I know that I'm late to this particular aspect of the conversation, but lately I've been reading N.T. Wright's The New Testament and the People of God. At present I'm slogging my way through the introductory material before he actually starts talking about the New Testament and the people of God. This introductory material is long and thorough and academically heady. And yet, it's really important, because it talks about the importance of story. We who follow Christ do so according to a grand Story that has been passed down through the ages. It is something that we hear and filter through our own understandings, which is where the heresy usually takes place. And yet, it is a still a simple and yet profoundly powerful Story.

A couple days ago, while sick in bed, I watched part of America's new Messiah's show. He's preaching his gospel to America . . . and selling a lot of books. During this show, one of his disciples claimed that her life had been changed forever by this man, and that she is compelled to share his message with as many people as possible. She has started a community of followers in her hometown, and claims 70 new converts already. This is a movement that is happening all over America. I have no beef with this man or his followers. I just find it interesting that the masses are following with such fervor. People are looking for a story to believe in, to invest themselves in. They are longing for meaning and for faith. The Nielsen ratings are plentiful, but the talk show hosts are few.