Coppenger and Blue Like Jazz

Joe Thorn has a great response to Mark Coppenger's all too typical (and not all that thoughtful) take on Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz.

I have to say I am disappointed with the review. Not because it is critical of BLJ, but because it seemed to superfically critique the book. It often boiled down to judging Miller’s motives, rather than engaging his ideas.

Look, I am less interested in defending Miller, and more interested in a real interaction with another’s words. Like with everyone I read Miller says things that I don’t like. But he also says some things that are true and very timely. Maybe there isn’t just a faddish love for the book; maybe there is also a faddish reaction against it.

If you have not read the book or heard the critque be sure to give each a try. Just be discerning with both.

Listen to Coppenger's talk.

Comments

[Denny Burk]

What's wrong with Coppenger's review? He was referring to Miller's words throughout his critique of the book.

So Coppenger's not a POMO-EMO-Blame-it-on-my-dad kind of a guy. He still makes some insightful critiques of Miller.

[James]

I appreciated Steve's opinion that Coppenger is defending the IC and conservative Christianity, not critiquing a book. I read BLJ and I listened to over half of Coppenger's critique. Did we both read the same words Miller penned?

Perhaps the long term impact of books like Blue Like Jazz and Barna's Revolution will be these kinds of discussions. I think BLJ is a fantastic conversation starter. Much to disagree with. But Miller resonates with the generation on Coppenger's heels by challenging institutional thinking and extra-biblical doctrines that keep the Gospel weak. This is why is rings true.

[Joe Thorn]

Ok "Denny,"

We know it's really you Dr. Coppenger. Quit pretending. ;)

Look man, have you read the book? If you have, you should be able to make a healthy distinction between "referring to Miller's words" and engaging his actual ideas and arguments found in the book.

The again your label, "POMO-EMO-Blame-it-on-my-dad kind of a guy" was so insightful, and helpful to dialogue who needs to read the book - or even think. You have truly said it all. I take back my whole post. lol

[Clint M]

I attended this lecture, and I'd have to agree with Thorn's assessment of it. Coppenger made a couple of good points that I agreed with, but the whole session felt more like a diatribe against the book in every way.

I didn't get the chance to ask if Dr. Coppenger had read Miller's follow-up book, "Searching For God Known What", but I'd assume he had not. (Not to mention that Miller's web site no longer includes links to the political web sites mentioned in the lecture.)

[sean]

Did anyone else's copy of Blue Like Jazz state: "I don't think any church has ever been relevant to culture, to the human struggle, unless it believed in Jesus and the power of His gospel. If the supposed new church believes in trendy music and cool Web pages, then it is not relevant to culture either. It is just another tool of Satan to get people to be passionate about nothing" (111).

I read that and I think, "hey, this guy has something to say to the ECM crowd"... but then I read what the gentlemen at 9marks have to say or I listen to the lecture at SBTS and I get the impression that they think he is the guy he's critiquing.

Maybe I should just hate this book, because I disagree with it in a few places and it isn't filled with Scripture like every C.S. Lewis book I own... wait are there Biblical references in Screwtape Letters? No? Well then I guess I hate it too

[Joe Thorn]

You're right Sean. I am amazed that he has been described as a guy trying to market Jesus as "cool," when he so clearly hates that move. A move many churches are making.

[myles]

yeah, i didn't care for the book, mostly because i'd read masterpieces by lamott and annie dillard previously, so that Miller sounded like a cheap imitation. for me, he wasn't all that deep or groundbreaking, but if he introduces some things to a larger audiences, fair enough.

that being said, if you're going to engage him, go to the trouble of understanding him first. it makes me crazy when people criticize without having gone to the trouble of knowing what the person is REALLY saying.

[Matthew]

Well, I'm not entirely with Coppenger concerning "Blue Like Jazz" (of course, neither am I entirely in disagreement with him), but I thought the review at IX Marks was dead on.