Thursday, September 11, 2014

A Book review of Nadia Bolz-Weber's Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner and Saint

Are you looking for an autumn read that will be challenging and thought provoking but not too technical or complicated? Then perhaps Nadia Bolz-Weber’s book, Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint is for you. Pastrix is Nadia’s story from childhood to rebellion, from addiction to new life in Christ and from disciple to pastor. She is a Lutheran Pastor in Colorado who tells it like it is. While I can almost guarantee Bolz-Weber will offend or provoke you; she will also touch your heart. Her story is one in which most people will find something to connect to whether it’s growing up in fundamentalism, dealing with addiction, being uncomfortable with people who aren't like you or learning to have discourse with those you disagree with.

"No one is climbing the spiritual improvement ladder" is a one quote from Pastrix that hit me right between the eyes. It made me think about a conversation that occurred recently when I expressed an opinion in a way that others saw as judgmental and self-righteous. However, when I thought about it, I realized that what I said was really about my own loneliness and frustration not even about the issue at hand. However, at the bottom of my own loneliness and frustration is my trying to do stuff in my own strength. I have become too focused on the "spiritual improvement ladder”; rather than focusing on being made anew in Jesus Christ.
Like I mentioned Nadia’s book is not for faint-hearted; I even wondered as I started Pastrix whether God could use this 44 year old tattooed 6 feet 1 inch tall unconventional Lutheran Pastor’s story to speak to me. I invite you to take plunge and join the conversation that made Pastrix a New York Times bestseller. Even those who disagree with her theology the strongest respect her. Here is what Rod Dreher of the American Conservative has to say about Nadia: “She is a foul-mouthed hot mess, for sure, but there’s something so authentic and broken and great about her.”

So read with an open-mind and enjoying this unique pastor from Denver, Colorado who is causing many to examine Christianity in a new way. Nadia Bolz-Weber is married with two children. Her husband is also a Lutheran pastor. Published in September 2013; Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint is available in e-book, audio book and hardback editions.

Visit http://www.nadiabolzweber.com/ to learn more about Nadia and her ministry. 



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