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The Bad Habits of Jesus: Showing Us the Way to Live Right in a World Gone Wrong
Did Jesus have bad habits?
In our culture, we have a tendency to describe Jesus in ways that soften his revolutionary edge. Len Sweet uncovers and presents to us the offensive and scandalous Jesus described in the Bible.
Did he disappear when people needed him most? Yes.
Did he refuse to answer questions directly? Yes.
Did Jesus offend the people of his day? Absolutely, yes.
Popular author and speaker Len Sweet examines the words and actions of Jesus and places them in context. We need to understand who Jesus really is if we are to follow him wholeheartedly. That is why it is so crucial to see the “rebellious rabbi” for who he is and not for who we may imagine him to be.
The Bad Habits of Jesus will help you see the untamed Jesus, who isn’t sanitized for our culture. That Jesus just might transform how you live out your life and advance God's Kingdom here and now.
In our culture, we have a tendency to describe Jesus in ways that soften his revolutionary edge. Len Sweet uncovers and presents to us the offensive and scandalous Jesus described in the Bible.
Did he disappear when people needed him most? Yes.
Did he refuse to answer questions directly? Yes.
Did Jesus offend the people of his day? Absolutely, yes.
Popular author and speaker Len Sweet examines the words and actions of Jesus and places them in context. We need to understand who Jesus really is if we are to follow him wholeheartedly. That is why it is so crucial to see the “rebellious rabbi” for who he is and not for who we may imagine him to be.
The Bad Habits of Jesus will help you see the untamed Jesus, who isn’t sanitized for our culture. That Jesus just might transform how you live out your life and advance God's Kingdom here and now.
Audio CD
Published November 8, 2016
About the author
Leonard Sweet
148 books138 followersLeonard I. Sweet is an author, preacher, scholar, and ordained United Methodist clergyman currently serving as the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew Theological School, in Madison, New Jersey; and a Visiting Distinguished Professor at George Fox University in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 1, 2017
This book was concise, yet informative. I appreciated reading the author's views of the life of Jesus. He makes several points that are very different from modern society's perception. All in all, it was a great read.
December 29, 2023
If I had lived in the time of Jesus, would I have followed Him? Jesus was so unconventional and unpredictable. He was blunt, offensive, and irreligious. He was not easy to keep up with because He went away by Himself a lot. He dined and drank with sinners, outcasts, and women. He didn't mind wasting expensive time and oils.
This book is another great read from Leonard Sweet. He exposes Jesus's bad habits but makes us appreciate Jesus more.
The core message is still how much Jesus values relationships and community, and faith over religion.
This book is another great read from Leonard Sweet. He exposes Jesus's bad habits but makes us appreciate Jesus more.
The core message is still how much Jesus values relationships and community, and faith over religion.
October 30, 2016
With a title like “The Bad Habits of Jesus” I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to read. Turns out it was a total surprise. Leonard Sweet in his book shares how Jesus turned an entire cultural upside down with how he approached people. In my time frame we don’t look at Jesus as a rebel. He was. Sweet illustrates how Jesus rebelled against the Pharisees and the cultural rules of his time in 194 pages.
January 26, 2017
I enjoy everything I read from Leonard Sweet, and this book was no exception. Sweet is a master with words and prose. In this book, he looks at Jesus through the lens of "bad habits" and flipping and contrasting conventional thinking at the time of Jesus' ministry with the unique perspective we should all try to emulate in our lives. This book is a quick read, but rich in insights.
November 18, 2016
In our culture, we have a tendency to describe Jesus in ways that soften his revolutionary edge. Len Sweet uncovers and presents to us the offensive and scandalous Jesus described in the Bible. Did he disappear when people needed him most? Yes. Did he refuse to answer questions directly? Yes. Did Jesus offend the people of his day? Absolutely, yes.
Popular author and speaker Len Sweet examines the words and actions of Jesus and places them in context. We need to understand who Jesus really is if we are to follow him wholeheartedly. That is why it is so crucial to see the "rebellious rabbi" for who he is and not for who we may imagine him to be. The Bad Habits of Jesus will help you see the untamed Jesus, who isn't sanitized for our culture. That Jesus just might transform how you live out your life.
The author begins this book by giving a brief introduction talking about how although Jesus was God's son, he had habits and behaviors that were frowned upon by the culture in which he lived in. The author goes on to explain why these habits and behaviors were seen as bad by the culture in which Jesus lived and explains how these habits and behaviors can relate in our modern world.The first chapter says, "Jesus Spit" and then goes on to explain that spitting is considered a dirty habit, but then gives us a Bible verse to show how this "bad habit" can actually be positive. The author explains that this bad habit can be a reminder for us to take off our coats, spit in our hands and get own and dirty in ministry and mission. So each chapter presents a bad habit of Jesus, explains why he behaved the way he did, gives us scripture that relates to the topic and how we can use this bad habit for good. Some of the chapters include Jesus Procrastinated, Jesus Appeared Wasteful, Jesus Broke The Rules and Jesus Loved To Party. The the back of the book, there is also a breakdown of each chapter that not only gives additional scripture, but also gives suggestions about how to look at this behavior and make it useful in your own life.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it was quite different from any of the books I have previously read in this genre and presents a great deal of interesting information that I think can be useful to many people. Thank you to the publisher by sending me a review copy of this book. Happy reading!
