Much of this book is given to succinct summaries of Canadian sociologist Reginald Bibby's former findings. If you are choosing to buy a Bibby book, I would recommend you start with this one.

Bibby has tried. In this book he has attempted to go beyond the findings, to explore the implications of the data which lead to applications. He wonders how we can actually reach Canadians. Talking about them, analyzing the data, and describing them falls short of measurable progress in our common mission. Bibby is seeking to help congregations find ways to connect with the folks who are most likely to respond to their message.

This book is written to a broad religious audience. The second chapter introduces the challenge to think affiliate, think concentric, think relational, think balance and think collective. Each of these concepts is well defined and they are worth some careful reflection. For example, in his first challenge to think affiliate, Bibby suggests that each religious group has a pool of affiliates in which it is valuable to fish more often and with greater intentionality. He suggests that to "think affiliate" is to focus on the group of people you relate to best. To the critics of this rifle vs. shotgun approach he says, "I am not telling people where to stop, but where to start." He conveys a well-founded sense of urgency in much of his book.

In the next chapter, "Making sure something happens", Bibby reflects on the need for common vision in the local congregation and denomination, the significance of leaders, the struggle to motivate, the reluctance to take resource chances, the hurdles of congregational rigidity and the shortness of time. Bibby contends that religious identification and memory will fade, and when that happens the current identification lines to religious groups will gradually dissipate. He reminds us at that point a remarkable opportunity will disappear.

Chapters 4-6 contain some practical help for those looking for a way to create and retain affiliates, locate lost affiliates, and minister to affiliates. Bibby calls the seventh chapter, "With a little help from our friends". The contributions from Loren Mead, Bill Easum, Herb Miller, Arnell Motz, Leith Anderson, George Barna and Lyle Schaller are short on words and long on relevant insights. This book would benefit both leaders and pastors.

True to You. Don Posterski. Wood Lake Books, 1995. pp. 224. Reviewed by Merv Boschman, pastor of Fraser Heights Community Church, Surrey, B.C.

Most of us have convictions which we would describe as non-negotiable. These convictions are not always in accord with the convictions of our friends or associates. In the broader church and religious community the same is true. How can we be true to God, to ourselves, to our community, to our culture, to the "others" in our lives? This is what Posterski addresses in the book, True to You.

Posterski is good at creating new words or at least giving old words new meanings. Often he has woven complex issues, helpful questions and amazing insights together. This book is no exception.

Posterski wraps up an exhausting book with what he calls "a paradigm for living in cultural pluralism". He suggests the following: Trust God and follow Christ; be true to yourself; give regard to others; relinquish rights for the common good; fly your flag in the pluralism parade; and love and lobby.

He helps the reader deal with the challenge of "living true" in Canadian society by asking us to evaluate ourselves. Particularly, he invites us to understand both our current or usual responses to diversity within our Christian and religious spheres. He suggests that we would do well to celebrate things we have in common with other denominations and religious traditions, and come to more fully appreciate our differences. But how far do we go in this?

Posterski identifies five characteristic responses to diversity. It was an interesting exercise to consider which "types" characterized me more often than not. Am I more apt to be permissive or judgemental? Using Posterski's "tags" am I a tribalizer (convinced, entrenched and closed); or a reclaimer (traditional, concerned, and fearful of compromise); or a cocooner (passive and indifferent); or an accommodator (innovative, inclusive and experimental); or a collaborator (progressive, experimental but with set limits)?

Posterski calls for Christians to "pursue principled pluralism". I would suggest that you try to read the book for enjoyment, though that might be difficult if not impossible . . . but who said valuable lessons are easy to learn?

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