The Next Christians: Seven Ways You Can Live the Gospel and Restore the World

By Gabe Lyons
WaterBrook Multnomah, $14.99, 272 pages

The author and evangelical leader Gabe Lyons – the founder of Q, a learning community that mobilizes Christians to advance the common good in society – sets out to review our misconceptions about Christians in his newest book The Next Christians: Seven Ways You Can Live the Gospel and Restore the World. “Restorers,” as Lyons names the current generation of evangelicals, work to follow Christ’s example. Although Lyons sometimes idealizes the efforts of the Christians he has chosen to interview for his work, his seven characteristics of a forward-thinking Christians are worth noting. If the church will truly produce a generation of philanthropic, intentional, culturally sensitive, Christ-centered, and engaged citizens, what a remarkable society this would be. But even if we do not agree with Lyons’ supposition that this current generation of Christians is breathing life into a new movement of social altruism, Lyons’ book is worth reading, whether you are an individual seeking more thoughtful aspiration or a church member hoping to eradicate hypocrisy, blind judgmentalism and empty words.

Reviewed by Jennie Harrop

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Man Seeks God: My Flirtations with the Divine

By Eric Weiner
Twelve, $26.99, 350 pages

In Man seeks God, author Eric Weiner does not really go chasing after a heavenly father. Rather, he embarks on a hopeful journey in search of peace of mind. Long-suffering from depression, Weiner anchors his search in the pragmatic wisdom of William James: he wants something that just “works.”

The moral he finds is that, often, the quest itself dooms the effort. His rational, philosophical take on the diversity of belief systems into which he delves (such as Sufi, Wiccan, Raelian, and the Kabbalah) paralyzes him against the kind of committed engagement needed for such spiritual relief. His approach, a series of tutorials, studies and reflection, keep bringing up the same restless mind that plagues him.  A skilled writer who unfortunately too often takes the glib and ironic over the earnest, Weiner eventually finds a calm, even tone to his narrative. The reader is treated to a balanced, affecting story, one both informational and confessional.

Reviewed by Neil Liss

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Inside Scientology: The Story of America’s Most Secretive Religion

By Janet Reitman
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $28.00, 448 pages

Inside Scientology is an exhaustively researched book which is no small feat considering how vigorously and litigiously Scientology hides behind its IRS tax-exempt status. A status that was gained only after the organization carpet-bombed the IRS with lawsuits from Scientology members of all levels. Buried under the massive weight of this paperwork the agency finally agreed to recognize the organization as a religious entity in the U.S. if they would drop every lawsuit. Which is how an operation whose sole focus since its inception has been to make money can now keep every penny its members pay for the plethora of services they are required to purchase.

Using confidential documents, hundreds of interviews and five years of research author Janet Reitman throws wide the door on this organization. This book is eye opening and compelling reading for anyone unfamiliar with Scientology. From a careful reconstruction of founder L. Ron Hubbard’s life to the recent PR nightmare of the anti-psychiatry histrionics of Tom Cruise she covers it all with a journalist’s careful perspective. The details may seem stranger than the science fiction Hubbard wrote throughout his life but her presentation is not salacious or sensationalist. It is the material that will leave the reader chilled.

Reviewed by Catherine Gilmore,

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God vs. Gay?

By Jay Michaelson
Beacon Press, $25.95, 212 pages

The problem with some arguments is that they need to keep to the relevant information. God vs. Gay posits that not only are there no proscriptions against being gay in the Bible, but that it actually encourages it. Also, that when one interprets the various rules and examples, one should judge based on compassion. Because of this, the book argues, those that argue against homosexuality are also arguing against the Bible itself.

Although parts of the book are very well-written, and it does present a very compelling case for the acceptance of homosexuality by Christianity, there are some flaws in the presentation. It brings in a number of non-biblical sources to make the case; although the Torah, for example is a legitimate case, others are not. Also, it constantly finds small arguments to prove its case. Thus, it fails because the lily is far too gilded; if the case is solid, then why add more to it for the apparent sake of making it better, when those extraneous arguments are generally non-biblical? This is a great book with which to begin delving into the question of Christian homosexuality, but should not be the only one.

