Weird cities (keep christianity weird - pt. 2)

In chapter 2 of Michael Frost's book 'Keep Christianity Weird,' he asks us to consider what "weird cities" are telling us. He notes several changes are taking place across America:

• No one wants a McMansion anymore
• Malls have become ghost towns
• Millennials have discovered their kitchens
• Country clubs are closing down
• Corporations want a city address

He cites weirdness as somewhat of a trend, even. Noted by the Austin, Texas campaign to "Keep Austin Weird." It's not that the church should be trendy, but it seems our culture is telling us something about the values of the emerging generation of so-called millennials. As he says on p. 42, "They want their church to be weird in many of the same ways Austin or Santa Cruz or Portland are weird because many of those ways mirror biblical values."

Frost says a weird form of Christianity would include at least the following elements:

• A connection to place (local vs. corporate/franchised)
• Environmental sustainability
• Open to the views of all, especially the marginalized 
• Ethnic diversity

He closes out the chapter with this wily word (p. 50):

"When I call on you to keep Christianity weird, I'm asking you to reject materialism, foster community, promote diversity, share resources, protect the environment, start ethical businesses, feed the hungry, play beautiful music, bring peace and joy and life back to our cities. Portland and Austin and Santa Cruz and a hundred other cities across America can't do this in and of themselves, but eccentric followers of an eccentric God can lead the way."

And amen to that!