rachel held evans evolving in monkey town

My concern is to raise questions about how we as Christian educators might approach issues of doubt and faith with students.Ed Larson holds the Hugh and Hazel Darling Chair in Law and is University Professor of History at Pepperdine University. My point in this review is not to critique the maturity/comprehensive nature of her thinking or her theology-I will leave that to others more qualified. Her thinking has obviously resonated with her readers, as this book was on the New York Times best-seller list.

What I appreciate is not only this humility, but also her ability to so clearly articulate the questions and the issues Christians face in the faith development process. She is clear in stating that she is not writing this book because she has it all together, but as a seeker on the journey. In the preface to her book, Evans makes clear via a number of cautions to the reader that her journey is ongoing thus she deflects reader criticism from the outset. This type of discussion is not optional if we desire to be true to the missions of our schools. I believe this book is important reading for those of us who are educators: We should have strong and intense conversations with each other and the parents of our students about how we handle issues of faith and doubt with our students. Second, I chose this book because of Evans’s honesty about her journey of trying to own her faith, asking tough questions, and then coming to a point of peace and trust without all the answers in hand. I am proud to say I had nine years of perfect attendance at Sunday school and the most extensive tract collection that I knew of until I met my wife! Some of us were raised in very similar ways to her experience growing up, but as “Reformed fundamentalists,” characterized by a heavier dose of law than grace that manifested itself via legalistic Sunday observance, an emphasis on obedience, and strict church attendance.

First, I believe that readers will be able to relate to Evans’s story. I chose to review this book for a variety of reasons. The book feels more like a conversation at a coffee shop with a friend Evans writes in an open and refreshingly honest style. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010.Įvolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans is a book that is a joy to read. Evolving in Monkey Town: How a Girl Who Knew All the Answers Learned the Ask the Questions.

Rachel held evans evolving in monkey town