Tradition, Opinion, and Truth: The Emerging Church of Christ

Rating:
Summary: Splitting the difference
Review: For the message alone this book should get 5 stars. The message of unity between all "factions" of the Church is essential for growth and to lead the lost to Christ. However, this is a review of the book as a whole and I found it lacking, that is 1 star. Hence the title of this review, 5+1/2=3 stars.

What I found in this book is mostly opinion, more opinion and a little scripture. I must admit that I have yet to finish it so maybe it redeems itself in the end chapters/segments. Still, I am finding it a difficult read not due to the message but the messenger. The writing is stilted and the format confusing. It seems to be a random grouping of essays by the listed author and one other person, Buff Scott, Jr. There is at times a flow between one section and the next but overall, no. The authors have a section quoting leaders from the Restoration movement and church history but no citing. Basically, "This is what they said but you'll have to work to verify it if you want to." The other difficulty for me is most of the time I don't recognize the church the writers are criticizing. There are vague similarities to the congregations and church leaders I have known but that is all.

The book while worth reading can be summarized in this: Look to Christ for unity and for wisdom with all Church brethren. Don't treat your opinion or your traditions as law avoiding the trap of legalism. To me, the rest of the book is just filler and the authors' opinion and criticism of the Church as a whole based on their experiences.

Rating:
Summary: Splitting the difference
Review: For the message alone this book should get 5 stars. The message of unity between all "factions" of the Church is essential for growth and to lead the lost to Christ. However, this is a review of the book as a whole and I found it lacking, that is 1 star. Hence the title of this review, 5+1/2=3 stars.

What I found in this book is mostly opinion, more opinion and a little scripture. I must admit that I have yet to finish it so maybe it redeems itself in the end chapters/segments. Still, I am finding it a difficult read not due to the message but the messenger. The writing is stilted and the format confusing. It seems to be a random grouping of essays by the listed author and one other person, Buff Scott, Jr. There is at times a flow between one section and the next but overall, no. The authors have a section quoting leaders from the Restoration movement and church history but no citing. Basically, "This is what they said but you'll have to work to verify it if you want to." The other difficulty for me is most of the time I don't recognize the church the writers are criticizing. There are vague similarities to the congregations and church leaders I have known but that is all.

The book while worth reading can be summarized in this: Look to Christ for unity and for wisdom with all Church brethren. Don't treat your opinion or your traditions as law avoiding the trap of legalism. To me, the rest of the book is just filler and the authors' opinion and criticism of the Church as a whole based on their experiences.

Rating:
Summary: Smelling Salts for the Soul
Review: This fascinating and very readable series of short essays on issues in the churches of Christ is a real wake up call. The authors ask many intriguing and challenging questions about subjects such as legalism, tradition, hermeneutics, evangelism, the eldership, and worship, to name just a few. Although I do not agree with all of the book's conclusions, the authors do ask many good questions that clearly are on the minds of members of the church today. I recommend this book for church leaders and other mature Christians with strong critical thinking skills who are capable of, to borrow a phrase from the book, "owning their own interpretations."

Rating:
Summary: Must read for Church of Christ folks
Review: This is a challenging, enlightening book. It targets legalism, small thinking and the bondage associated with both. It offers answers to some hard questions, and raises even more. While not everyone will agree with everything in it (although I think I did), it is a stimilating and refreshing read. I wholeheartedly recommend it. You will be better for having read it.

Rating:
Summary: Must read for Church of Christ folks
Review: This is a challenging, enlightening book. It targets legalism, small thinking and the bondage associated with both. It offers answers to some hard questions, and raises even more. While not everyone will agree with everything in it (although I think I did), it is a stimilating and refreshing read. I wholeheartedly recommend it. You will be better for having read it.