From Publishers Weekly
Sweet (
SoulTsunami,
SoulSalsa) argues that Christendom overemphasizes doctrine and reason at the expense of a relationship with God, and that it's time to "replant the faith in the rich biblical soil from which it has been uprooted." To shift from right thinking to right living, Christians must restore various relationships—with God, His revelation, other people of faith, those outside the faith and creation. Sweet might surprise some readers when he says that Abraham should have questioned God about the command to sacrifice Isaac, and that in not doing so, Abraham failed part of God's test by leaving his community. The author borrows from Eastern mysticism, especially in a section about creation that echoes the modern environmental movement's criticisms of airplane travel, the fishing industry and Freon. Sweet's political orientation also surfaces in a general accusation that the world's richest nations are to blame for the plight of the poor. In trying to swing believers from rationalism to relationalism, Sweet challenges evangelicals by saying that the text of the Bible does not become the Truth until it is lived out. Sweet's existential approach will not fit with many formal, historic understandings of the Christian faith, but then, that's the point. Extensive questions for discussion are included.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"Len Sweet has really done it this time! In true midrash form, Len exposes the beauty of a relationship with our Creator. He asks all the hard questions and leads us to a place of grace beyond the formulaic answers. Throw all your self-help books in the trash and immerse yourself in a book that will help you see your faith journey in a whole new way."
-Chris Seay, author of "The Gospel According to Tony Soprano"
"No charts, no boxes, no to-do lists. Just everything we thought we knew about faith but didn't. This is the book we should be reading in our small groups."
--Sally Morgenthaler, author of "Worship Evangelism," founder of Sacramentis.com and Digital Glass Videos
"Here is a panoramic view of what a relational theology can mean for Christians today. Whether you're a spiritual seeker trying to get the lay of the land, or a seasoned traveler trying to make sense of what you've experienced, or even a disillusioned leader who feels it's all gone stale--this book will help you see in a fresh, inspiring, profound, and invigorating way."
--Brian McLaren, author of "A New Kind of Christian" and "The Church on the Other Side"