Popular author and speaker Len Sweet examines the words and actions of Jesus and places them in context. We need to understand who Jesus really is if we are to follow him wholeheartedly. That is why it is so crucial to see the "rebellious rabbi" for who he is and not for who we may imagine him to be. The Bad Habits of Jesus will help you see the untamed Jesus, who isn't sanitized for our culture. That Jesus just might transform how you live out your life.
The author begins this book by giving a brief introduction talking about how although Jesus was God's son, he had habits and behaviors that were frowned upon by the culture in which he lived in. The author goes on to explain why these habits and behaviors were seen as bad by the culture in which Jesus lived and explains how these habits and behaviors can relate in our modern world.The first chapter says, "Jesus Spit" and then goes on to explain that spitting is considered a dirty habit, but then gives us a Bible verse to show how this "bad habit" can actually be positive. The author explains that this bad habit can be a reminder for us to take off our coats, spit in our hands and get own and dirty in ministry and mission. So each chapter presents a bad habit of Jesus, explains why he behaved the way he did, gives us scripture that relates to the topic and how we can use this bad habit for good. Some of the chapters include Jesus Procrastinated, Jesus Appeared Wasteful, Jesus Broke The Rules and Jesus Loved To Party. The the back of the book, there is also a breakdown of each chapter that not only gives additional scripture, but also gives suggestions about how to look at this behavior and make it useful in your own life.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it was quite different from any of the books I have previously read in this genre and presents a great deal of interesting information that I think can be useful to many people. Thank you to the publisher by sending me a review copy of this book. Happy reading!
June 11, 2017
If you're like most people I know and have talked to about this book, the title scares you. It probably conjures up thoughts like, "But MY Jesus didn't have any bad habits! He was God!" And you are right.
Leonard Sweet is in full agreement with your statement, but in this delightful book he encourages us to look at Jesus in a different way. He wants us to take off the Sunday School glasses we tend to wear when we view Jesus and read the Word.
He points out that Jesus did things and said things that we would not dare say or do today because it is considered bad. A few examples:
Jesus spit. Think about that. He spit and made mud. If that wasn't bad enough, He then smeared that mud on a man's eyes.
Jesus procrastinated. His procrastination led to a man's death, and He was completely unbothered and unapologetic about it. He simply kept on being God.
I loved this book. I have been reading Leonard Sweet's books since "A Cup of Coffee at the Soul Cafe" was published in the late 90's. When I see a book with his name on it, I gravitate towards it like a moth to a flame because I know I will be challenged by it.
This book, The Bad Habits of Jesus, did that. It challenged me to look at Jesus and what He did in a whole new way. I was encouraged to think outside of the box, or even to throw away the box, when looking at Jesus and the familiar stories. In a world full of fluff books that preach to the Millennial "me first" gospel, this book was refreshing in it's simplicity but also the it's meat. This is not a milk-toast, watered down gospel book. This book will require the brain to be fully engaged. Leonard Sweet does not offer milk, but steak and he doesn't feed you.
I love the cover. I'm a Harley-loving woman and the resemblance to the Harley-Davidson logo on the front is eye-catching.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Leonard Sweet is in full agreement with your statement, but in this delightful book he encourages us to look at Jesus in a different way. He wants us to take off the Sunday School glasses we tend to wear when we view Jesus and read the Word.
He points out that Jesus did things and said things that we would not dare say or do today because it is considered bad. A few examples:
Jesus spit. Think about that. He spit and made mud. If that wasn't bad enough, He then smeared that mud on a man's eyes.
Jesus procrastinated. His procrastination led to a man's death, and He was completely unbothered and unapologetic about it. He simply kept on being God.
I loved this book. I have been reading Leonard Sweet's books since "A Cup of Coffee at the Soul Cafe" was published in the late 90's. When I see a book with his name on it, I gravitate towards it like a moth to a flame because I know I will be challenged by it.
This book, The Bad Habits of Jesus, did that. It challenged me to look at Jesus and what He did in a whole new way. I was encouraged to think outside of the box, or even to throw away the box, when looking at Jesus and the familiar stories. In a world full of fluff books that preach to the Millennial "me first" gospel, this book was refreshing in it's simplicity but also the it's meat. This is not a milk-toast, watered down gospel book. This book will require the brain to be fully engaged. Leonard Sweet does not offer milk, but steak and he doesn't feed you.
I love the cover. I'm a Harley-loving woman and the resemblance to the Harley-Davidson logo on the front is eye-catching.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 14, 2016
Leonard Sweet stfikes gold again by his imaginative, provocative exposition about Jesus and his "bad habits". You'll come away with a greater appreciation of who Christ is, and how he was in the world. He was surprisingly irreligious, enjoyed eating and drinking with sinners, and hard to keep up with because he so often slipped away to talk with his Father. Jesus promised having been lifted up, he would draw all people to himself. I'm caught in his tractor beam, and I'm finding him a a hard habit to break.
