A terrific book, which is simple in style but deep in thought. It is written in typical pastoral style - frequently telling simple stories to help clarify theological complexities - but it also raises new theological issues as well. Without ever talking down to the reader, the book is a good British example of the current so-called 'Postconservative' evangelical approach (an evangelical branch of Postliberalism), which is attempting to theology away from the traditional issues of the Reformed church, and emphasising instead how the Christian lifestyle is to be led in relation to Christ. In a similar vein to theologians and pastors such as Roger E. Olson, Brian D. McLaren, Donald Miller and Rob Bell, Chalke seems to have been influenced by the 'third quest for the historical Jesus' as exemplified by Bishop N.T. Wright, as well as German theologian Jurgen Moltmann. Examples of this are in relation to his emphasis on the Jewish cultural background of Jesus - for instance, Chalke emphasises that Jesus would have been a rabbi, and the main premise of the book is that we are to be like a rabbi's disciples. He also highlights such cultural issues of the time such as 'Turn the other cheek', and brings a refreshing new perspective on it based on historical research. Although it doesn't give emphasis to weightier theological difficulties, that is not its aim or primary audience: it gives a terrific perspective on what Christianity is about for both Christians and non-Christians, and is definately recommended for people who have recently become a Christian. Challenging, insightful, but above all enjoyable to read.
Amazon Home
