in the future.
We can be good without gods.
You're right, Mr. McLaren. It is awful to terrify your kids into subordination using imagery of hellfire and eternal torture. Bravo for joining the rest of us.
It's nice to see that some Christians understand what their savior--either the son of their god or their god himself--is trying to say. If only more Christians could put their politics aside and come to the same conclusion: we are all we have and we need each other if we hope to make things bearable, or even great, for everyone. Unfortunately, I don't think those entrenched in conservativism are so easily swayed. Otherwise the latest Pope wouldn't be causing a stir.
There were plenty of lines that made me cringe, but it's more than a good start, anyway. There's hope for humanity yet.
As far as the book itself, it's entertaining. I enjoyed the various dialogues, for the most part. It could have used another pass from its editor,though. I don't think it was particularly well written, but it was sufficient to get its point across.
It's too bad that so many cling to faith and can't experience wonder and awe at reality and nature without the help of a supernatural being that seems to just sit on the sidelines and watch its creation fall apart. I don't believe in miracles, but there's definitely something wonderful about humanity and I hope more people are able to realize that in the future.
We can be good without gods.
February 27, 2011
The best book, I think, in the New Kind of Christian series. McLaren's fiction has gotten much better (and perhaps therefore more believable) since his first book. But more importantly, the thoughts encompassed in this finale are an important capstone to the building McLaren has been constructing through the first two books.
One item of confusion (contention?) for me was the use of quotes from Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy at the beginning of each chapter. (By coincidence, I was finishing off the Paridiso after months of trudging through that work at the same time I was reading Last Word.) The quotes seemed quite out of context in McLaren's use, and rather unnecessary overall. It wasn't until I read the commentary at the end of the book that I realized (to my shame) that McLaren intended a certain parallelism between Divine Comedy and Pastor Dan's travels from the very beginning of the book. Dan's journal entry is reflective of the opening canto of Divine Comedy. (And I, who had just been reading it, didn't even realize it!)
I especially appreciated the inclusion of McLaren's commentary on his own book. It was helpful to realize that even Neo, the superChristian, doesn't get everything correct, according to the author.
I look forward to reading some of McLaren's latest writing and seeing where he is going with his new kind of Christianity.
One item of confusion (contention?) for me was the use of quotes from Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy at the beginning of each chapter. (By coincidence, I was finishing off the Paridiso after months of trudging through that work at the same time I was reading Last Word.) The quotes seemed quite out of context in McLaren's use, and rather unnecessary overall. It wasn't until I read the commentary at the end of the book that I realized (to my shame) that McLaren intended a certain parallelism between Divine Comedy and Pastor Dan's travels from the very beginning of the book. Dan's journal entry is reflective of the opening canto of Divine Comedy. (And I, who had just been reading it, didn't even realize it!)
I especially appreciated the inclusion of McLaren's commentary on his own book. It was helpful to realize that even Neo, the superChristian, doesn't get everything correct, according to the author.
I look forward to reading some of McLaren's latest writing and seeing where he is going with his new kind of Christianity.
August 15, 2014
McLaren wraps up his New Kind of Christian trilogy with a volume that focuses on what it means to be "saved," to follow Jesus, to face judgment, and to believe (or not) in an afterlife, specifically focusing on the doctrine of hell.
As with the two preceding books in the set, McLaren has chosen the genre of "creative non-fiction," as he calls it: most of the theology is unpacked via the characters' conversations about the main ideas, and the same characters demonstrate the relative praxis through the ins and outs of the story.
The ideas McLaren espouses come as a breath of fresh air to some of today's evangelicals who have become disillusioned with the current direction of the evangelical movement, namely interpretations of Scripture that reinforce western consumerism and empire thinking. The dominant thread seems to be that whatever our nuanced beliefs are about judgment, hell, and salvation, they are no good if they cause us to focus on the afterlife instead of working for love and justice for all in this life.
As with the two preceding books in the set, McLaren has chosen the genre of "creative non-fiction," as he calls it: most of the theology is unpacked via the characters' conversations about the main ideas, and the same characters demonstrate the relative praxis through the ins and outs of the story.
