Another book from theOoze arrived in the form of Carl Medearis' latest' Speaking of Jesus'. THe book is another foray by David C Cook publishing in the 'Gospel' category; a challenge to reinterpret Christianity as a Jesus centered movement rather than a conservative, arguably?Pharisaic, brand of rules and moralistic regulations. Leonard Sweet released a couple books on the subject like Nudge, this is Medearis' first on the subject.
There must be an obvious demand for this type of material, and although I appreciate the direction David C Cook is taking, I would opt for a blog form for books that are short and poignant like Carl's. Of course, you do'nt make money off of blogs as a publisher, so you print a book.
"Speaking of Jesus" has a sub-title of "the art of not-evangelism" which provides a bit more clarity with respect to the books direction. Essentially, cast off the religious rituals and expectations, and instead, replace it with a renewed pursuit of Jesus.
Sunday school was right, the answer is always Jesus. I remember reading through while I was simultaneously writing a sermon on Matthew 5:10-12 where persecution wasn't attributed to those who proselytized, but those who lived out righteousness. My reading on these verses is: it's not the ways you can change people's beliefs that matter, but how you can act like Jesus in their lives operating as previews of the Kingdom of God.
Most of the book was essentially a reiteration of my reading of the Beatitudes. Must like the story Medearis includes about the proselytizer who thought it was wisest to randomly and loudly walk around a strip mall condemning gays, Catholics, etc., only to wind up being assaulted.
Rather than see the err in his ways (the plank in his own eye) the man proclaimed matter of factually,
...if you're not being persecuted then what you're preaching isn't real.
The Beatitudes are the complete opposite of this asinine position. That's just the thing. Some people jealously guard against traditions and systems while completely forgetting about what Jesus actually previewed for the disciples. That is, blessed are the persecuted for my name sake--as in those who are intentional participants in righting wrongs (on specifically in the Beatitudes those who pursued righteousness).
The book will hopefully challenge some to re-assess their faith priorities.
Medearis is gaining a bit more attention as of late mostly due to his work in the mid-East. I read his Tea with Hezbollah book and enjoyed that. This one is a bit of a change in writing style, but it's a quick easy read that you may wish to pass along to friends.
Check out a video for the book
Source: http://www.pomotheo.com/2011/book-reviews/carl-medearis-speaking-of-jesus/
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