Churchless Christianity March 29, 2006

I just browsed through this book – Revolutions by George Barna. This book seems to have created a buzz among American evangelical Christianity. I am also reminded of earlier book about emerging Christianity in India called Churchless Christianity by Herbert Hoefer.

In Revolution: Finding Vibrant Faith Beyond the Walls of the Sanctuary, the founder of the Barna Group says these radical Christians are obsessed with the notion of honoring God in all they do, but not necessarily in or thro church. Living out Christian faith, but outside of church.

God is their #1 priority–and they want even more of God in their lives, according to Barna, the author of 30 books, including Frog in the Kettle and User-Friendly Churches. The Christians he describes are searching and yearning for the sense of authenticity they see in the book of Acts. They live lifestyles of worship as they apply biblical principals to every decision they make.

Revolution is more than a composite of Barna's current research; it is his call to arms, a personal manifesto. Barna is encouraging his readers to become Revolutionaries whether they choose to align themselves with a local church or not. We'd like your opinions on four of the more controversial Revolutionary tenets Barna identifies.

If you get to read this, let me know what you think you agree or disagree with Barna. What are its relevance Coconut Generation? Or the emerging generation of Asian Indians everywhere?

India – Youth Nation March 15, 2006

I closely followed President Bush’s recent visit to India. There were many issues on the table – Nuclear Deal, Strategic partnership, showcasing technological prowess, mango diplomacy etc. But US is also eyeing the growing middle class and the retail opportunity for Americana. What is often overlooked is the fact the vast majority of the growing middle class is young people.

India is the youngest nation in the world. Under the age of 25, there are more than half a billion people in India. There are more teenagers in India than combined population of US and Canada. This has also fueled a new culture, new outlook and an entirely newer worldview in India.

Politicians, policy makers and economists are banking on this new generations aspirations and fears. Parents, youthworkers, teachers and religious institutions are facing unimaginable challenges in dealing with this new economy, globally informed, tech savvy, and progressive generation. No wonder we can also see unprecdented levels of problems like depression, AIDS, suicide, violence etc among this new generation. New problems of the new generation.

Youthworkers in India has to think outside the box. Was it Albert Einstein who said, “solution does not come the current levels of consciousness which created the problem.” or something like that. They must think and act at higher levels.

Are you ready for the challenge of tomorrow?

Hello & Welcome! March 13, 2006

Welcome to the world of Coconut Generation.

Coconut (brown on the outside, white on the inside) is a metaphor for the emerging generations of Asian Indian community in Western cultures.

This site evolved out of the book – Understanding the Coconut Generation: Ministry to the Americanized Asian Indians by Sam George and published by Mall Publishers, Chicago. Pls check out www.coconutgeneration.com for more about the book and read sections of the book.

 Thanks