Synopses & Reviews
When was the last time you thought about holiness?
God's specific command for holiness: "Be holy, for I am holy," (in Leviticus 11, 19, and in 1st Peter 1) is an idea rephrased and repeated throughout the Bible.
But because of our misunderstandings of sin, holiness, innocence, and God, His command rings hollow in the action of our faith.
-Sin (we view it as either inevitable or we just go with it)
-Holiness (we view it as unrealistic or we ignore it because there's no immediate payoff)
-Innocence (we view it as subordinate to "experiencing the world"), and
-God (we often think he'll probably let us down-just like so many people do).
But, what if there was a different way?
By entering into God's deep affection, He rewrites our wayward story into a narrative of unwavering devotion, a living, breathing Christian faith distinguished by God's inner-working. In Why Holiness Matters, Tyler Braun tells the story of the Millennial Generation and our need for rescue from our own shame into the light and love of living in God's presence.
Review
At the center of the universe is a God about whom the angels repeatedly cry, "e;Holy, holy, holy."e; Rather than being entranced by holiness, however, many younger Christians have ignored it altogether. Why Holiness Matters is an honest, refreshing, and wise book that avoids stunted visions of holiness while graciously and firmly calling younger Christians to pursue a more Christ-like life. It's a very helpful and challenging read.
—Matthew Lee Anderson, Author, Earthen Vessels and Lead Writer at Mere Orthodoxy
Boldly articulating the four-letter word his generation has avoided—HOLY—Tyler Braun is a piercing voice rising from the Millennial wilderness. Why Holiness Matters is a must-read for people of all generations. It is a clarion call for those seeking spirituality over the most Holy God.
—Karen Spears Zacharias, Author, A Silence of Mockingbirds
Tyler Braun is a voice for this generation and those to come—pursuing holiness is a timeless quest. His honesty is refreshing and his passion for God and people is revealed in every word he writes.
—Anne Jackson, Author, Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic and Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession and Grace
When you say the word "e;holiness"e; you may as well spray a can of conversation repellant on the crowd around you. It seems that many current day Evangelical Americans would much rather talk about slick content than how to be like Christ.
This is and will be the downfall of the current church. Tyler Braun brings us back to the conversation closest to the heart of Christ. This book has already gotten me to dig deeper into my relationship with God and I know it will do the same for you.
—Carlos Whittaker, Blogger, Musician, Coach
Tyler Braun is a clear voice in a world of white noise and clamour. He writes with unusual vision, honesty, and wit. Read his book, you'll be glad you did.
—John Sowers, Author, Fatherless Generation: Redeeming the Story
In a time when faithfulness is constantly being confused with perfection, Tyler brings much needed clarity and distinction to the increasingly blurred topic of holiness. As part of Generation X, I found Why Holiness Matters to be a blunt but tactful and fresh perspective of a Millennial who is genuinely striving to embrace the ancient concept of a Christ-centered holiness. I loved it.
—Chuck Bomar, Author, Better Off Without Jesus and Worlds Apart
In a world that encourages a “live for yourself” approach to life, it’s hard to get a meaningful discussion started about holiness even among Christians. In this engaging and hopeful book, Tyler Braun invites us to think differently about holiness—it’s not avoiding the “thou shalt nots,” but living more fully in the holy love of God. Reading this book with a mentor ought to spark badly needed conversations across generational lines about how God shapes our souls. An important book for our time.
—Robb Redman, Robb Redman, Dr. theol., Dean and Vice President of Multnomah Biblical Seminary, Multnomah University, Portland, OR
Millennials want to change the world, this we know. But Tyler has raised a question that may very well determine whether they will succeed: Will Millennials be changed by the Gospel? This is a book written by a Millennial for Millennials, but believers of all generations will benefit from listening in on the conversation and patterning their lives after the One whose love and grace can truly change the world.
—Adam S. McHugh, Author, Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture
Why Holiness Matters is a timely and insightful guide to living in the fullness of God’s holy love. While written with the Millennials in mind, this book serves as a prophetic call to Christ’s people of all generations to move beyond compartmentalizing holiness and condoning sinful passions and practices. Filled with personal reflections and practical biblical wisdom, this book inspires us to take up the lost art of holy living.
—Paul Louis Metzger, Professor of Christian Theology & Theology of Culture, Multnomah Biblical Seminary
Synopsis
Our generation has little or no regard for holiness. And this makes sense given our misunderstanding of:
-Sin (we view it as either inevitable or we just go with it)
-Holiness (we view it as unrealistic or we ignore it because there’s no immediate payoff)
-Innocence (we view it as subordinate to “experiencing the world”)
-God (we often think he’ll probably let us down—just like people do).
Instead of playing the “guilt/shame” card, Tyler Braun examines Jesus’ example to recognize how His way of life contrasts the world’s promises.
If we want to partner with God in this restoration effort there are several areas that merit a closer look: our history (what we can learn from past values), community (church for a new generation), worship (what God does in us), and art (what making new things looks like).
If you've ever wondered Why Holiness Matters... read on!
Synopsis
Have we tried so hard to avoid being holier-than-thou that we’ve forgotten how important it is to be holy?
Authenticity matters. Transparency matters. Being open about our shortcomings, misgivings, and failures matters. Yet holiness also matters.
This book is a timely reminder not to lose the old priorities as we take on the new, albeit noble, ones. Millennial author Tyler Braun helps us understand that holiness is not just some fine ideal destined for generations past; it’s the unyielding pursuit that defines every Christian life.
The beginning of our calling toward a holy life is the challenge of loving God more deeply. Holiness is not found in strict rule keeping alone; it is found in our desire of the Holy One. Holiness is not new behaviors. Holiness is new affections.
About the Author
TYLER BRAUN is a 20-something worship pastor. After graduating from college with a business degree, Tyler decided to pursue a life of serving God through church ministry. When Tyler isn¿t playing music or writing, he enjoys exploring the city, training for distance running races, and biking around town. Tyler lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Rose. You can connect with him online at www.manofdepravity.com or follow him on Twitter @tylerbraun.
Table of Contents
1. Innocence Lost
2. God's Wrath and Our Shame
3. God's Love
4. Values and Traditions
5. Community and Holiness
6. Cultural Engagement
7. The Art of Holiness
8. Holiness in an Unholy Culture
9. Holiness in Action
10. Worship in the Beauty of Holiness
11. The Process of Holiness