The ideas McLaren espouses come as a breath of fresh air to some of today's evangelicals who have become disillusioned with the current direction of the evangelical movement, namely interpretations of Scripture that reinforce western consumerism and empire thinking. The dominant thread seems to be that whatever our nuanced beliefs are about judgment, hell, and salvation, they are no good if they cause us to focus on the afterlife instead of working for love and justice for all in this life.
June 27, 2013
Again...excellent, simply excellent. The last word is always love, and the word after that is always love. A powerful and thought provoking book about our concept of Hell and what this means for the church. Brian takes us through history and theology in the midst of friendship and relationships. This book represents a beautiful picture of reconciliation, of forgiveness and of love for God and for others and for all of creation. But this poem from the book is simply to brilliant, profound and beautiful not to share...
Scripture ends in a marriage.
This is the end to which all
Things tend, the end which makes all
Things new. Marriage unites, but
In its fire, true love does not
Consume. Selfishness burns. All
That makes love ignites, makes ash.
But faith, hope, love survive. Love
Is the last, best word, the end
Into which all will bend, and
Then begin again. The next
Word and the new will be love
As well: for love never ends
And in love all are made, yes,
Friends.
Scripture ends in a marriage.
This is the end to which all
Things tend, the end which makes all
Things new. Marriage unites, but
In its fire, true love does not
Consume. Selfishness burns. All
That makes love ignites, makes ash.
But faith, hope, love survive. Love
Is the last, best word, the end
Into which all will bend, and
Then begin again. The next
Word and the new will be love
As well: for love never ends
And in love all are made, yes,
Friends.
May 23, 2018
Not so much about hell as it is about the nature of God's character, the gospel and how we should live it out. Startling, imaginative, unsettling, inspiring, entertaining, and thought-provoking. I wish Mclaren would have incorporated more about Paul's understanding of salvation and the rest of the New Testament (not only focusing on Jesus and the gospels), although he briefly touches on this. A great finale to the trilogy! Probably equal to the first book (A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey and definitely better than the second (The Story We Find Ourselves in: Further Adventures of a New Kind of Christian.
April 18, 2011
The book was good for me to read to learn different ideas about hell but I wasn't a fan of his creative non-fiction. This is where he came up with a fictional story that deal with real topics. Sounded like a fiction book to me. It seemed to be this guy who was unhappy with his stale faith until he met these people who do things differently than him. When he prayed with them, it was amazing. When he spoke with them, he was enlightened by their words.
To me, he seemed to be pushing the idea that the new "emergent" church is inline with God and everyone else isn't.
Besides that, I did like the story line of hell to give me different ideas but this is only the beginning for me to be reading on this topic!
I further read "Love Wins" by Rob Bell and I plan on getting "The Great Divorce" by CS Lewis!
To me, he seemed to be pushing the idea that the new "emergent" church is inline with God and everyone else isn't.
Besides that, I did like the story line of hell to give me different ideas but this is only the beginning for me to be reading on this topic!
I further read "Love Wins" by Rob Bell and I plan on getting "The Great Divorce" by CS Lewis!
November 16, 2009
This book provided an excellent treatment on the topic of hell and eternal punishment. Many sides of the debate were handled with no single one coming out as the one that was "officially" supported by the author. It left me feeling like I was prepared to ask the questions on my own mind and soul rather than providing the answers that the author felt I needed to have, which is a rare treat when it comes to books dealing with such significant topics.
I'll probably read it again, along with some of N.T. Wright's work regarding the issue of hell as Christ preached it during His earthly ministry.
I'll probably read it again, along with some of N.T. Wright's work regarding the issue of hell as Christ preached it during His earthly ministry.
May 13, 2007
In this third book in a trilogy by McLaren, he takes a hard look at the place of evil in the world. It's the question that plagues anyone of faith: if we live in a world run by a good and loving God, what do we do with evil, judgement and hell? I have gained so much by all three of his books in this series, because he's not afraid to ask hard questions and look for answers that move us past sunday school, regurgitated churchianity. If you're tired of the worn out company line, don't just read this book; read all three.
