Rating: 
Summary: poor theology
Review: I purchased this book in a bookstore, I was greatly enheartened by its compassionate message... but if I had perused it more carefully, I am not quite sure I would have purchased it.
While "If Grace Is True" contains many wonderful passages, it also contains extremely unfortunate ones.
I agree with the author's point of view concerning the triumph of mercy over judgment; we must "abandon our infatuation with justice" and "our obsession with balancing a heavenly ledger." He goes on to say, "To turn the other cheek is to choose grace over justice... It is to absorb pain rather than inflict it."
So far, this is admirable and filled with compassion, which is the essence of Christianity.
However, I found the author's easy dismissal of more difficult Biblical passages troubling. While the Bible shouldn't be turned into a "golden calf," it cannot be used as the basis for a cut-and-paste theology. The author's grasp of Scripture seems... weak, or at the very least, incomplete. His intentions are loving, but his understanding seems flawed.
Even more troubling is his assertion that Christ need not be divine. To reject the Protestant doctrine of atonement does not automatically lead to denial of Christ's divinity. To believe that Christ is the only path to salvation does not imply the damnation of those who, for various reasons, do not embrace Christ on earth. In Eastern Orthodoxy, the sacrifice of Christ is interpreted as Life Itself trampling down death by death; a healing of mankind from the deadly illness of sin, i.e. the rejection of Life. Only God, the source of Life, could destroy death. Therefore, salvation without Christ is impossible.
The arguments the author uses to support his notion that Christ is not divine stem from poor theology, and this undermines the book. I am puzzled by his statement that one must not confuse the messenger and his message; Christ is both the messenger AND the message. He is the Life and the Way: he points the way to our transformation, and tranforms us. I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the Best Exposition
Review: I read this book after reading Talbott's "The Inescapable Love of God". What a difference! "If Grace is True" qualifies, in my view, as inspirational reading, i.e., if you already believe in universalism, much of it will have you saying "Amen", and it will inspire you to act accordingly. As serious theology, or Scriptural analysis, it is weak. For those who want a systematic exposition and discussion of the Scriptural, Historical and Theological bases for Universalism, Talbott's book is far better. Don't judge Universalism by "If Grace is True". The arguments are far stronger than this book might lead you to conclude.
Rating:
Summary: Not the Best Exposition
Review: I read this book after reading Talbott's "The Inescapable Love of God". What a difference! "If Grace is True" qualifies, in my view, as inspirational reading, i.e., if you already believe in universalism, much of it will have you saying "Amen", and it will inspire you to act accordingly. As serious theology, or Scriptural analysis, it is weak. For those who want a systematic exposition and discussion of the Scriptural, Historical and Theological bases for Universalism, Talbott's book is far better. Don't judge Universalism by "If Grace is True". The arguments are far stronger than this book might lead you to conclude.
Rating: 
Summary: For those who have the courage to question their beliefs..
Review: I was raised a Jehovah's Witness and I believed it to be the truth like I believed the sky was blue and the grass was green...even though I found it disturbing to think that God was so vengefull. I too have changed my beliefs over time as a result of my own 'experiences'. Maybe that's why it is so easy for me to go along with the premise of this book. If you are looking for a book to point the finger at all the evil doers, don't buy this one. If you are looking for a heartfelt excuse for forgiveness, look no further. I sent this book to a prison where maybe forgiveness of self is needed most of all. Maybe it's time to put the 'bat' down and stop beating ourselves for being human, maybe if we did that we'd be less inclined to 'beat/punish' our neighbor for thier human failings. Love your neighbor as yourself. To bad that in this world it takes a whole book to get this simple point across.
Rating:
Summary: Give it a try
Review: I'd like to recommend this book to all grappling with this very difficult subject. No, it is not likely to convince those firmly committed to biblical inerrancy. But it may help those who are deeply disturbed by the implications of the doctrine of hell to see that there are alternative viewpoints held by other no-less deeply committed Christians. The authors both exhibit a wonderful graciousness, courage and compassion in their writing that is truly exemplary of Christian maturity and love.
