Richard G. (ralegh) -
Brian McLaren has taken a close look at the texts and found evidence for a nontraditional take on Jesus's teachings. Over the years the Christian church has taken a position that there are winners and losers, good guys and bad guys in the quest for heaven. McLaren feels that God loves us all and invites us all into his grace and forgiveness. Our role on earth is not to prepare ourselves for going up to heaven, rather it is to prepare the earth for when the Messiah returns and turns the earth into the kingdom of God. We are called on to start building the kingdom now by treating each other with love and caring and respect. Well written, thought-provoking and reassuring to those who often feel pushed out by Christianity.
David L. (marauder34) reviewed The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything on + 63 more book reviews
If you have never read "The Secret Message of Jesus" by Brian McLaren, get a copy of it now.
McLaren is one of the leaders in the "emerging church" movement, and the book was definitely groundbreaking in its interpretation and application of the Bible. McLaren notes that when Jesus arrived, his message was not that the Kingdom of God was coming, but that it had arrived, in his person. If Isaiah and Micah, and the other prophets saw a glorious kingdom off in the distance, Jesus was announcing that it could be found now, through faith, in him.
This is a radical thought compared to the standard evangelical teaching of substitutionary atonement, but the doctrine of Christus Victor is a much older one, and as McLaren demonstrates in his book, it is one with much deeper implications for this life than a mere recitation of the sinner's prayer.
As the title explains, it changes everything. McLaren considers the relevance of the Incarnation on spending, on voting, on government, and on other aspects of daily life. Agree or disagree with him, this book will leave you thinking.
McLaren is one of the leaders in the "emerging church" movement, and the book was definitely groundbreaking in its interpretation and application of the Bible. McLaren notes that when Jesus arrived, his message was not that the Kingdom of God was coming, but that it had arrived, in his person. If Isaiah and Micah, and the other prophets saw a glorious kingdom off in the distance, Jesus was announcing that it could be found now, through faith, in him.
This is a radical thought compared to the standard evangelical teaching of substitutionary atonement, but the doctrine of Christus Victor is a much older one, and as McLaren demonstrates in his book, it is one with much deeper implications for this life than a mere recitation of the sinner's prayer.
As the title explains, it changes everything. McLaren considers the relevance of the Incarnation on spending, on voting, on government, and on other aspects of daily life. Agree or disagree with him, this book will leave you thinking.
