★★★★★ 5
Foundational and renewing
Format: Kindle
Throughout history, religions have contributed to major atrocities and injustice to some. It is not unusual in my eyes to see a world sceptical of an organization that has these historical marks of shame. At the same time, I have seen religions pulling people together. Communities of believers caught up in something bigger than themselves. Living out a life of love and sacrificing for the good of those who are vulnerable.
The one thing I have seen that is common among the negative experiences is that at their root, it is "men" thinking they can play God. People have had horrible experiences through "men" claiming to represent God, yet their behavior couldn't be further from what we are called to as part of our faith, hope, and belief.
To those that read this, I am sorry for what you have gone through if you have fallen victim to "man's" institution of the Christian faith. God's Word should never be used as a means to justify injustice, racism, condemnation, and other bouts of un-Christian behavior and then using God's name as a crutch. I can tell you, these hypocrites will reap their just reward, and these rewards will not be what they expect.
This book is a refreshing introduction into understanding the roots of faith and Christianity. It can speak as an introduction to those who have never been exposed to Christianity, lying a great foundation. It can speak to those who have fallen away due to bad experiences, allowing one to sift through the experiences exacted by the stupidity of man versus the calling that comes when confessing that YHWH is Creature and LORD. It also can renew ones mind and strengthen ones understanding of the faith they confess and what that means for exacting love into this world and not judgement.
I wouldn't say that this is a conversion book, however it is written from the perspective of one, N. T. Wright, who believes and would love others to come to the same conclusion. I would say that it is more of a fresh introduction into Christianity that challenges those that confess their faith to think twice of how their lives represent their confession.
With sorrow for those that have been burned by their Church experience, to those that need to take a step back and renew their understanding of the faith they profess in Christianity, and to those that are the good Samaritan of the Christian faith, this book is great!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2022