July 19, 2018
I rarely give a book three stars because if it isn't at least four stars, why finish it? And yet, I did finish this one, and I did give it three stars. Why did I keep going?
I generally like Leonard Sweet books. For a long time, I read every new book he came out with. He has great sound bite lines, and he adds citations, which I love. Some of his books are more scholarly and more thoughtful than others, and I think I like those best. On the other hand, some of his books provide analogies that rely on simplistic ideas and don't get fully developed. Or he plays with words in a way that doesn't actually consider the etymology of the word, just the way it sounds or the way it is spelled. (Okay those, are reasons why this got only three stars.) Honestly, sometimes I felt like it had two stars.
In this book, Sweet focused on the ways that Jesus has what we might consider bad habits. He hangs out with women. He parties too much. He doesn't follow the rules or the law. He questions church and political authorities. He isn't all about winning at any cost, and sometimes he even chooses to "lose." I love the premise, and I really wanted to like this book. As I said, sometimes I just groaned inside, and I thought, "Why not just move on to something else?"
And then, all of a sudden, Sweet would say something profound, something that made me think, something that prompted me to journal to develop the ideas or run to Scripture or both. And then I would think, this deserves four stars.
And so kept reading. Favorite chapters included "Jesus Offended People, Especially People in High Places," "Jesus Either Talked Too Much or Was Silent When He Should Have Talked," "Jesus Broke the Rules," "Jesus Enjoyed the Company of Women (Not Just Men)," and "Jesus Thought He Was God." In all of these chapters, I found something that was brilliant and made the book worth reading.
But it still only gets three stars.
I generally like Leonard Sweet books. For a long time, I read every new book he came out with. He has great sound bite lines, and he adds citations, which I love. Some of his books are more scholarly and more thoughtful than others, and I think I like those best. On the other hand, some of his books provide analogies that rely on simplistic ideas and don't get fully developed. Or he plays with words in a way that doesn't actually consider the etymology of the word, just the way it sounds or the way it is spelled. (Okay those, are reasons why this got only three stars.) Honestly, sometimes I felt like it had two stars.
In this book, Sweet focused on the ways that Jesus has what we might consider bad habits. He hangs out with women. He parties too much. He doesn't follow the rules or the law. He questions church and political authorities. He isn't all about winning at any cost, and sometimes he even chooses to "lose." I love the premise, and I really wanted to like this book. As I said, sometimes I just groaned inside, and I thought, "Why not just move on to something else?"
And then, all of a sudden, Sweet would say something profound, something that made me think, something that prompted me to journal to develop the ideas or run to Scripture or both. And then I would think, this deserves four stars.
And so kept reading. Favorite chapters included "Jesus Offended People, Especially People in High Places," "Jesus Either Talked Too Much or Was Silent When He Should Have Talked," "Jesus Broke the Rules," "Jesus Enjoyed the Company of Women (Not Just Men)," and "Jesus Thought He Was God." In all of these chapters, I found something that was brilliant and made the book worth reading.
But it still only gets three stars.
May 16, 2018
In the Introduction, the author Leonard Sweet reminds us that: "Even though Jesus was God's son, he had habits and behaviors that were considered bad in the eyes of the culture of his day. Some of them seem wrong even today."
There are fifteen lively chapters that describe the often "offensive and scandalous Jesus described in the Bible" and chapter two spoke to me! This book has occupied a place on my desk since it pre-publication arrival in 2016. Writing this review has been placed on many of my TO-DO-LIST over these last many months, but it wasn't until yesterday that I (finally!)made it my priority and I'm glad I did.
A deceptively easy read, there much to enjoy and take away from this book. "Jesus didn't procrastinate due to slackness or indecision or perfectionism or fear of moving forward. Jesus delayed doing what he wanted or needed to do because the timing wasn't right, because he was telling time by his Father's clock.... High procrastination for Jesus was less about putting off doing things than about waiting for the right moment to do things, which often conflicted with the timetables and schedules of everyone else.
Or as Mabel Boggs Sweet, the author’s mother, said: "God's clock keeps perfect time."
A discussion guide is included. Also, a Notes Chapter containing relevant footnotes. Thank you, Dr. Sweet and Tyndale, for the opportunity to read and review this free book. I've enjoyed sharing my humble and honest response to the work.
There are fifteen lively chapters that describe the often "offensive and scandalous Jesus described in the Bible" and chapter two spoke to me! This book has occupied a place on my desk since it pre-publication arrival in 2016. Writing this review has been placed on many of my TO-DO-LIST over these last many months, but it wasn't until yesterday that I (finally!)made it my priority and I'm glad I did.
A deceptively easy read, there much to enjoy and take away from this book. "Jesus didn't procrastinate due to slackness or indecision or perfectionism or fear of moving forward. Jesus delayed doing what he wanted or needed to do because the timing wasn't right, because he was telling time by his Father's clock.... High procrastination for Jesus was less about putting off doing things than about waiting for the right moment to do things, which often conflicted with the timetables and schedules of everyone else.
Or as Mabel Boggs Sweet, the author’s mother, said: "God's clock keeps perfect time."
