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Rating: 
Summary: Brought me back to Christianity
Review: Every since I was a little kid, I never understood "Jesus died for your sins" (or "washed away your sins") and whenever I questioned it, I basically was ridiculed. So, the basis of Christianity made no sense to me. This book rejects this portion of Christianity by relying only on the portions of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark and Luke) that are consistent. The two chapters "Who is Jesus of Nazareth" and "Can this be Christian?" are so common-sense that I wonder how anyone can still believe the traditional way. I recommend starting with these chapters. Other chapters like "posessions and the use of money" are very inspiring. After reading this book, for the first time, Christianity makes sense to me.
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Summary: Ross provides a way to believe that makes sense
Review: First, I am a Christian who wants and needs to believe in Jesus. Unfortunately, there are few real answers out there, and finding others who really believe not only with their spirit and heart, but with their brains is difficult to find. Ross's book is a unique and open approach to interpreting the gospels. His appeal is straight forward and I believe an honest approach to developing a renewed faith in Jesus. I emphasize Jesus because Ross reveals a way to understand Jesus that is defined not by theology but by common sense, which is in fact not that common. I recommend this book if you are looking for answers as a believer who cares about the mission of Jesus Christ and how Jesus still makes sense, even common sense, in today's world. Ross has shown me a way to believe that does not involve magical thinking, and does not lose Jesus in the process. Finally, Ross challenges us as Christians to reexamine our world view, and to reconsider how we view prosperity and how a "middle class American live as a Christian?".
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Summary: Religion According to One Man's Common Sense
Review: I was OK with the first two chapters of this book. As an independent thinker, I agree with Mr. Ross that a lot of bad doctrine and theology has developed and that the bible does not speak authoritatively on science and history, but reflects the misconceptions of its authors. He loses me in chapter 3 when he argues that since his common sense won't allow him to believe that a loving God can allow suffering, therefore God must not affect and must not even be in charge of earthly events. Having made that assumption, he goes on to say that the bible is in error wherever it reveals God to be omnipotent, a loving Father (what kind of father isn't involved in his children's lives?), or an indwelling counselor. He believes Jesus performed no miracles except for a few faith healings. Using his common sense again, he states that Jesus is not really equivalent with God, because he doesn't see how man and God can exist in one being. He says that all the writings of John and Paul that reveal Jesus to be God are either flawed theology or have been misinterpreted. He also believes that no atonement is necessary for sin, so the crucifixion and resurrection are religiously unimportant. I may be an independent thinker, but I believe that the bible must be an accurate representation of who God is, what He has done for us, and what He expects from us. Mr. Ross throws most of it away, reducing his religion mostly to the three synoptic gospels. However, even the synoptics clearly show Jesus to be God ("When the Son of Man comes in His glory and all the angels with him, ..." Matt 25:31) and God to be very much involved in the lives of His children ("Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father" Matt 10:29). If you are interested in the question of how a loving, omnipotent God can allow suffering, try the writing of Hannah Whitall Smith (The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life, the God of All Comfort, and especially The Common Sense Teaching of the Bible - chapters 5 and 9).
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Summary: Common Sense -- At Last!
Review: Read this book! Seekers, doubters, and non-comfy Christians of all denominations will find straightforward discussions of The Big Questions: Biblical literalism, the divinity of Jesus, the Resurrection -- to name just a few of the biggest. Mr. Ross shoots from the hip, with erudition and, occasionally, with wonderful crankiness. Be advised: This book is in no way a secular debunking of religious truths. The author is clearly a man of profound faith; he demonstrates that it is possible to believe with both eyes -- and the mind -- open.
Rating:
Summary: Common Sense -- At Last!
Review: Read this book! Seekers, doubters, and non-comfy Christians of all denominations will find straightforward discussions of The Big Questions: Biblical literalism, the divinity of Jesus, the Resurrection -- to name just a few of the biggest. Mr. Ross shoots from the hip, with erudition and, occasionally, with wonderful crankiness. Be advised: This book is in no way a secular debunking of religious truths. The author is clearly a man of profound faith; he demonstrates that it is possible to believe with both eyes -- and the mind -- open.
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