One reviewer was put off that the book was substantially anecdotal and emotional. While other books key in on more biblical and philosophical argumentations for Universalism (Thomas Talbott and Jan Bonda as examples), I frankly welcome this approach to the discussion as well. In fact, perhaps a significant missing element in conservative articulations of hell as eternal torment is the lack of emotional coherency. To consign any living, feeling human to such an excessively tortuous existence is truly emotionally gut wrenching to say the least, if not down right ghastly. (And don't overlook the implication of the conservative position that those who are "destined to fry" are not only Hitler and Attila the Hun but the friendly next door neighbor or relative who die unsaved as well.) Perhaps our felt emotional responses have important ways to clue us about truth as well as our intellects or our fidelities to orthodox belief. But both authors are in no way guilty of shallow emotive propagandizing in articulating why they came to their Universalistic convictions.
I write this review as once a believer in biblical infallibility and one who grimly conceded the reality of hell as the destiny for the unsaved after death. However, over the course of my own theological odyssey I have come to the belief that this and really all biblical doctrines ultimately point to the essence of who God is. How one responds to this doctrine very much characterizes how one understands God's nature. Is God's essence consistently, fully LOVE or does it need to be substantially qualified by other attributes such as wrath and retributional justice?
Certainly, one may believe God expresses anger and "wrath" towards human sinfulness but perhaps this is better understood as an expression of his love, somewhat analogous to a parent who would not let their son or daughter commit destructive acts towards others or themselves without "redemptive" discipline and restoration. However, the goal is always redemptive not destruction of the person. Hell as eternal torment surely confuses this and in the end God tragically comes off as a cosmic sadist.
One reviewer described the authors' views of Universalism as "warm-and-fuzzy". However the authors surely contest that viewpoint throughout. One of the most difficult and demanding teachings of Jesus was his call to his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them just as God responds in goodness to "his enemies". Hardly warm-and-fuzzy teaching to say the least! But this is precisely the type of love Universalism speaks of God. Warm-and-fuzzy? No. The kind that can in the tortuous pain of crucifixion pray for the forgiveness of one's tormentors? Absolutely!
The extravagance of God's grace is very much the theme of the book, very often colored by biographical vignettes from the authors' own spiritual pilgrimages. The authors engage us to ask the question of our own experiences of grace, if they will not take us to the same conclusion. This is not a book for discovering tight theological and biblical argumentation and readers will need to research other books to compliment this one.
I found the book, overall, very enriching and encouraging. Because of its simplicity and charitableness, it came as a breath of fresh air in a world bound by an often graceless and retributional mindset. It is with great gratitude to the author's that I highly recommend reading this book with open mind and heart.
Rating: 
Summary: Good thesis, weak support
Review: I'm a universalist myself, but I don't feel this book makes the best case for universalism. If you're comfortable with the idea of "weighing scripture" and a few emotional appeals you won't have any problems with this book, but if you're looking for biblical support of univeralism you won't find it hear. I recommend Talbott's The Inescapable Love Of God as a companion to this book. They complement each other well in their approaches. Talbott's book attempts to prove universalism using logic and scripture.
Rating:
Summary: Amen, brothers!
Review: In his previous books, Phil Gulley has captured the essence of small-town life eloquently and simply. Now, in this theological piece, he and his writing partner Mulholland make a convincing, albeit simple case for God's true intentions for the world: that God WILL save everyone. While some conservative Christians might believe that these two pastors are threatening the very nature of Christianity, for many on the left, this book may be delightfully inspirational. Using a mix of Biblical scripture, Christian history and personal experience, Gulley and Mulholland weave together a dramatic story that shows the progression of their own beliefs. While at first glance readers may wonder how the pastors can simply set aside certain Bible verses that are not consistent with their beliefs, it is certainly not the first time in history that Christians have reinterpreted the Bible. Moreover, they argue their points so convincingly (and gently) that readers may be wondering why univeralism hasn't gained a stronger foothold before now. Sure, this isn't what most Christians believe. But most Christians no longer require women to cover the heads and even the Episcopals are supporting gay clergy now. If grace really is true, these men have opened a door to a greater understanding of God than most modern-day humans have. Amen.
Rating:
Summary: A RESOUNDING YES TO THE TRUE "GOOD NEWS"!!!!
Review: In this book authors, Phillip Gulley and James Mulholland have the courage to finally,at last, reveal the Good News. I have long known it and felt it deeply in my soul as the "still, small voice that whispered the Truth", but here in black and white it is laid out: God loves ALL of His creation and with a love that can never be overestimated. Back in the 1950's Dr. Norman Vincent Peale was criticized for saying basically the same thing in his wonderful book, "The Power of Positive Thinking." The idea that God is there to work with you instead of waiting to "trip you up" is the message of real Grace. Yet centuries of false teaching have left their mark on people, and still others have a vested interest in the things that would separate us, rather than unite us. Fear is a potent weapon and many who claim to speak in God's name are quick to point out the "wrath of an angry god" for less than "divine" reasons: control, manipulation, greed, etc. The sad truth is that many who call themselves "Christians" believed God would go from the "guttermost to the uttermost" to save His own, and then consign His children who didn't "measure up" to the eternal torture of fire and brimstone. Yes, mercilessly tortured forever with no means of escape. That type of thinking pushed away many good people who needed the love and strength of God in their own lives. And who could blame them?Fiery pits, merciless torment? What kind of god does that sound like to you? Makes Hitler and bin Laden look tame in comparison! In this wonderful book you will learn that grace and mercy are the attributes of God, and that the ultimate sacrifice on the cross was the act of a God who said "I love you and you are mine, forever!" Irresistible, infinite love is the true Good News of the gospel and it is time it is proclaimed from every church, synagogue, and temple in the world. There is no way to read this book and come away unchanged. If you read one book of this type in your life, make it this one. Through a tender, yet steady logic you come to see that all of mankind is loved and that love was demonstrated by these words: "Love God with all of your heart, soul and mind, and your neighbor as yourself-all the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:40. That is the true "Good News." Yes, truly, Grace doth abound.
Rating:
Summary: A Resounding YES!!!
Review: In this book, authors Phillip Gulley and James Mulholland have the courage to finally, at last, reveal the Good News. I have long known it and felt it deeply in my soul as the "still, small voice that whispered the Truth", but here in black and white it is laid out: God loves ALL of His creation and with a love that can never be overestimated. The idea that God is there to work with you instead of waiting to "trip you up" is the message of real Grace. Yet centuries of false teaching have left their mark on people, and still others have a vested interest in the things that would separate us, rather than unite us. Fear is a potent weapon and many who claim to speak in God's name are quick to point out the "wrath of an angry god" for less than "divine" reasons: control, manipulation, greed, etc. The sad truth is that many who call themselves "Christians" believed God would go from the "guttermost to the uttermost" to save His own, and then consign His children who didn't "measure up" to the eternal torture of fire and brimstone. Yes, mercilessly tortured forever and ever with no means of escape. That type of thinking pushed away many good people who needed the love and strength of God in their own lives. And who could blame them? Fiery pits, merciless torment? What kind of god does that sound like to you? Makes Hitler and bin Laden look tame in comparison! In this wonderful book you will learn that grace and mercy are the attributes of God, and that the ultimate sacrifice on the cross was the act of a God who said "I love you and you are mine, forever!" Irresistible, infinite love is the true Good News of the gospel and it is time it is proclaimed from every church, synagogue, and temple in the world. What dramatic change would happen within Christendom if we truly taught God's grace! There is no way to read this book and come away unchanged. If you read one book of this type in your life, make it this one. Through a tender, yet steady logic you come to see that all of mankind is loved and that love was demonstrated by these words: "Love God with all of your heart, soul and mind, and your neighbor as yourself-all the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:40. That is the true "Good News." Yes, truly, Grace doth abound.
Rating:
Summary: Personal and to the Point
Review: In this wonderful book, "If Grace Is True", you will find wisdom both from the heart and the head. Pastors Philip Gulley and James Mulholland, have done an excellent job... As a Christian Universalist pastor myself, I think I have found the book I am going to recommend to all those I encounter who may be struggling with accepting God's unconditional love for all people and their eventual salvation.
Another book that must be mentioned at this point is; "The Inescapable Love of God" by prof. Thomas Talbott. Anyone just beginning to learn about "universalism", should read both these books.
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