Roaring Lambs: A Gentle Plan to Radically Change Your World

Bob Briner writes a book that needs to be read by everyone who wants to live out their Faith in the world. Churches, which are known for supporting the mission trips of members, all but ignore the opportunity to make a difference in key areas of our culture. It's not limited to churches, Christian universities and colleges are neither leading the charge in key areas such as journalism, film, arts, and music, or even equipping others to do so. The basic premise of this book is that we are called to be "salt and light" in the world, and are instead often just sitting on the sidelines having abandoned the opportunity for a spiritual influence in music, films, TV, and the arts. The church has become nothing more than a sub culture producing work by us, for us, and to us. Little of this work transcends the boundary and makes its way into mainstream consciousness. This is not only a missed opportunity, but is directly opposed to what we are called to do. The typical Christian reaction to Hollywood is to protest and speak out against some of the trash that is produced. While many of these films and TV shows are little more than advertisements for violence and moral depravity, and deserve the negative reactions they receive, where is the alternative? Where are the Christian men and women in Hollywood? Where are the films and TV shows that uplift family values and glorify God? While there are some examples, they are few and far between. The saying "nature abhors a vacuum" applies to the evil present in much of what Hollywood produces. When we abandon the culture we live in, and create our own separate subculture, the result is that the values shown in the films will be filled in by those whose own beliefs contradict the Gospel message of Love, Grace, and Hope. Bob Briner sends a powerful message. It is needed and applauded. Stop complaining and start making a difference! Those who graduate from college and head off into professions like music, art, and media, need our support. It takes a lot of courage to swim against the current. It's time we start getting involved personally or at least supporting those who do, if we truly want to be "salt and light".

I read this book for class, and it has changed my life. Briner's book conveys his longing for Christians to no longer be complacent; we need to become roaring lambs for Christ. Although Briner is now in heaven, I believe that he is watching to see who will respond to the question that he posed in Chapter 3: "So who in your local community speaks publicly and forcefully--yet with grace and compassion--for a Christian point of view?" When we Christians do not agree with public figures and the media, we need to offer our own opinions and feelings. Briner encourages us to become active in shaping our culture rather than complain about how others shape it.As a young adult, I am striving to make that kind of difference both now and when I enter the "real world" in a few years. At my home church, I am preparing to use this book to lead an adult discussion group. I feel that every Christian who reads this book can be led to see the importance of being a roaring lamb in today's secular world.

I stumbled on this book years ago after reading an excerpt in a magazine. Now I reccommend it to any and every thinking Christian who truly wrestles with what God wants for their life. Full time mission work is not God' mission for every person and there are vital areas of our society that are completely lacking Christian influence. It's OUR responsibility to get out there and Briner introduces us to people who have done just that. READ IT!!!

This book is a long overdue call to action for every Christian. Too often, we pigeonhole ourselves into our own subculture. We must instead take our message to the public squares. Briner challenged christians to do precisely that: to enter the culture shaping industries and change them for the good of all involved.

I have never found a more helpful book than Roaring Lambs in providing a purpose for a Christian who wants to impact the world for Christ. Briner writes to guide and encourage Christian artists who want to impact their contemporaries with God honoring music, theater, art, movies, etc. BUT, he emphasizes sharing your gifts with the world. Do not stay in the cozy, protective Christian sub-culture, but let your peers admire your skill. Venture into your cities and share your performances and creations. Offer an alternative to the world with the gifts God has given you. If you want a book that adds fire to the protests, boycotts, and score keeping that some Christians partake in.... THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR YOU! This book will show you were Christians have dropped the ball in areas of literature, movies, TV, journalism, etc. AND give you great ideas to change these mediums by asking you to get involved and provide God honoring alternatives.