A discussion guide is included. Also, a Notes Chapter containing relevant footnotes. Thank you, Dr. Sweet and Tyndale, for the opportunity to read and review this free book. I've enjoyed sharing my humble and honest response to the work.
March 19, 2025
I think the appeal of this book is to draw readers in by presenting Jesus as someone who didn’t always fit conventional standards of perfection. While calling Jesus’s actions “bad habits” isn’t outright blasphemy, it does risk framing the book in a way that might not initially seem positive.
The author offers a unique perspective by examining these so-called “negative habits” that Jesus consistently demonstrated. Sweet argues that these actions, rather than being flaws, are significant teaching moments with valuable lessons for those of us reading about His life from a modern standpoint.
For example, when the author mentions Jesus spending time with “bad people,” he emphasizes how Jesus chose to be among those considered unholy by the Pharisees. Instead of avoiding them, He surrounded Himself with the broken and those more open to change. The author successfully reframes these “bad habits” as intentional actions filled with purpose, demonstrating how they can be applied to our lives today in meaningful ways.
The author offers a unique perspective by examining these so-called “negative habits” that Jesus consistently demonstrated. Sweet argues that these actions, rather than being flaws, are significant teaching moments with valuable lessons for those of us reading about His life from a modern standpoint.
For example, when the author mentions Jesus spending time with “bad people,” he emphasizes how Jesus chose to be among those considered unholy by the Pharisees. Instead of avoiding them, He surrounded Himself with the broken and those more open to change. The author successfully reframes these “bad habits” as intentional actions filled with purpose, demonstrating how they can be applied to our lives today in meaningful ways.
July 14, 2021
I have a few issues with this book. Firstly, I don't believe the author creates well structured thoughts to support his claims in the chapters and I frequently felt like he was talking in circles or just copying in a bunch of references or thoughts he had on sticky notes around his desk.
Secondly, I take grievance with the contents of the book. While yes I agree that society and the culture of Jesus' time and our time label some things as bad habits that God uses for good, the author's approach to the subject I believe is more likely to cause someone to take an intolerant attitude. There isn't sufficient breakdown or explanation as to why Jesus did something in a certain situation or clarification that Jesus didn't always behave a certain way.
Overall I think this book will create more confusion than bringing clarity or insight.
Secondly, I take grievance with the contents of the book. While yes I agree that society and the culture of Jesus' time and our time label some things as bad habits that God uses for good, the author's approach to the subject I believe is more likely to cause someone to take an intolerant attitude. There isn't sufficient breakdown or explanation as to why Jesus did something in a certain situation or clarification that Jesus didn't always behave a certain way.
Overall I think this book will create more confusion than bringing clarity or insight.
November 13, 2016
I recevied a complimentary copy.
Q@A-
- What did you like about the book and why? I like that the author created a book that he felt from his heart and really took time to add a bunch of great thoughts.
- What did you not like about the book and why? It is a little too crowded with presumptions and findings. I would have liked a straighter read through
- What did you learn? It was actually kind of hard to pick up a lot from this book, but I do feel the author really believes his writings.
- To whom would you recommend this book and why? Maybe to someone with a lot of time to pick through and decipher more meanings. I do not think youth would really be excited.
Q@A-
- What did you like about the book and why? I like that the author created a book that he felt from his heart and really took time to add a bunch of great thoughts.
- What did you not like about the book and why? It is a little too crowded with presumptions and findings. I would have liked a straighter read through
- What did you learn? It was actually kind of hard to pick up a lot from this book, but I do feel the author really believes his writings.
- To whom would you recommend this book and why? Maybe to someone with a lot of time to pick through and decipher more meanings. I do not think youth would really be excited.
March 6, 2018
I have been a fan of Leonard Sweet for many years. I love how he combines stretching my intellectual concepts with plain-spoken West Virginia common sense. I was looking forward to reading this book, and I very much appreciate the premise of turning modern-day Pharisee wisdom on its ear. Having said that, it felt more like he felt compelled to write another book rather than feeling immersed in the topic. It feels more like a disconnected set of essays, and (at least to me) seemed to ramble a bit. Len is always worth hearing or reading, but this book didn't seem at his normal level. Still worth a read, but don't expect his magnum opus.
August 15, 2021
When this book was recommended on a book group I am in on Facebook, I was worried to read it because the cover and the title made me think it had to be heretical. I am so glad I decided to read it anyway. This book went into so many of the thoughts I have had about Jesus while reading the Bible but didn’t want to say out loud. Plus the author does a great job of explaining why Jesus had to do things the way he did in order for his perfect plan to play out. This book was an amazing read and I totally recommend it.
December 27, 2022
I've never thought of Jesus as having bad habits-- but it turns out that he did AND that as Christians, we should be learning from and acting upon those bad habits of Jesus!
I read this book as part of a discussion group of people to discuss it with chapter by chapter-- 12 of us from all over the country meet weekly on Zoom to discuss it. It wasn't deep theology; it was insightful easy reading that sparked excellent discussions.
I read this book as part of a discussion group of people to discuss it with chapter by chapter-- 12 of us from all over the country meet weekly on Zoom to discuss it. It wasn't deep theology; it was insightful easy reading that sparked excellent discussions.
May 5, 2017
Radical perspective on Jesus' behaviors, examined various aspects that make one stop and think such as Jesus' treatment of women and children, such as delaying raising Lazarus from the dead and feeding the five thousand with so much leftover. Can see why the Pharisees had trouble with Jesus, did not follow any of their rules or traditions, spoke His mind and hung out with sinners.
January 7, 2019
Amazing read!
Herein are habits for us to master, i loved especially Jesus's habit of "Disappearing without word" he always returned better; filled with the holy ghost/demonstrating God's power above elements(walking on water)
Lesson: we all need wilderness experiences where we step away from the camp, suffer reproach if we must.
Great book
Herein are habits for us to master, i loved especially Jesus's habit of "Disappearing without word" he always returned better; filled with the holy ghost/demonstrating God's power above elements(walking on water)
Lesson: we all need wilderness experiences where we step away from the camp, suffer reproach if we must.
Great book
November 8, 2021
The title of this book jumped out at me. I wanted to know if Jesus had bad habits. And according to how society viewed him, he did. He was controversial and blunt in eyes of all. He didn't apologize for doing what needed to be done regardless of what society witnessed or was told to believe in his works. It truly sums up a God and a messenger in which I want to follow all the days of my life.
July 16, 2024
I won a copy of this book a while ago and misplaced it when I was halfway through reading it and recently found it again. I really liked this book. I think it gives a more realistic look at who Jesus was, how his "bad habits" went against the mainstream then and likely would now. He was a kind and compassionate person who, quite frankly, would be angered by many of today's "Christian" ideas.
October 22, 2026
Showcasing the many actions by Jesus to radically change the practice of the Jewish faith, and the subsequent results that led to Christianity, the author challenges the reader to take up Jesus' "bad habits" to strengthen the faith and the reader. It does bog down at moments, but the message comes our quite clear.
August 2, 2020
The Bad Habits of Jesus
Leonard Sweet always has great play with words. The book was a wonderful view on al those things that the world around is uneasy about Jesus’ behavior. A good read!
Leonard Sweet always has great play with words. The book was a wonderful view on al those things that the world around is uneasy about Jesus’ behavior. A good read!
October 13, 2024
The Unconventional Jesus
Sweet is true to himself and to the Lord in this thought provoking book. Always with a fresh perspective, he reminds us of the best of Jesus. Read, enjoy, and recommit.
Sweet is true to himself and to the Lord in this thought provoking book. Always with a fresh perspective, he reminds us of the best of Jesus. Read, enjoy, and recommit.
August 16, 2017
This book had a terrific premise, but I thought some of the writing was a little convoluted. I did like his section in the last chapter about why Jesus wouldn't qualify as a "good Christian."
December 6, 2017
Not a fan - couldn’t get into it
December 11, 2017
A fun and insightful read; a refreshing take on the quirks and habits of Jesus and how we can emulate them in a good way... Christ above culture :)
May 9, 2021
Interest perspective of the life and habits of Jesus.
January 7, 2017
The Bad Habits of Jesus: Showing Us the Way to Live Right in a World Gone Wrong
By leveraging his years of teaching the Bible and the input of his students at Tabor University, Leonard Sweet has created an intriguing list of unpopular social habits of the most important man who ever lived. Highlighting Jesus' proclivity to re-interpret the Law and break away from cultural norms and religious legalism, Sweet shows us how Jesus is more radical than we have been led to believe. He challenges us to take a fresh look at the Messiah as a rebel and savior.
Bad Habits of Jesus
Sweet's book provides a fantastic reference list of the so-called "bad" habits of Jesus. It's a great resource for preachers in need of sermon ideas and Bible study leaders in search of a new angle to engage their members—study questions provided at the end of the book offer helpful discussion starters for small groups.
The book itself is well written; however, I think the editing went awry in many places. The mixed analogies boggle the mind. For example, in the chapter presenting Jesus' habit of taking off by himself without telling anyone He was leaving, Sweet writes,
"The soul needs two things as a tree needs water and light: solitude and society. Together they form a barbell that the soul lifts to get strong and healthy."
I'm not exactly sure why a tree's needs were brought into it, and I don't see the point in switching the analogy to barbells which are never picked up again. Sweet continues by carefully connecting a number of church billboard-worthy statements:
"Solitude is not solo time but soul time with God. Solitude is a relationship word, another name for relationship with the self and with the Source. Solitude is not a time-out from relationships, for relationship is central to solitude. Aloneness is not soulful sophistry but sophistication and maturity of relationship with God."
In my opinion, stringing together a number of "sticky statements" like this actually detracts from the overall message and readability of the book. Sadly, it happens repeatedly throughout the book. Another example follows:
"Stories and signs don't lack truth value; they lock in truth value. Truth for Jesus was timelessness made timely by the time-full. And to live relational truth is dangerous in a world of philosophical truth."
What does that even mean?
These sentences themselves may be well-crafted works of art, but even museums leave ample space between paintings on a wall!
So, although I enjoyed The Bad Habits of Jesus: Showing Us the Way to Live Right in a World Gone Wrong, for the most part, the globs of sticky statements and mixed analogies made my head spin.
Don't get me wrong: I am not in favor of "dumbing down" theology. But I cannot condone making it more complicated than it needs to be. As Sabrina Fairchild remarks to Linus Larrabee in the movie Sabrina, "Sometimes more isn't always better, Linus. Sometimes it's just more." The author of this book took a relatively simple subject and muddied up the waters for no good reason.
So, I enjoyed the content, but I did not care for the form in which it was delivered.
Should you decide to read and/or purchase The Bad Habits of Jesus: Showing Us the Way to Live Right in a World Gone Wrong, I'd love to hear your thoughts about it! Visit http://laurazielke.com/2017/01/07/bk-... and leave a comment.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
By leveraging his years of teaching the Bible and the input of his students at Tabor University, Leonard Sweet has created an intriguing list of unpopular social habits of the most important man who ever lived. Highlighting Jesus' proclivity to re-interpret the Law and break away from cultural norms and religious legalism, Sweet shows us how Jesus is more radical than we have been led to believe. He challenges us to take a fresh look at the Messiah as a rebel and savior.
Bad Habits of Jesus
Sweet's book provides a fantastic reference list of the so-called "bad" habits of Jesus. It's a great resource for preachers in need of sermon ideas and Bible study leaders in search of a new angle to engage their members—study questions provided at the end of the book offer helpful discussion starters for small groups.
The book itself is well written; however, I think the editing went awry in many places. The mixed analogies boggle the mind. For example, in the chapter presenting Jesus' habit of taking off by himself without telling anyone He was leaving, Sweet writes,
"The soul needs two things as a tree needs water and light: solitude and society. Together they form a barbell that the soul lifts to get strong and healthy."
I'm not exactly sure why a tree's needs were brought into it, and I don't see the point in switching the analogy to barbells which are never picked up again. Sweet continues by carefully connecting a number of church billboard-worthy statements:
"Solitude is not solo time but soul time with God. Solitude is a relationship word, another name for relationship with the self and with the Source. Solitude is not a time-out from relationships, for relationship is central to solitude. Aloneness is not soulful sophistry but sophistication and maturity of relationship with God."
In my opinion, stringing together a number of "sticky statements" like this actually detracts from the overall message and readability of the book. Sadly, it happens repeatedly throughout the book. Another example follows:
"Stories and signs don't lack truth value; they lock in truth value. Truth for Jesus was timelessness made timely by the time-full. And to live relational truth is dangerous in a world of philosophical truth."
What does that even mean?
These sentences themselves may be well-crafted works of art, but even museums leave ample space between paintings on a wall!
So, although I enjoyed The Bad Habits of Jesus: Showing Us the Way to Live Right in a World Gone Wrong, for the most part, the globs of sticky statements and mixed analogies made my head spin.
Don't get me wrong: I am not in favor of "dumbing down" theology. But I cannot condone making it more complicated than it needs to be. As Sabrina Fairchild remarks to Linus Larrabee in the movie Sabrina, "Sometimes more isn't always better, Linus. Sometimes it's just more." The author of this book took a relatively simple subject and muddied up the waters for no good reason.
So, I enjoyed the content, but I did not care for the form in which it was delivered.
Should you decide to read and/or purchase The Bad Habits of Jesus: Showing Us the Way to Live Right in a World Gone Wrong, I'd love to hear your thoughts about it! Visit http://laurazielke.com/2017/01/07/bk-... and leave a comment.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 20, 2016
There are some great recent books on habit formation, both in the secular market (i.e. Charles Duhigg's The Power of Habit, David Brooks's The Road to Character) and in the Christian market (see James K.A. Smith's You Are What You Love and other books of his). Leonard Sweet's approach to habits is another thing entirely. The Bad Habits of Jesus is an examination of how Jesus own habits defied cultural expectations. Ms. Manners would take the rebellious rabbi to task; However Sweet sees Jesus as a revolutionary willing to buck convention to reveal the truth about God, ourselves and the world.
Sweet is a prolific author, professor, and preacher, and podcaster. Since the 90s he has written relevant-y type books about soical media, technology, culture, postmodernity, and spirituality. The habits he explores here reveals a Jesus who:
spits
procrastinates
appears wasteful
is constantly disappearing from both crowds and his group of friends
offends people in high places
loves to party
is dangerous
spends too much time with bad people
talks too much and is silent when he shouldn't be
broke the (cultural and religious) rules
enjoyed the company of women (not just men)
focused on the little stuff
thought he was God
Sweet's exploration of these habits show how rude Jesus defied convention and suggests ways can learn from Him. The overall effect is kinda fun, but not all that deep. As I read through the chapters I imagined ways this book could form the basis of a mega-church sermon series (similar to Craig Groschel's Weird: Because Normal isn't Working). The bad-habits motif is a tongue-in-cheek look at the picture the gospels paint of Jesus. Sweet's hopes are that we will see something worth imitating in Jesus' habits, even, or especially, his bad ones (xvi). Of course some of the habits Sweet looks at aren't all that bad, just unexpected.
Sweet wants us to see Jesus' revolutionary edge instead of our soft, tame Jesus, whitewashed, flattened out and trapped by stained glass. Jesus didn't live and die to make us good American citizens but to reflect His coming Kingdom. Sweet does succeed somewhat in showing us ways in which Jesus defies systems, culture and our expectations. However, the political aspect of Jesus (i.e. his challenge to Empire, how his claim of Lordship mutes Caesar) is fairly muted in Sweet's prose. Sweet discusses how Jesus offends people in high places, (i.e. critique of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, calling Herod a fox), but he frames this for us as an example of how we ought to buck political correctness and likewise be willing to offend people instead of placating interest groups (63). True as far as it goes, but Jesus' critique of political systems was more profound and has much more to teach us about how to navigate the world.
I give this book three stars. The book doesn't quite deliver on showing us the revolution implicit in Jesus' habits and actions. But I still enjoyed it. Sweet's Jesus has some bad habits worth copying and that may be the gateway drug to revolution.
Note: I received this book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.
Sweet is a prolific author, professor, and preacher, and podcaster. Since the 90s he has written relevant-y type books about soical media, technology, culture, postmodernity, and spirituality. The habits he explores here reveals a Jesus who:
spits
procrastinates
appears wasteful
is constantly disappearing from both crowds and his group of friends
offends people in high places
loves to party
is dangerous
spends too much time with bad people
talks too much and is silent when he shouldn't be
broke the (cultural and religious) rules
enjoyed the company of women (not just men)
focused on the little stuff
thought he was God
Sweet's exploration of these habits show how rude Jesus defied convention and suggests ways can learn from Him. The overall effect is kinda fun, but not all that deep. As I read through the chapters I imagined ways this book could form the basis of a mega-church sermon series (similar to Craig Groschel's Weird: Because Normal isn't Working). The bad-habits motif is a tongue-in-cheek look at the picture the gospels paint of Jesus. Sweet's hopes are that we will see something worth imitating in Jesus' habits, even, or especially, his bad ones (xvi). Of course some of the habits Sweet looks at aren't all that bad, just unexpected.
Sweet wants us to see Jesus' revolutionary edge instead of our soft, tame Jesus, whitewashed, flattened out and trapped by stained glass. Jesus didn't live and die to make us good American citizens but to reflect His coming Kingdom. Sweet does succeed somewhat in showing us ways in which Jesus defies systems, culture and our expectations. However, the political aspect of Jesus (i.e. his challenge to Empire, how his claim of Lordship mutes Caesar) is fairly muted in Sweet's prose. Sweet discusses how Jesus offends people in high places, (i.e. critique of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, calling Herod a fox), but he frames this for us as an example of how we ought to buck political correctness and likewise be willing to offend people instead of placating interest groups (63). True as far as it goes, but Jesus' critique of political systems was more profound and has much more to teach us about how to navigate the world.
I give this book three stars. The book doesn't quite deliver on showing us the revolution implicit in Jesus' habits and actions. But I still enjoyed it. Sweet's Jesus has some bad habits worth copying and that may be the gateway drug to revolution.
Note: I received this book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2016
This book is titled The Bad Habits of Jesus: Showing Us the Way To Live Right In A World Gone Wrong, and takes a closer look at several things that Jesus did during his earthly ministry that were considered culturally rude or politically incorrect. Leonard Sweet's aim is to draw attention to Jesus' purpose in doing these particular things, and how we can practically apply that to our own lives, and as it says in Romans 1:16, continue to be "unashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation, to everyone who believes".
The book talks about the way Jesus spit in a man's eye to heal him, told stories that didn't make sense, spent too much time talking to little kids, and hung out with prostitutes, tax collectors, lepers, and other social pariahs. Each chapter focuses on a different "bad habit", and then tries to explain why they are not only good, but why we should do them too.
Look. I get it. I get where Sweet is trying to go with this, and I get that he's trying to encourage people—particularly the younger generation—to be unashamed and set apart and live differently, even when the rest of the world says not to. But his message falls flat. It isn't because it's difficult to understand, or dry as a bone, or pretentious or flowery. It's because quality was sacrificed over quantity, and there is very little actual Biblical content. There are very few scriptural references to back up his assertions, and this is dangerous. As a strong Christian, I can come to this with my sound doctrine and agree with what he says because I already know it's true. But without my own knowledge of the Bible and the acts of Jesus, I would have no way of discerning what is Sweet's personal opinion, and what is God-inspired scripture.
All of that aside, however, this book just feels very thrown together. Sweet jumps from metaphor to metaphor like he's playing leapfrog, with barely a paragraph between each one, and just when you think you're tracking and keeping up with his train of thought, bam! The chapter ends, along with the topic at hand and my interest.
I am just not a fan of Sweet's style. I understand his goal is to make the Bible and certain principles easier to understand, but as a college-age person reading this book, it feels watered down and condescending. I don't see the need for "fresh metaphors and contemporary language" to "reframe [Jesus] for a twenty-first century world". His goal is to be relevant and authentic, but I don't know that he really understands what that means. Being authentic means NOT changing the truth of what you believe or who you are, simply to reach your target audience. It means standing up for what's right, and genuinely loving and caring about people. If they see that that's your heart, and not being a chameleon and in doing so manipulating them, then they won't care what you look like or how you word things. Then, and only then, will you be authentic, and Leonard Sweet needs to realize this.
