3 2 1: The Story of God, the World and You

by Glen Scrivener

‘You made it, well done! Let me take your coat and offer you a drink…’

If Christianity is a house, consider 321 ‘the grand tour’. You’re invited to step inside and have a look at the Christian faith from within. You’ll meet our guide, Jesus, who will take us through the house. We’ll explore the big issues: God, the world and ourselves. At the end we’ll sit down with a drink and you can ask your questions. How does that sound?

Perhaps you’re already familiar with Christian beliefs or maybe they are completely new to you. Whatever the case, this is a fresh telling of the Christian story that assumes no prior knowledge. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to explore. If that’s you then let’s take the tour in 3, 2, 1…

Genres: Christian, Theology, Evangelism, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith

183 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

Glen directs the evangelistic charity Speak Life. He is an ordained Anglican who writes, speaks, and makes media to equip the church and reach beyond it. He is married to Emma and is the author of 7 books, including 321, Long Story Short and The Gift.

Reviews

[Joshua Slade]

An absolutely outstanding book! Punchy but winsome, whistle-stop but comprehensive, accessible but profound, this is Scrivener at his best. This really is a grand tour of the Christian faith, exploring the person of Jesus (the way into the story), the tri-unity of the Godhead (3), the reality of being either 'in Adam' or 'in Jesus' (2) and the need for the individual to become one with Jesus (1). This is the story of God, the world and you, and it's compelling from start to finish. Reading this as a believer of 20 years, this has uplifted, encouraged and stirred me to share this wonderful story! I can't think of a better book to act as a starting point for those unfamiliar with the good news of the Bible.

[Benjamin]

Très bon style de communication. Simple et accessible. Assez déçu par son traitement de la croix/substitution pénale (je mettrai plutôt 3,5/5 probablement).

[Barry]

Great overview. He has a knack for insightful analogies, making deep concepts accessible and seemingly complex issues understandable.

[Brad Owens]

Glen Scrivener popped up on my radar with his book The Air We Breathe, which was awesome. And he doesn't disappoint in this wonderful little book inviting the non-Christian to come and take a good look at Jesus!

[Matt Chapman]

Really really great introduction to Christianity. Also deals with a number of apologetic questions in a very helpful manner, continuing to apply the '321' framework to give an answer to each question.

A good giveaway book. Suitable for Christians and interested non-Christians, adults and teens.

[Gavin Felgate]

People who aren't yet Christian have a lot of misunderstandings about the Bible and Christianity, so I found this book quite refreshing for anyone who might be looking into the Christian message.

I liked the fact that the first few chapters told the story of Jesus and the crucifixion in relateable terms, more like it was in plain English than many other Christian essays that I've read. I enjoyed how Glen Scrivener used the term "Loser's Convention" for how Jesus spent a lot of his time hanging out with people who the religious leaders had rejected.

One of the chapters used a good metaphor for spiritual (rather than phsyical death), by comparing people to "Christmas trees". The whole analogy came from how the tree is technically dead when cut down, but does not immediately decay. As he notes, if we are spiritually dead, "we can decorate ourselves with baubles, but it changes nothing", pointing to how we need Jesus to save us.

Scrivener also used football as a metaphor at one point, explaining how there are two ways to live, but the only right way is to be on "Team Jesus". There was also a bit of Douglas Adams influence ("the Earth is scheduled for demolition" was a phrase used to explain that the world won't be around forever).

The second part of the book addressed a number of questions that non-believers might have, and also their objections to becoming Christians. I liked the answers given; there was the usual question about why God allows suffering, but also some things I hadn't seen addressed so much.

One of the chapters was about scandals in the church and the behaviour of church leaders. Reading it, I was reminded on a particularly smug tweet by Ricky Gervais along the lines of "once again, atheists are arguing about who doesn't believe in God the most. Oh, wait, that doesn't happen." Scrivener's response is how Jesus would not approve of any scandals or fighting within the church, and ultimately dismisses critics like Gervais as being like the Biblical religious leaders. One of the chapters set out Scrivener's belief that science and religion are not mutually exclusive, which I agree with. He argues that just because Charles Darwin theorised evolution does not mean that this would take away the need for a creator God as the cause for this. He also encourages people to scientifically investigate why miracles happen, as it could prove them to be genuine.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone, Christian or non-Christian.

[Ethan]

Scrivener does a fantastic job of summarizing the teachings of Christianity for those who have not yet been introduced to it. He covers a lot of ground in a short space; given its demanding pace, this book is probably best for those who already have an interest in (or at least a genuine openness toward) the claims of Christianity. Scrivener has a real knack for keeping the big picture in view while deflecting common objections that distract from the main point. There are a few topics in which I feel his explanation comes up short. For instance, I wish he would go farther in fleshing out the scriptural teaching of hell and rejecting an evolutionary view of creation (reading Genesis 1-3 as history). But I can understand why he would avoid being too dogmatic in a book like this. He is attempting to present a Christianity that is not overly sectarian or provincial. In any case, I don't think his broad approach on those issues would get in the way of a more detailed understanding of them later on (once people are actually "in the house" of Christianity). Great resource, all things considered.

