Rating: 
Summary: Took me by surprise
Review: A friend sent me a copy of this book. Even though I wasn't really interested in Christian doctrine or even "things that matter," I did pick up the book. It immediately captured my attention. I really liked how engaging the writing was and how interesting and real the characters seemed to be. That Professor MacGregor fellow seemed like a truly intellectual and compassionate person, so the conversations he has with the other characters kept me turning the pages. I think lots of folks would be surprised at how fascinating they find the book if they pick it up. Mr. Glenn Lucke really has a gift, and I hope he keeps using it.
Rating:
Summary: Common Grounds
Review: Common Grounds is a non-threatening approach to the Gospel for Christians and non-Christians alike. Because the book takes on narrative form, it is a helpful tool in fomenting conversation about doctrine in any setting. Lucke and Young successfully unite theology with our Starbucks culture and make Christianity accessible to skeptics and believers.
Rating:
Summary: Common Grounds
Review: Common Grounds is a non-threatening approach to the Gospel for Christians and non-Christians alike. Because the book takes on narrative form, it is a helpful tool in fomenting conversation about doctrine in any setting. Lucke and Young successfully unite theology with our Starbucks culture and make Christianity accessible to skeptics and believers.
Rating:
Summary: Accepting the Challenge
Review: Common Grounds is a refreshing look at the realities of discussing truth in a world of relativism. Mr. Lucke and Mr. Young portray well the complexities of discerning the Truth while also reckoning with our worldviews. While affirming the veracity of Scripture, they challenge readers to peel back the layers of preconceptions and assumptions under which we all operate. The conversations between the main characters model what an honest engagement of intellect, spirit and emotions looks like-sometimes messy, often startling, never dull. The injection of doctrine in the book is far from dry. Instead, it highlights the constant interplay between "real" life and "spiritual" life, eventually making clear the transparency between the two. I recommend this book to anyone who has questions about what they believe, and even more to those who already think they have it all down. Initially this book will leave you wishing you could read more about the stories of Brad, Jarrod and Lauren, but ultimately it will inspire you to seek out "conversations about the things that matter most" with your own friends.
Rating:
Summary: Stories We Live By
Review: Common Grounds is a soulful tale full of humor, wit, and doctrinal conversation which delves deep into the heart of the matter: the soul. Glenn Lucke has chosen, along with the help of his character, Dr. MacGregor, to address many controversial doctrinal issues with both witty and intelligent conversation in a manner which deals on the surface with the doctrine itself, but more importantly with the very essence of our being. Lucke's compassion for the heart of the matter is very eloquently written in a style that appeals not only to those who love to deal in doctrine, but also to those who are just looking for a good book to read. Brad, Jarrod and Lauren's tales are stories that all of us live by and can definitely identify with.
My favorite character is Lauren. I like the fact that Mr. Lucke does not just turn her into another number on someone's convert list. Her struggle is similar to one's struggle in their walk of faith except on a different plane of course because she is not a Christian.
Also, one of my favorite pictures that the author paints is the one in the chapter "Stories that we live by" in which he describes the effectiveness of our stories versus another's stories all wrapped up in our very own selfish intolerance of one another.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book as I would enjoy any which a good friend would recommend. In my opinion, a good book leaves a person searching one's soul for the very heart of the matter: Truth. That is exactly what this one did. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Captivated
Review: From the first paragraph this book captivated my attention as it became a true page-turner. The theology is understandable for anyone - Christian or not - and some of the faith's most difficult questions are clearly explained. At the same time, the simple frame of the story doesn't detract from the messages being conveyed. I found this book to be cleverly written and hope another book will follow the first.
Rating:
Summary: Captivated
Review: From the first paragraph this book captivated my attention as it became a true page-turner. The theology is understandable for anyone - Christian or not - and some of the faith's most difficult questions are clearly explained. At the same time, the simple frame of the story doesn't detract from the messages being conveyed. I found this book to be cleverly written and hope another book will follow the first.
Rating:
Summary: Take and Read
Review: I am amazed at this book. As I continually ask the questions, " How is the gospel pertinent to me...a believer for 15 years?' this book answered that question. "Common Grounds" gives the newest "coffee generation" a real look into the window of sharing your faith, stretching your limits, seeing God in all things and learning from the wise. This book made me take a look at aspects of my faith that I never felt comfortable questioning. Our sweet, bowtie-wearing professor shed light and insight into a faith that I have grown into and a God that I depend on. Young and Lucke have given a substitute for the ending of "Friends" and the beginning of a Christian Central Perk! I can't wait to see what is in store for us in the "Second Cup"...
Rating:
Summary: Fresh...Clear...Today!
Review: I am amazed at this book. As I continually ask the questions, " How is the gospel pertinent to me...a believer for 15 years?' this book answered that question. "Common Grounds" gives the newest "coffee generation" a real look into the window of sharing your faith, stretching your limits, seeing God in all things and learning from the wise. This book made me take a look at aspects of my faith that I never felt comfortable questioning. Our sweet, bowtie-wearing professor shed light and insight into a faith that I have grown into and a God that I depend on. Young and Lucke have given a substitute for the ending of "Friends" and the beginning of a Christian Central Perk! I can't wait to see what is in store for us in the "Second Cup"...
Rating:
Summary: Fresh...Clear...Today!
Review: I am amazed at this book. As I continually ask the questions, " How is the gospel pertinent to me...a believer for 15 years?' this book answered that question. "Common Grounds" gives the newest "coffee generation" a real look into the window of sharing your faith, stretching your limits, seeing God in all things and learning from the wise. This book made me take a look at aspects of my faith that I never felt comfortable questioning. Our sweet, bowtie-wearing professor shed light and insight into a faith that I have grown into and a God that I depend on. Young and Lucke have given a substitute for the ending of "Friends" and the beginning of a Christian Central Perk! I can't wait to see what is in store for us in the "Second Cup"...
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