Reviewed by Jamais Jochim

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Prophetic Encounters: Religion and the American Radical Tradition

By  Dan McKanan
Beacon Press, $34.95, 326 pages

The history of the American radical tradition is one of idealists, leaders and people who held a singular vision. What has been lost over the past twenty years is the story of the radical tradition and its relationship with religion in America. Many people believe that you could not be both radical and religious, that the two did not mesh with each other. In Prophetic Encounters: Religion and the American Radical Tradition Dan McKanan argues that religion and the radical tradition have had a long history from people who fought to end slavery, to Prohibition, to the anti-war demonstrations and the Civil Rights movements. Many of the leaders were influenced and involved in religion and helped to turn religion even more radical and bring it to the forefront for social change. Since the end of the Cold War religion has been hijacked by groups on the Right for their purposes and the role of religion and radical ideas has been lost.

Mr. McKanan does an excellent job weaving together the narrative that links radicals in the United States with different religious groups. His writing gets a bit academically dry at times, but he tells an important story.

Reviewed by Kevin Winter

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Twice Upon a Prequel…& Three Shorts

By Derald Hamilton
D Hamilton Books,  $7.95, 270 pages

A good prequel gets you more interested in the book previously. Twice Upon a Prequel…& Three Shorts explores the history of Elmo Piggins and Reginald Dexter, along with three shorts. “The Astonishing Elmo Piggins” looks at how Elmo Piggins received the call. With his family life, it is hard not to garner some sympathy for the character. Although he has some of the most understanding parents, his sister is the rebel in the crowd. As an origin story it hits all of the points it needs to, while at the same time showing how a family handles crises both internal and external, as well as rising fame. It’s a good story, rising above its clichés.

The “Rebirth of Reginald Dexter” is probably the best of the lot, as Hamilton had some fun with it; an old dog learns some new tricks, and his younger wife is definitely appreciative of it. A colleague shows him how to enjoy his retirement years, and it culminates in a tandem jump that restarts a marriage while almost killing the pair. This is a truly fun story of rebirth with a nice counterpoint between logic and passion, and how the interplay works at its finest.

The others tend to the cliché; although the writing is solid throughout, it just comes off as either attempting to fit into the standard iconoclastic mold, or being borderline on the “God is Almighty” trope. “Taken Up Before The General” is about a son who is in conflict with his overbearing military father and sees reflections of his father in all authority figures. The military wife of “The War Comes Home” puts her life on hold every time her husband comes home, showing that not only soldiers suffer in wartime. “A Little Bit Wisdom” rounds things out, showing that God has an interest in even the smallest activities and their outcomes. This will definitely get someone interested in the The Call itself, and it stands well on its own.

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God is More Than Enough

By Tony Evans
Multnomah Books, $9.99, 90 pages

Pastor and writer Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, takes a closer look at Psalm 23 in his slim book God is More Than Enough. Despite our insistence on self-reliance, God is daily trying to press us into utter dependence on Him, Evans writes, and the sooner we recognize His steadfastness and mercy, the sooner our souls will find rest. David’s secret in the Psalms is that he knows how to rest in the Lord, Evans writes: “I tend to think I’m sinning if I’m not busy, if I’m not working myself as well as creating more work for others. But David shows us that it’s in this green-pasture position, this still-water place, this rest mode and sense of dependence, that God guides us forward where He wants us to go.”

“When God says, ‘I Am That I Am,’ He’s saying, ‘I am always in the present tense.’ Everything for God is now.”

While Evans’s theology may be sound, little in the book rises above an outdated Max Lucado volume or a time-worn, oft-repeated sermon. God loves us, He stands for us, and we need to slow down and recognize who He is, Evans suggests. “God knows how to super-size His provision for every situation,” Evans writes. “He gives more than enough.”

Reviewed by Jennie A. Harrop

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Global Soccer Mom: Changing the World Is Easier Than You Think

By Shayne Moore
Zondervan, $14.99, 224 pages

Can a full time mother of three go from the demands of her insular suburban life to become an advocate? Shayne Moore, author of Global Soccer Mom, writes about how she found inspiration in God to become educated about worldwide poverty, the exploitation of women and children, and preventable diseases. Using her faith to guide her, Moore started small and ended up becoming a non-celebrity spokesperson for the Campaign to Make Poverty History. Along with superstars such as Bono, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and leaders from the Christian community, Moore discovered that changing the world is easier than you think. Small, individual choices can have a huge impact.

Women will be inspired to jump into advocacy, step by step. Moore offers suggestions on how to get involved. You do not have to reach outside your comfort zone in order to be active and become part of the conversation. Help a charity, send letters to government and political representatives, organize a meeting, donate time or money, read books on the subject, and educate yourself. Religious themes are prevalent; chapters start with scripture and quotes from evangelical Christian leaders.

Kathryn Franklin

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God’s Story, Your Story: When His Becomes Yours

By Max Lucado, Zondervan, 200 pages

“Some of you live in such road-weary bodies: knees ache, eyes dim, skin sags. Others exited the womb on an uphill ride. While I have no easy answers for your struggle, I implore you to see your challenge in the scope of God’s story. View these days on earth as but the opening lines of his sweeping saga. Let’s stand with Paul on the promise of eternity.”

How do we view the impediments of life that leap up when we least expect them? As best-selling Christian author Max Lucado writes in his newest book God’s Story, Your Story: When His Becomes Yours, nothing in God’s plan is accidental and all, ultimately, can be seen in light of his mercy and grace: “Puppet in the hands of fortune or fate?” Lucado asks. “Not you. You are in the hands of a living, loving God. Random collection of disconnected short stories? Far from it. Your life is a crafted narrative written by a good God, who is working toward your supreme good.” We are not pawns in a larger game of chance, Lucado argues, and we must learn to view our lives through a God-inspired lens rather than through a lens of worldly disappointment.

“As God’s story becomes yours, closed doors take on a new meaning,” Lucado writes. “You no longer see them as interruptions of your plan, but as indications of God’s plan.” And when we begin to believe that everything in our lives ultimately leads to a greater good, God’s story indeed begins to become our story. Peppered with New Testament tales that speak to Lucado’s thesis, God’s Story, Your Story is an uplifting look at how to rethink life’s disappointments.

Jennie A. Harrop

The Mist of God: Volume Three of the Magdala Trilogy

By Peter Longley, iUniverse Publishing, 683 pages

Joshua is dead, crucified by the Romans and condemned by the Jewish elders who feared that his teachings challenged their spiritual superiority within the hierarchy of Jewish Law. After his tomb is discovered empty, his body removed, Joshua’s followers fall into disarray. Yet even though he is gone, Maria of Magdala refuses to be subdued. Within her womb, she carries Joshua’s son and everywhere she sees the light of his divine presence. Linus Flavius carries with him the guilt of Joshua’s crucifixion – he oversaw Joshua’s final moments. But the teachings of Joshua’s followers touch him, and he finds himself becoming a part of their growing community. Soon, Joshua’s followers are found in all corners of the empire and beyond. But will the prejudice of their own people be their final downfall?

In The Mist of God—the final book in the Magdala trilogy—Longley concludes his epic retelling of the life of Joshua and the spread of Christianity. In the final piece of the story, we’re introduced to new characters, such as Paulus (known as Saul of Tarsus,) the Nazarene’s greatest enemy-turned-advocate, Marcus, a merchant prince and half-brother to Ben Joshua, the controversial son of Maria and the messiah.

Spanning the far-flung trade routes of the Roman Empire and beyond, Longley weaves a plausible tale of the rise and spread of Christianity, as well as the deviations of belief that inevitably rose among its followers. Longley’s style has matured yet again, and his prose flows evenly along one twisty riverbed of a tale. My only complaint: the multiplicity of names that some characters were saddled with. But that’s more a by-product of the effort made to show how Joshua’s message was spread. Overall, an intriguing read and a great alternate telling of a very old story.

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