September 24, 2009
This book, like the others in the series are quite incredible. Although McLaren is not exactly the best fiction writer, there are so many rich moments in these books that bring up points which cause you to stop and think. This ability more than makes up for the story, which seems to lack in some points and drag on with parts that don't really seem necessary. Overall, I would say that there is much that can be learned from this series, and it is a shame that many refuse to read it and solely criticize him because he can be controversial at times.
January 27, 2008
In a continuing of the "New Kind of Christian" series, McLaren chooses to end his monologue in a difficult discussion of Hell. Because of the volatile nature of the subject, many will be repulsed by McLaren's seemingly flippant conclusion. Regardless of your opinion on his theology regarding Hell, this is a very intellectually stimulating book, though the average reader might get bogged down at times. The key here is reading slowly. The more discussion the better. Bring a friend for this one.
December 13, 2011
I wonder what the author's point of view is.
From page 179:
"Scripture ends in a marriage.
This is the end to which all
Things tend, the end which makes all
Things new. Marriage unites, but
In its fire, true love does not
Consume. Selfishness burns. All
That mars love ignites, makes ash.
But faith, hope, love survive. Love
Is the last, best word, the end
Into which all will bend, and
Then begin again. The next
Word and the new will be love
As well: for love never ends
And in love all are made, yes,
Friends.
From page 179:
"Scripture ends in a marriage.
This is the end to which all
Things tend, the end which makes all
Things new. Marriage unites, but
In its fire, true love does not
Consume. Selfishness burns. All
That mars love ignites, makes ash.
But faith, hope, love survive. Love
Is the last, best word, the end
Into which all will bend, and
Then begin again. The next
Word and the new will be love
As well: for love never ends
And in love all are made, yes,
Friends.
September 14, 2011
This was a pretty good way to wrap up this series of stories, and round out the character development.
The exploration of the concept of hell is pretty satisfying, but unfortunately it doesn't go much further. This book would have been stronger if it had included further exploration of the afterlife in general - there are just as many misconceptions about what the Bible says about heaven as about hell, yet this book doesn't do much in that area. Too controversial?
To fill in, I recommend NT Wright's "Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church".
The exploration of the concept of hell is pretty satisfying, but unfortunately it doesn't go much further. This book would have been stronger if it had included further exploration of the afterlife in general - there are just as many misconceptions about what the Bible says about heaven as about hell, yet this book doesn't do much in that area. Too controversial?
To fill in, I recommend NT Wright's "Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church".
March 23, 2014
This was a great book about understanding the many views of Hell, and ultimately that where we are going when we die isn't really the most important question to ask. I really enjoyed this "creative nonfiction" style a la Plato's dialogues. Except here Sophocles isn't a pompous guy and whoever he is conversing with isn't an idiot. It was basically a fictional conversation that condensed a lot of scholarship into easy to understand chunks. This book is the last of a trilogy but can also stand alone; however, I think I'll be checking out the first two books now.
February 4, 2009
A brave and honest book on a subject that I suspect many people would rather avoid: the question of what happens to nonChristians when they die. I strongly recommend reading with an open mind. McLaren does an excellent job of presenting the whole range of current theological views, as well as a historic overview of the subject. Enlightening and thought-provoking, and written in his engaging "creative nonfiction" style.
February 20, 2011
The fiction in this was terrible -- the characters were shallow, stereo typical and I found them incredibly annoying. HOWEVER, I also found the discussions to be very interesting and thought-provoking and found this to be a clever way to teach history and instill a birds eye view of theology based upon the history of the church vs scriptural understanding. Clarified some questions, raised some more and pointed me towards more resources for continuing to study.
September 4, 2011
Having never read Brian McLaren before, I wasn't sure what to expect. This work definitely made me think, and think about things in a new way. It was well-written, and he used a story format to relay his theological discussions - a great way to read it and grapple with it.
This isn't a book I'd pass on to anyone, especially someone early in their Christian faith. It's certainly a book I'd like to discuss with someone!
This isn't a book I'd pass on to anyone, especially someone early in their Christian faith. It's certainly a book I'd like to discuss with someone!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews