Rating: 
Summary: Jesus told us stories....
Review: i really like what ben and glenn did with common grounds. they told a story. for me, this story hit close to home. the characters were real and believable, and the conversations were written such that it was almost as if you were sitting in the coffee shop with them. what i really like is that solid, biblical principals are brought up in natural, normal conversation just like every day life. we get to see the main characters: lauren, brad & jarrod think through and even at times struggle through real questions about their faith, their beliefs. flaws in their thinking and worldviews are brought out as each wrestles with Truth. like i said, it's a good story. Jesus told us stories too in a very similar way to introduce biblical Truths. that's what ben and glenn do here. you should check it out for your self.
Rating:
Summary: Jesus told us stories....
Review: i really like what ben and glenn did with common grounds. they told a story. for me, this story hit close to home. the characters were real and believable, and the conversations were written such that it was almost as if you were sitting in the coffee shop with them. what i really like is that solid, biblical principals are brought up in natural, normal conversation just like every day life. we get to see the main characters: lauren, brad & jarrod think through and even at times struggle through real questions about their faith, their beliefs. flaws in their thinking and worldviews are brought out as each wrestles with Truth. like i said, it's a good story. Jesus told us stories too in a very similar way to introduce biblical Truths. that's what ben and glenn do here. you should check it out for your self.
Rating:
Summary: Is there a 2nd volume?....I want more.
Review: Not only does Common Grounds deal with "the things that matter most" but it also offers thoughtful answers to some of the toughest questions: If God is on control, what about 9/11...was God in control that day? If everyone has a different story they live by, how do we figure out which story we should live by? Isn't everything religious people know or believe just personal opionion or tradition? This book is filled with good thinking that takes these types of questions seriously.I found myself frequently talking back to the characters, which is a sign of a compelling story: "Shut up, Brad. You don't know everything!"..."Jarrod, you're great guy, but you're kind of good sometimes"..."Good question, Lauren. That's exactly what I was thinking"..."Oh, good point, Dr. MacGregor. Why couldn't you be my grandfather?" I recommend it highly...and I'm buying copies for my friends.
Rating:
Summary: Is there a 2nd volume?....I want more.
Review: Not only does Common Grounds deal with "the things that matter most" but it also offers thoughtful answers to some of the toughest questions: If God is on control, what about 9/11...was God in control that day? If everyone has a different story they live by, how do we figure out which story we should live by? Isn't everything religious people know or believe just personal opionion or tradition? This book is filled with good thinking that takes these types of questions seriously. I found myself frequently talking back to the characters, which is a sign of a compelling story: "Shut up, Brad. You don't know everything!"..."Jarrod, you're great guy, but you're kind of good sometimes"..."Good question, Lauren. That's exactly what I was thinking"..."Oh, good point, Dr. MacGregor. Why couldn't you be my grandfather?" I recommend it highly...and I'm buying copies for my friends.
Rating:
Summary: Is there a 2nd volume?....I want more.
Review: Not only does Common Grounds deal with "the things that matter most" but it also offers thoughtful answers to some of the toughest questions: If God is on control, what about 9/11...was God in control that day? If everyone has a different story they live by, how do we figure out which story we should live by? Isn't everything religious people know or believe just personal opionion or tradition? This book is filled with good thinking that takes these types of questions seriously. I found myself frequently talking back to the characters, which is a sign of a compelling story: "Shut up, Brad. You don't know everything!"..."Jarrod, you're great guy, but you're kind of good sometimes"..."Good question, Lauren. That's exactly what I was thinking"..."Oh, good point, Dr. MacGregor. Why couldn't you be my grandfather?" I recommend it highly...and I'm buying copies for my friends.
Rating:
Summary: Take and Read
Review: Reading "Common Grounds" is like overhearing any conversation in your local java hut--where people reflect on life and how to live it. Ultimately the conversations turn to questions we all ask--about purpose, God, suffering. Lucke (and Young) deftly explores the issues our culture wrestles with and presents the option of faith in a winsome, non-heavyhanded manner. Look forward to more in this series.
Rating:
Summary: An Honest Look at the Truth
Review: The authors of this book have selected a clever format for addressing some of today's most challenging questions regarding truth, life, purpose and faith. Regardless of our backgrounds, personal challenges or education we all struggle to answer these questions at some point in our lives and, in today's world, answers are available everywhere, but they seldom are based on Truth. This is a great book for providing real answers for those seeking and for giving Christians the scriptural tools for defending their faith to others. The discussion questions in the back are beneficial for the individual reader, couples, group study or "coffee house friendships."
Rating:
Summary: Theology made real
Review: This book is one of the best ways I've seen theology communicated in applicable and understandable means. The story format of teaching is one that I think has been largely forgotten until this book. I've already applied what I have learned in everyday conversations with people I interact with on a daily basis. This book bridges the unfortunately created gap in our time of doctrine and application of it. I would recommend this book to both the studied theology scholar as well as someone just beginning to investigate Christianity. I can't wait for more from these authors.
Rusty Kelley
Rating:
Summary: Theology made real
Review: This book is one of the best ways I've seen theology communicated in applicable and understandable means. The story format of teaching is one that I think has been largely forgotten until this book. I've already applied what I have learned in everyday conversations with people I interact with on a daily basis. This book bridges the unfortunately created gap in our time of doctrine and application of it. I would recommend this book to both the studied theology scholar as well as someone just beginning to investigate Christianity. I can't wait for more from these authors.
Rusty Kelley
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: This is a terrific book for students graduating high school and those attending university for it addresses key theological and apologetic issues that they will encounter. The book does not only explain doctrinal beliefs, debunking other worldviews along the way, but it shows the reader how to go about doing apologetics effectively.
Two of the main characters of Common Grounds (Brad & Jarrod) have spent years sharing their faith with Lauren only to have her reject the Chrisitainity they are articulating. Then enters the professor that seems to always say the right thing with the correct approach and emotion sending the reader on a journey through the lessons of Brad, Jarrod and Lauren. I plan to give copies as gifts to the graduating high school seniors at my church. The book will be effective in facilitating fantastic small group discussions!
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