If you have been following the three-part WTF Chat on my podcast with my WTF? (Wheres the Faith?) book co-creator and co-editor Brandon Gilvin, or if youve been waiting until all three parts were available at once, the time has come.
I also have a podcast posted about the most dangerous four-letter word in the English language. This is a sermon I offered at Milagro Christian Church in Pueblo Colorado and at Lees Summit Christian Church in Missouri, both in August.
Parts on and two of my three-episode chat with Brandon Gilvin, my co-creator and co-editor of the WTF? (Where’s the Faith?) young adult books series are now posted. Episode one is about the context of Young Adult culture in today’s culture and a bit about how in the hell we were ever given the opportunity to create a book series together.
The focus in the third episode is on the first book in the series, coming out in February, 2010 (Chalice Press) called Oh God, Oh God, OH GOD about faith, sex, sexuality and embodiment among young adults.
We also talk about the challenges, fun and risks involved in producing a potentially “controversial” series of books.
Check out both podcast episodes, as well as all archived podcasts, by searching “PIATT” on iTunes and other podcatchers, or BY CLICKING HERE.
Ive been co-editing a new book series for Chalice Press, a Christian Publisher connected to my denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Yes, thats really the denominations name, including the parentheses. Dont ask why.
Anyway, I recently traveled to Indianapolis and Kansas City to speak to a few hundred folks about the new series titled WTF? (Wheres the Faith?)
We Disciples seem to have a thing for parentheses.
Obviously, the title is provocative, which is purposeful. The series, created by young adults, primarily for young adults, is intended to speak to them where they are. This includes addressing a lot of things in a lot of ways that most folks in church have never been comfortable doing. So the relatively cheeky title does serve a purpose beyond unadulterated obnoxiousness; its supposed to break down barriers.
True to form the first book, due out early next year, is about faith and sexuality, and is called Oh God, Oh God, OH GOD! Trust me, youre not the only one whos a little bit amazed we even got that one past the editorial board, but kudos to them for having the barnacles to print it.
So youd think that anyone aware of the connotations of both the series title and the first book would have at least a basic idea of what they were in for coming to one of our workshops. But my partner in crime and co-editor, Brandon Gilvin, took even me off guard when he said the word blowjob in the middle of our church event.
The room got pretty quiet for a minute. Then, thank goodness, we really started talking, which was the whole point to begin with. It should be noted that he didnt just blurt out blowjob for no reason. He actually was making a point about some college girls who came to his counselor girlfriend some time back to ask her which was worse: kissing a boy or giving him a blowjob. This, they said, was a conundrum because kissing a boy is so intimate.
The point was made that there is more brushed under the rug in faith communities than is talked about with care, thoughtfulness and candor. A few people never lost the look of shock from their faces, but no one left. Maybe they just wanted to see what we would say next, but to their credit, they hung in there.
Afterward, I had several people come to me and thank me both for the books and the discussion. People confessed everything from personal struggles with pornography addiction, to eating disorders, and the level of honesty became nearly overwhelming.
It was clear that people have been dying to talk about these kinds of things with people they can trust, who wont judge them, but who will listen and respond with compassion and love. Though this was only a small step, its amazing to think that saying a word like blowjob in a faith-based workshop could be such a cathartic and healing experience.
As they say, God works in mysterious ways I guess even through a couple of heretics like us.
I traveled recently to Lees Summit, MO for an event where I was leading some workshops, speaking and such. On Sunday night, I got to close out the evening with a concert for a couple hundred very welcoming folks. It was probably the highlight of the weekend for me.
I love getting to share music and spoken word with people, and though some of the stuff I introduced may have been a new experience for many in attendance, they all seemed to have a good time.
Check out the podcast by searching my name on iTunes, playing it on the streaming audio player on my website (www.chrstianpiatt.com), or hit the link below to go directly to the podcast site.
My first webinar (online workshop) on “how to use Facebook as a ministry tool) was great fun and well-received. since then I’ve gotten several requests to host this workshop again, so it’s back along with an exciting webinar on how to select a literary agent an, ultimately, how to get published!
If you want to learn more about the events, go to christianpiatt.com, or email me directly at cpiatt@christianpiatt.com.
Learn the basics of “2.0” social networking, how to set up a Facebook account, take a tour of Facebook and learn strategies for using it as a tool to connect with people throughout the week, beyond the walls.
Join the conversation with Author Christian Piatt and Literary Agent Anita Kushen about what it takes to move your passion for writing to the next level. Learn valuable information like how to find and select a literary agent, and how to become a published author.
These are both due out in 2011, and I am currently working on the first book about the Bible.
