CNLP 288 | David Kinnaman Busts Cultural Myths Too Many Leaders Still Believe, and Shares Surprisingly Good News About the Faith of Some Millennials and Gen Z.

In 'Good Faith', David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons address the challenges Christians face in a society that increasingly views Christianity as irrelevant and extreme. The book is based on extensive research and provides practical tools for Christians to navigate contentious issues such as sexuality, marriage, death, race, and prejudice. The authors advocate for 'good faith' by focusing on how well Christians love, what they believe, and how they live, encouraging a balance between holding convictions and treating those who disagree with respect and compassion. The book aims to help Christians be agents of change and create a positive impact in the public square while remaining true to their faith.

In 'Faith for Exiles', David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock present major new Barna research that identifies five practices contributing to the resilience of young adult Christians. The book helps readers make sense of chaotic cultural changes, recognize the biblical concept of exile as a framework for following Christ, and discover how to cultivate faithfulness in a world dominated by digital technologies. It aims to prepare young Christians for mission and empower Jesus followers of all ages to thrive in their current cultural context.

In this book, Robert Wright argues that Buddhism offers a secular, Westernized approach to mindfulness meditation that can help individuals and society by reducing suffering and increasing empathy. He draws on evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience to support Buddhist teachings, such as the concept of 'no-self' and the nature of human suffering. The book is a personal journey that began with Wright's work on evolutionary psychology and deepened through his practice of meditation and conversations with skilled meditators. It aims to show how Buddhist principles can be applied in a secular age to improve individual and societal well-being.

This book surveys the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the 21st century, focusing on Homo sapiens. It divides human history into four major parts: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the Unification of Humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Harari argues that Homo sapiens dominate the world due to their unique ability to cooperate in large numbers through beliefs in imagined realities such as gods, nations, money, and human rights. The book also examines the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem and speculates on the future of humanity, including the potential for genetic engineering and non-organic life.

In 'You Lost Me', David Kinnaman presents research conducted by the Barna Group on why young Christians aged 18-29 are leaving the church. The book categorizes these young people into three groups: Nomads (those who leave church but not faith), Prodigals (those who turn away from faith), and Exiles (those who believe but feel disconnected from the church). Kinnaman identifies several reasons for this exodus, including the church being overprotective, shallow, anti-science, repressive, and exclusive. He also provides ideas for pastors, youth leaders, parents, and educators to help young adults maintain a vibrant and lasting faith in the face of cultural changes.