[Katie]

The language feels a little odd sometimes, but I think it's just because he's trying to be relatable. Still, I think this is one of the most intelligently laid out overviews of the Christian faith I've ever read. It was incredibly impactful to me and my faith life, as it gave me a chance to review the gospel in a new format. I'm incredibly thankful to this book, and I don't intend to let this sit on my shelf for long! It will be passed on to friends of all levels of familiarity with the Christian faith.

[olivia]

Read and approached from a non-Christian perspective (Catholic/Anglican school being the extent of my theological background and knowledge), this was lent to me by a friend to help me better understand her newfound Christian beliefs and values. An easy to understand/layman's overview of the general theology and fundamentals of Christianity. Despite not agreeing with particular chapters and principles discussed, I am glad to have a better understanding of her viewpoint and life perspective, as well as the religion as a whole.
7/10.

[Stuart Mckimm]

The second best book I've ever read, and the best evangelistic material I have come across. Such a joy to read. Gives such a compelling introduction to the big, sweeping picture of the message of Scripture, before addressing common objections to Christianity in a winsome and honest way in the second half of the book. I've given this book to so many non-Christian friends, family and acquaintances. Really compelling. Get loads of copies!

[Sheri Hathaway]

This is an excellent overview of the Christian faith; good for anyone searching for a faith, for anyone new to Christianity, or for someone who needs the right words to explain it to someone else. It also offers good, straightforward clarification of concepts, something anyone needs from time to time. I borrowed this book but I'd like to have my own copy as a reference.

[Jim]

What a wonderful encapsulation of the gospel! The message is familiar, but Glenn's winsome words, and great analogies will thrill seasoned believers, and those seeking understanding of historic Christianity in these confusing times. HIGHLY recommended!

[Steve Adams]

Best book I've ever read to explain the Gospel to people who are not familiar with Christianity.

[Jeff Enderle]

Nice, simple introduction to the Christian faith. Sets forth the gospel in a winsome manner and answers some common objections in brief fashion. Engaging writing style. Easy read.

[Csilla Lukács-Lörincz]

It was very personal and entertaining in a good way. Would be curious what a non-christian thinks of it....?

[Paul]

Lovely read, wonder triniarian hermeneutic that I intend to pass on to a couple of non-believers.

[Paul Pompa]

Sound review. Lots of great insight. This book seems aimed at people who are curious about Christianity, particularly the unbelievers and less mature Christians.

[Nobi Nobes]

Great book!

[AHuitema]

Glen Scrivener presents the gospel in a very accessible, humble and modern way – great for people who are searching for God. There are even some interesting frequently asked questions at the end.

[Jacm]

An easy to read guide to the basics of the Christian faith for those curious or unfamiliar with what Christians actually believe as opposed to what many think they do.

[Tanya Marlow]

It has been a while since I read an evangelical evangelistic book, the sort that you give to friends to help them know what the gospel is. This one started a little slowly for me (the retelling of the gospel in his initial Jesus chapter fell a little flat for me, possibly because as a Sunday School Christian, I know the stories so well). But would be a mistake to stop there, because the rest of the book just zings with energy.

The structure of the book is to explain the heart of the gospel in three fairly long but engaging chapters (the 3 of the trinity; the 2 representatives – Jesus vs Adam; the 1 of unity with Christ), and the second half of the book is common apologetics questions, which are answered succinctly but briefly (suffering, sexuality, Bible etc).

Glen Scrivener’s winsome and jovial style is so readable, and his apologetics razor-sharp. This book stands out as an enthusiastic, intellectually rigorous, thoughtfully-illustrated portrayal of the gospel.

I found myself underlining lots of soundbites and fresh, striking illustrations. It reminded me of the best kind of evangelistic book I read as a student, and would be ideal for the twenties-thirties age group.

[Esther]

This book was absolutely brilliant; lots of my questions were answered and some were sparked.
POSITIVES
There were many moments where Glen chose a suitable part of the bible and made it clearer which certainly helped understand his arguments.
The formats were really clear with the Three,Two,One and how each chapters layout was similar. This helped it to be more concise.
There were lots of good quotes either from Glen or other suitable people inserted in just the right moments. "Jesus entered our hell so we could have his heaven"
NEGATIVES
Some of the questions at the end were not at all relevant and I was really confused why people would think that. Maybe that is just my opinion...
The last few chapters were very confusing and unhelpful as the questions weren't answered which just got me into a muddle.
Overall great book with many interesting points.