I have a new Facebook Group where we can discuss these topics, generate ideas for upcoming titles, and where you can propose questions youd like to see in the books.
Ive had some questions about how to register for the online workshops or webinars Im offering this month. Well, I have good news!
As of today, I have online registration available. You can click on any of the titles below to go directly to the event registration, and you can use any major credit card. In the future I hope to add Paypal Express Checkout, but well start with this. You can also visit my website for more detailed workshop descriptions.
All webinars are $20 (though it will increase to $25 per session after July), and will last between 60 and 90 minutes. Registration is limited to 15 people per session, so be sure to reserve your spot as soon as you can. If you have questions about these webinars, if you have another topic youd like for me to cover or if youd like to participate in one of the events listed below on an alternate date, email me and let me know.
What is podcasting? How do I do it? Do I even need to? What can it be used for? Get an introduction to podcasting, including how to set up your own podcast, ways to promote it and content ideas for your episodes.
Learn the basics of 2.0″ social networking, how to set up a Facebook account, take a tour of Facebook and learn strategies for using it as a tool to connect with people throughout the week, beyond the walls.
The phrase left behind brings to mind for most people the apocalyptic religious fiction series, apparently scaring people into adhering to Christian doctrine or else. But for me, it raises strong feelings about what sucks the most about being a part of organized religion.
If theres one word that defines the relevance of a community of faith, its just that: community. Sure, we can practice faith alone on a mountaintop or study it in a book, but as my wife, Amy says, a book cant visit you in the hospital, and a mountain cant hug you back.
Theres a basic human need for community that started in primitive times when we, not being the fastest, fiercest or strongest species, had to depend on one another for survival. Since then, community has remained an essential part of our social fabric, and certainly not just in religion. But in that context, community not only provides love and support, but at its best, it also stretches and challenges us to become more as part of the whole than we are on our own.
The hard part, especially when you commit to the community over the long term, is that you set yourself up to be left, over and again. For some, communities of faith and, I expect, other communities too are there simply to serve them, to accommodate them like a pair of shoes. If the fit becomes less than ideal, or if something new and exciting comes along, they split.
For some, dealing with the inevitable conflict that comes from being a tightly-knit, interdependent group is worse than starting fresh. So again, they walk. Its kind of like being committed to a relationship where youre always the one getting dumped, and never the other way around.
Of course, this sort of vulnerability is a part of any relationship. Its just that the traditional values of sticking with one particular group, simply because or out of a sense of moral obligation, has changed with the increasingly dynamic nature of our culture.
We see it everywhere; people stay in jobs for less time than in the past, but we also get laid off more suddenly. So why do we owe a company our lifelong fidelity if they will turn on us at the next economic downturn? And sure, marriage is a nice idea, but weve seen enough divorce and infidelity to compromise any sense of permanence the institution held before. So it may work for us right now, but theres always an exit clause, right?
In a perfect world, communities of faith would be the welcome exception to this cultural norm. When we made a covenant to one another and to the Divine to stick it out, thats what we mean for better or worse. But I think before we can expect others to follow in this spirit, the institutions themselves have much healing and re-creation to do from within.
Its not religions job to accommodate, and to ensure comfort and customer satisfaction for all comers.However, it is incumbent upon all who call themselves sanctuaries to offer the hope, healing, nurturing and love that allows each of us to feel were a part of something bigger than ourselves.
Over time, this mantra may become practice so that its something in which we can trust again. Until then, we may just have to stick together, behaving as if we get what we need from one another. Hopefully, by committing to one another, we can live into the community we imagine we might someday be.
I’ve had a number of requests for web-based workshops – or webinars – on various topics from blogging, facebook and podcasting, all as tools for ministry. I’ve finally set some dates up, so check out the info below and let me know ASAP which classes you’re interested in so I can reserve your spot.
Learn the basics of “2.0” social networking, how to set up a Facebook account, take a tour of Facebook and learn strategies for using it as a tool to connect with people throughout the week, beyond the walls.
Podcasting 101 Wednesday July 8, 10 AM (MST) or Tuesday July 21, 12 Noon (MST)
What is podcasting? How do I do it? Do I even need to? What can it be used for? Get an introduction to podcasting, including how to set up your own podcast, ways to promote it and content ideas for your episodes.
Blogging 101 Thursday July 9, 11 AM (MST) or
Wednesday July 22, 10 AM (MST)
Learn how to blog, what it can do, and how to best promote your blog for maximum exposure.
I posted my latest podcast episode titled “Bridging the Gap,” which is adapted from a message Amy offered recently. The idea centers around where people of faith are called, which is not to take sides, but rather to act as a bridge to bring sides together.
You can download it on iTunes, or you can go directly to it by clicking this link: