The Trouble with Jesus

Rating:
Summary: From a Roman Catholic Point-of-View
Review: At first I wasn't going to read this book. However, I happened to glance through it and noticed a reference to St. Lawrence, something which surprised me in a book written by an Evangelical, especially one from the Moody Bible Institute. (I know many people who went there and there seems to be little interest in the period from the end of the first century AD to the Reformation.)

The book is good as far as it goes but I don't think it goes far enough. His main point is that, as Christians, we cannot afford to abandon Jesus, especially in this post 9/11 era where so many are afraid that any mention of Him will offend a non-Christian.

I'm glad that the author is discovering the writings of the early Church Fathers but he is very selective in his use of them. I suspect that this is because many Evangelicals tend to convert to Catholicism as they become more familiar with their writings.

It also seemed odd to me that, while praising Mother Teresa for her stand against abortion, he immediately points out that he has theological differences with her. Later, however, he downplays the differences between different denominations by pointing out that all true Christians have Jesus in common.

The book does have a valid point that is relevant to all Christians today but it seemed to me that the point could have been made in a pamphlet. If he wanted to include the other points, he could have done a better job of linking them together.

Rating:
Summary: Conservative, traditional point of view - controversial
Review: In "The Trouble With Jesus" author Joseph Stowell examines how having a Jesus-centric belief system has become an unpopular position since the events of 9-11. Before the several years prior to 9-11 people were losing interest in religion at an increasing rate. However, the calamity of that day brought many back seeking answers and seeking God.

But something is very different with Christianity since the Twin Towers attacks. With the Islamic extremists claiming responsibility many have balked at the idea of Jesus as the one and only way to heaven. Instead everywhere we turn everyone is singing the same refrain that we all worship the same God but in different ways. Joseph Stowell uses several Bible verses to point out that this is not consistent with traditional Christianity and flies in direct contradiction with what the Bible has to say about Jesus.

"The Trouble with Jesus" is a book that conservative Christians will enjoy and find motivating. Among liberals some will find it encouraging and others will find it a fine example of the trouble with Jesus.

Rating:
Summary: Conservative, traditional point of view - controversial
Review: In "The Trouble With Jesus" author Joseph Stowell examines how having a Jesus-centric belief system has become an unpopular position since the events of 9-11. Before the several years prior to 9-11 people were losing interest in religion at an increasing rate. However, the calamity of that day brought many back seeking answers and seeking God.

But something is very different with Christianity since the Twin Towers attacks. With the Islamic extremists claiming responsibility many have balked at the idea of Jesus as the one and only way to heaven. Instead everywhere we turn everyone is singing the same refrain that we all worship the same God but in different ways. Joseph Stowell uses several Bible verses to point out that this is not consistent with traditional Christianity and flies in direct contradiction with what the Bible has to say about Jesus.

"The Trouble with Jesus" is a book that conservative Christians will enjoy and find motivating. Among liberals some will find it encouraging and others will find it a fine example of the trouble with Jesus.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding and Timely
Review: Mr. Stowell has excellent observations on the condition of today's society and the fact that Christians face something worse than persecution - today's committed Christian is unpopular. The good news, he points out, is that we have a roadmap in the New Testament for dealing with today's world. Early Christians were plagued with people misunderstanding and mislabeling them. They stood out because they would not pledge themselves to Cesar over Jesus.

The book is small but full of challenging wisdom and advice. I read it once and immediately started reading it again to fully grasp the concepts presented. It helps focus the reader on what it means to be "salt" and "light" to the world.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding and Timely
Review: Mr. Stowell has excellent observations on the condition of today's society and the fact that Christians face something worse than persecution - today's committed Christian is unpopular. The good news, he points out, is that we have a roadmap in the New Testament for dealing with today's world. Early Christians were plagued with people misunderstanding and mislabeling them. They stood out because they would not pledge themselves to Cesar over Jesus.

The book is small but full of challenging wisdom and advice. I read it once and immediately started reading it again to fully grasp the concepts presented. It helps focus the reader on what it means to be "salt" and "light" to the world.

Rating:
Summary: Controversial and thought-provoking!
Review: My sister-in-law loaned me this book. At first, the first three chapters grabbed me by the throat ~~ then it winds down to a theology book that just serves to remind me of what it is like to be a Christian in today's world.

It starts out with the author's regret that we cannot mention Jesus' name in today's society ~~ and the fact that America is now a paganized country. That alone is controversial but the entire book is controversial as well. After talking about how America is now a paganized country, he mentions on how to be the "Light and Salt" of the earth to minister to today's society. Stowell has some very good points in that Christians today need to stop preaching and start practicing the acts of Jesus in order to bring light to the world.

It is a very short and very interesting book ~~ I wish it had more information on the early Christians and how it impacted the Roman Empire. It could use more substance to its stories and ideas and theories. But as a small book, this is a great start for those who are interested in knowing more about Christianity.

12-1-04

Rating:
Summary: Interesting questions for Christians to Answer folowing 9/11
Review: The author poses some challenging questions that face all questions and he does so in a quite readable format. The writing does not break new ground, but it does present the questions in a timely context -- post Sept. 11.

The examples of challenges are good (although somewhat repetetive) and he proposes some spiritual solutions to these challenges.

Overall, a nice read