Called to Be Human

Continuing the Christian tradition of wisdom imparted through letters, Michael Jinkins here explores big questions of life and faith that challenge people of all ages, especially young adults. Written as a series of letters to the author's own adult children, Called to Be Human resonates at once with the "mere Christianity" of C. S. Lewis and the topical relevance of Anne Lamott. ??Readers will find in these pages startling insights illuminating our contemporary experience as human beings, whether Christian or not. Conversing throughout with an amazing range of thinkers and writers - Calvin, Bonhoeffer, Lewis, Flannery O'Connor, Rumi, and Frederick Buechner, to name just a few - Jinkins doesn't hesitate to share his own frustrations with some aspects of the church, including the failure of many Christians to examine what they believe. Eloquent, edgy, and honest, Called to Be Human offers well-written, accessible, surprising food for thought.
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Publisher Description

In this manual for living the Christian -- and therefore a truly human -- life, Michael Jinkins explores so-called Big Questions that challenge people of all ages: What is it to be human? Why am I here? What can I believe in? How should I invest my life? / Readers will find here arresting insights illuminating our contemporary human experience. Through these letters written to his own adult children, Jinkins converses with a startling range of thinkers and writers -- from Calvin to Rumi -- and offers searching, loving testimony to his own faith. In doing so, he is critical not only of "religion" and the church but also of mere vapid "spirituality." Frank, pungent, and at times humorous, Called to Be Human offers vital food for thought -- and for authentic Christian living. / "Have you ever seen faith get passed from one generation to the next? I have. Here. In this book -- this edgy, honest, makes-you-cry-because-it's-so-true book -- Michael Jinkins passes his Christian faith along to his children, Jeremy and Jessica. Thank God, he's allowed us to look over their shoulders and read along. Called to Be Human confirms the stature of Michael Jinkins as the C. S. Lewis of our time." -- Scott Black Johnston / Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York / "In Called to Be Human Michael Jinkins wrangles with profound questions that so many young adults face -- the terrifying beauty of death, the staggering complexities of evil, and the bewildering pursuit of vocation. Yet what makes this book so wise and powerful is not just its subject matter but, even more, that these words are wrapped in the unmistakable affection of a father who loves deeply." -- Carol Howard Merritt / Western Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C.