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.
The late Bob Briner's "Roaring Lambs" is a book that should be necessary reading for any Christian seeking to fulfill the Great Commission in contemporary America.
"Roaring Lambs" focuses on our calling to fulfill the Lord's commission; specifically by being salt and light in our culture. Briner firmly but lovingly condemns the "ghetto" that many Christians have created for themselves by withdrawing into their own subculture. He states:
"We feel we are making a difference because we are so important to ourselves. We have created a phenomenal subculture with our own media, entertainment, educational system, and political hierarchy so that we have a sense that we're doing a lot. But what we've really done is create a ghetto that is easily dismissed by the rest of society."
Briner sums up the problem this way: "Culturally, we are lambs. Meek, lowly, easily dismissed cuddly creatures that are fun to watch but never a threat to the status quo."
Thankfully, Briner does not argue that we should mindlessly lob grenades at society from within the safety of the ghetto's walls--far too many do that already. Instead, Briner states that we must engage in the discourse of our culture. Christians must involve themselves in the culture shaping arenas of art, entertainment, the media and education. In short:
"It is time for the lambs to roar."
The rest of the book is composed of chapters examining each culture shaping field. Briner, who himself worked in the media as a producer, offers practical suggestions for people wishing to make an impact in these areas.
Having come to Christ as an adult, I personally was not raised in the ghetto Briner speaks of. Yet...I know a good deal of people who were; as well as a few who still live there. This book is a great wake up call for such people. It is liberating for them and inspiring for all who long to see God's Kingdom flourish.
Briner did all Christians a service by writing this book. It is a call to action from within the Church that leads us to go beyond the Church and into a world which is ripe for harvest.
I highly recommend "Roaring Lambs." If you finish reading "Roaring Lambs," and want more practical advice and insights on positive ways to shape culture, you can find them in Dick Staub's "Too Pagan, Too Christian." Both are excellent books and work hand in hand together.