Dear Church: Letters from a Disillusioned Generation - Sarah Cunningham
Dear Church is Sarah Cunningham’s painfully honest expression of disappointment with the church. At times, her criticisms are so cutting that one assumes she will end her book by declaring her complete rejection of the church. However, halfway through the book her tone changes in a surprising way. Sarah begins to break free from the bondage of disillusionment: “I’m getting sick of my own disillusionment… my cynicism isn’t righting the world any faster than my ideals” (117). In order to escape disillusionment, Sarah must completely reject the illusion she has maintained about the church. She realizes that our love for the church – just like our love for people – must arise from a commitment that transcends consequences. If we only love the church when it is at its best, we do not love the church that really exists – we love an illusion. Sarah’s embrace of the church – in all its glory and its shame – leads her to embrace the church with newfound hope. For my extended reflection on this great book, click here.