The Agnostic Pentecostal

I met Becky Garrison a few years ago in the Bahamas at Soularize, a sort of postmodern Christian anti-conference. I was the director of a faith-based site at the time, and she was touring with her then-new book, The New Atheist Crusaders. We grabbed dinner and conversation a couple times in Nassau, I interviewed her about her book (I’ll post the video some time), and we’ve kept in touch ever since.

One thing you must know about Becky is that she will tell you what’s on her mind. She’s not the type to mince words, which is a refreshing change from the too-typical Christian passive aggression. And her books reflect her edge. So if you’re ever in doubt as to whether there’s anyone in Christendom that doesn’t play into the “Let’s talk nice and then I’ll condemn you behind your back” bullshit, Becky is an author you should look into.

Becky’s latest book, Jesus Died for This? A Satirists Search for the Risen Christ covers a lot of rhetorical territory. It combines confessional, memoir, rant and wise guidance into one package that’s approachable both for Christians and non-. While Becky is a satirist, one of rare breed in Christian circles, this latest work of hers seems more personal and less ranty than her other books, and I like that. It’s still edgy but not as angry and is more reflective, showing Becky’s softer side.

And in my opinion this book really illustrates how wise Becky is. How she’s not just eternally angst-ridden, as some critics have perceived her. She has very deep experience under what some may see as an impenetrable shell of sarcasm, so she often doesn’t get as much credit as she deserves for her wise perspective on spirituality.

And Jesus Died for This gives more glimpses of her maturity as a writer and a truth-seeker than previous works. She digs into the problems that she sees as holding Christianity back from real relevance in people’s lives and puts the spotlight on important issues, but also shares deeply personal stories that explain why she feels so passionately about the topics.

While she was in town taking part in my Is Religion Worth It? event, we had the chance to hang out and talk about her book, and this short exchange I think covers the heart of it:

Q: You discuss a lot of topics in Jesus Died for This, like war, commercialism, activism, hypocrisy and others that share what I read to be a common, pervasive feeling in the book: frustration. Can you describe what is for you the biggest frustration you have with Christianity today that caused you to write the book? And what do you see is a possible solution for that problem? So…What’s that one thing you wish you could tell those you were trying to address in the book?

A: Over the past few years, I’ve started writing for outlets like Killing the Buddha, The Revealer and Religion Dispatches that are definitely outside of the Christian (read “evangelical”) worldview. This adventure has proven to be quite the eye opening experience as I come increasingly into contact with the wider spiritual community.  In particular, I’ve found there’s a growing desire among more moderate humanists to engage with like-minded Christians on social issues of common concern. Along those lines, as someone who has outed herself as an apophatic Anglican [at the Is Religion Worth It? event], I’ve started exploring with spiritual atheists the common threads we both find in our connection to something outside of ourselves. (Celtic Christianity appears to be the thin line that joins us together.)

I would love for Christians to really sit with those who aren’t part of the evangelical/emergent/organic/mission/HipsterXnity/whateverthehellthisnewformoffaithiscalledthesedays world, as I think many folks would be shocked to learn just how insular and ridiculous our faith fights are to those outside of this insulated bubble. Once they stop following the latest faith fad, maybe then they can hear the small voice of God that’s been lost in the white noise of commercial Christianity.

As a writer, I struggle with the 16″ disconnect between my head and my heart. Words come easy to me but I find it next to impossible to actually put the Greatest Commandment into practice. Still, I know that is the path I am commanded to take as someone who tries to follow the teachings of Christ. I penned this reflection in January 2010 for the God’s Politics blog regarding my struggles to reconcile with those brothers and sisters in Christ where we’ve become estranged.

These thoughts remain very much in my head (and moving to my heart) as I move into 2011.

My favorite part of what she said was, “I would love for Christians to really sit with those who [don't see things exactly as they see things].” I think conversation is key, and not the kind of conversation that’s a mask for an attempt at conversion. We all try so hard to convert whoever it is we’re arguing with that we forget that real conversation seeks to see things from the other’s perspective. And that’s one thing I especially like about her book. While she calls bullshit on many issues within Christianity, she also acknowledges her own issues. And I think that demonstrates that Becky is trying to lead by example in turning things around for the better.