Writer to Know: Peter Rollins

A couple of weeks ago, Peter Rollins was going to be in Grand Rapids speaking at several events and when I got an email from a fellow pastor inviting me to a brunch with him, I jumped at the chance.  I had just finished reading How (Not) to Speak of God, which I had gotten for Christmas.

This is book articulated some things I have been feeling for a long time: the limits of knowledge, the blinding glory of God, the need for a new vocabulary of faith, and much more.  The brunch was held at The Community with probably around sixty people. It was great to have a smaller group of people because he was able to both talk and answer questions.

Rollins is identified with the "emergent church" movement, a term I had heard, but only had the vaguest notions about, mostly from church people who were dismissive of it.  But this book has made me want to learn more, at least to re-read it and discuss it with other people who have read it.  I have also purchased two other of his books that I am going to read over the next month.

The Fidelity of Betrayal

and The Orthodox Heretic and other Impossible Tales

I expect to be challenged by both books.  I can unequivically recommend that you should read his books, not because you'll enjoy them, but because they will make you think. Here's a video that will give you a good sense Rollins- if nothing else you'll love his accent.



Peter Rollins at Baylor University from Peter Rollins on Vimeo.