Erwin McManus challenges the idea that Jesus came to make us safe and comfortable. Being Christian means being perpetually at risk, spiritually, emotionally, and often physically. Christ didn't die on the cross so that we could be whimps. McManus invites us to shake off the shackles imposed by our religion-as-insurance-plan mentality and to live fully the joy of an intimate adventure with God.

any Christian, as it cuts across denominational lines. It's a must-read for Christian parents, and is also very valuable for youth who may be struggling to serve God in the face of their parents' lack of religious committment. It is great to read alone or to discuss in a group. Non-Christians who want an introduction to Christian life that hasn't been all sugar-coated in sickening niceness may also find this book worthwhile.

the fact that McManus is realistic about the value of community. Christianity obviously places a high value on relationships, but they're a double-edged sword. McManus initally appears to view organized religion in a negative light, but a careful reading shows that what he is actually against is our tendency to allow community to be an excuse for sinking to the lowest common denominator.

makes a lot of people mad, and I think the world of him for it. It is the vocation of every Christian to offend for the sake of truth; this is something Jesus did constantly.

we're a safety-addicted society, full of fear, which is opposite of faith. We're menaced by (usually bogus) health threats and overprotective of our children. McManus clearly expresses the unpopular but absolutely necessary message that a life wihtout risk is a life that's not worth living.

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Created Apr 03, 2006 at 8:07pm • Submit your own review...