tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31105118.post7089411748662504413..comments2023-09-12T08:47:06.615-04:00Comments on Naru Hodo: At the Heart of the Gospel by Christopher WestMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04500724701139176293noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31105118.post-67546944859184537472012-06-24T08:37:58.994-04:002012-06-24T08:37:58.994-04:00Just stumbled across this post and your related ot...Just stumbled across this post and your related other one and couldn't agree more. Thank you for your honesty. <br /><br />I think about these questions often too and would suggest the best way to effectively reach people with the unconditional love of God for each of us (which is ultimately the message of the TOB) is to just live it daily ... "preach often, use words when necessary" ... make a gift of ourselves whenever possible ... try to love unconditionally... let others glimpse a joy that goes far beyond the pity and shame that so many of us carry around and struggle with... not necessarily theological debates, but showing love and mercy to those around us so that their hearts are prompted and reminded of a greater love and joy that draws us out of ourselves. I think this is why Christopher is so effective particularly at reaching young people. They are trying to find their way through a pornographic culture and, deep in their hearts, they know it's wrong but they may not have the support to keep them focused on true love and joy. Then they hear Christopher talk or read one of his books or do a DVD series and they realize they are not alone. They can feel the ongoing transformation of God's love in Christopher's life that you don't get at so many apologetics talks (even though they can help). They get a glimpse of something greater and it changes their lives and gives them the courage to live this wonderful, countercultural faith in a very hostile environment because, no matter how persecution they may get from peers, they remain fixed on this greater joy. And if they fall, there is the amazing sacrament of reconciliation for Catholics that focuses us right back on that joy and mercy. This is one of the reasons why I am so thankful for Christopher's works, because they challenge me in a way unlike other theological books I've read. Chapter 7 ("The Way of Beauty") in "At the Heart of the Gospel" is one of the most inspiring, beautiful things I've read. In fact, I'm going to re-read it now. Thanks again for sharing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com