Thoughts Escape Me: Perspectives from the Pew

It is sometimes hard to realize just how egalitarian the Christian religion can be in the modern world. Thoughts Escape Me looks at the church from the point of view of someone in the pews, looking at how beliefs can change over a lifetime and yet remain the same. It is the quest of one man to look at the changing importance of faith in his life, and how he keeps returning to it. Also, it explores his changing beliefs and perspectives as he gains experience.

It is an interesting consideration of how the preacher is not the most important part of a church, but only part of a mission dependent on all those who worship in the same place. The minister is admittedly a large part of that, and he must maintain a higher bar on his behavior and provide leadership within the church if that church is to grow. The church needs to be the center of its community, and its flock needs to find their place to be able to help the church.

It is interesting that the book stresses finding one’s place, and that “place” may not be the same as what they do outside the church. The emphasis is to follow one’s passion, as that is the true road to happiness. By following one’s passion and discovering where one fits within the church, it is possible to not only find personal enlightenment but to make the church a true force for good in the local community. This book is a welcome change from most books that blame modern society. It illustrates how the church should grow with society, not against it.