We live in a diverse world filled with unprecedented opportunity. According to author Eric Michael Bryant in Not Like Me, formerly titled Peppermint-Filled Piñatas, we can become agents of change creating genuine unity among people from a variety of backgrounds and belief systems through our relationships. Through humorous stories and pointed insights gleaned from Eric’s own personal experiences and failures, the experiences of others, and the life and teachings of Jesus, you will discover how to move beyond ethnic, racial, cultural, or ideological barriers towards genuine friendship with others. In our nation, an “uncivil war” is raging. Liberals call for racial reconciliation and tolerance while conservatives tend to hide from our pluralistic world or fight against it. None of these approaches will last. We need to create a new future that connects to God’s heart. We can remove the religious baggage of Christianity to discover the world Jesus intended. Followers of Christ will be inspired to actively engage the world in order to overcome stereotypes placed upon us and influence those who have not been interested in Jesus because of these stereotypes. In addition, spiritual seekers will find that when stripped away from the religion created around him, Jesus’ dream for our world is remarkable and refreshing. In this new world, we can discover how to resolve conflict, overcome bitterness, create a better future, develop diverse communities, and enjoy our diverse world. Not Like Me also includes a brief article after each chapter with practical ways to apply the principles presented in that chapter. The contributors include: Ed Stetzer, Amena Brown, Margaret Feinberg, Kevin Harney, Dr. Gerardo Marti, Kim Martinez, Lon Wong, Mark DeYmaz, Princess Zulu, Dan Kimball, and Erwin McManus (Foreword).
Dr. Eric Michael Bryant (D.Min. in Entrepreneurial Leadership) serves as the pastor for Central Austin and the South Austin campus of Gateway Church. After helping plant a church in Seattle, Eric served for 12 years on the leadership team at Mosaic in Los Angeles, a church known for its creativity and diversity.
Eric leads a doctoral cohort in Missional Effectiveness at Bethel Seminary and serves as part of the Origins Project, a movement of people passionate about Jesus, Humanity, and Innovation. Eric and his wife Debbie live with their son Caleb and daughter Trevi near downtown Austin, Texas. Connect with Eric at www.ericbryant.org.