I don't wish to speak harshly about Mr. Sweet, but I cannot say that I enjoyed his book, for stylistic and theological reasons, nor do I feel comfortable recommending it to anyone.
*Full disclosure: Tyndale Publishing very kindly provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. But no worries! This does not affect my opinion in any way. Cheers!*
The book talks about the way Jesus spit in a man's eye to heal him, told stories that didn't make sense, spent too much time talking to little kids, and hung out with prostitutes, tax collectors, lepers, and other social pariahs. Each chapter focuses on a different "bad habit", and then tries to explain why they are not only good, but why we should do them too.
Look. I get it. I get where Sweet is trying to go with this, and I get that he's trying to encourage people—particularly the younger generation—to be unashamed and set apart and live differently, even when the rest of the world says not to. But his message falls flat. It isn't because it's difficult to understand, or dry as a bone, or pretentious or flowery. It's because quality was sacrificed over quantity, and there is very little actual Biblical content. There are very few scriptural references to back up his assertions, and this is dangerous. As a strong Christian, I can come to this with my sound doctrine and agree with what he says because I already know it's true. But without my own knowledge of the Bible and the acts of Jesus, I would have no way of discerning what is Sweet's personal opinion, and what is God-inspired scripture.
All of that aside, however, this book just feels very thrown together. Sweet jumps from metaphor to metaphor like he's playing leapfrog, with barely a paragraph between each one, and just when you think you're tracking and keeping up with his train of thought, bam! The chapter ends, along with the topic at hand and my interest.
I am just not a fan of Sweet's style. I understand his goal is to make the Bible and certain principles easier to understand, but as a college-age person reading this book, it feels watered down and condescending. I don't see the need for "fresh metaphors and contemporary language" to "reframe [Jesus] for a twenty-first century world". His goal is to be relevant and authentic, but I don't know that he really understands what that means. Being authentic means NOT changing the truth of what you believe or who you are, simply to reach your target audience. It means standing up for what's right, and genuinely loving and caring about people. If they see that that's your heart, and not being a chameleon and in doing so manipulating them, then they won't care what you look like or how you word things. Then, and only then, will you be authentic, and Leonard Sweet needs to realize this.
I don't wish to speak harshly about Mr. Sweet, but I cannot say that I enjoyed his book, for stylistic and theological reasons, nor do I feel comfortable recommending it to anyone.
*Full disclosure: Tyndale Publishing very kindly provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. But no worries! This does not affect my opinion in any way. Cheers!*
November 27, 2016
Leonard Sweet has a casual, witty writing style that includes some thought provoking one-liners. I appreciated his look at Jesus through a different lens. This book doesn't focus on Jesus as a great Teacher, although He was. It doesn't emphasize how Jesus as a great Healer, although He was. This book isn't about how Jesus counseled or how He comforted. These are all wonderful characteristics and habits of Jesus, but Leonard Sweet chose to zero in on how culturally and socially disruptive (or at least unyielding to accepted standards) Jesus was- listing one after another the "bad" habits of a sinless man.
I found this book to be a quick read and was admittedly disappointed when the introduction shared that Sweet wrote the book in 6 weeks. Now, don't get me wrong, he is a talented writer, but I do believe had he taken longer on this project there would have been more meat to chew on while reading it. It is a good read and I think the general theme of it will stick with me longer than any particular takeaway. The concept that Jesus did not behave the way we'd likely expect our church leaders, friends, or even missionaries to is fascinating and calls for some reflection on how I view my own "Christian" life. I will stash it away on my bookshelf for my sons to read when they are in middle or high school.
This book had several quotes which would be excellent conversation starters. I'll share some of the ones I gleaned here:
The most creative acts in history are God-generated acts. It shouldn't surprise us that creative people are often chronic procrastinators. Creatives generate more ideas than they can pursue, which is one reason they are not the risk takers they are often made out to be. They tend to be cautious about the ideas on which they expend their energy. (pg. 18)
Jesus' prayer time was not alone time but Father time. He was always escaping into boats, up mountains, to the water, into the desert- anywhere to grab a moment with God. These were not retreats. These were advances. (pg. 47)
The tenor of culture has moved from the idea that everyone has a right to their own opinion to the idea that everyone's opinion is equally right. Jesus would not have made many friends with his claims and assertive manner- and he didn't. When Jesus begins citing Scripture, you know he's going to nail someone for something. (pg. 58)
The Greatest Story Ever Told was made to resonate God int he echoes of our souls. Faith is not "to live as if the Story is true." Faith is to stake your whole life on the knowledge that the Story is true. (pg. 78)
I would recommend this to anyone wanting to take a fresh look at Jesus as the Bible portrays Him. It can be easy to get caught up in what we think a Christian "walk" should look like or bogged down in guilt for areas we feel we don't measure up. This book opens the door for freedom to be who God called you to be rather than to try fit some type of cookie cutter mold created by the current church, the current culture, or perhaps most accurately, the current church culture.
In the interest of full-disclosure, I received a copy of this book courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to give a positive review, my opinions are genuine.
I found this book to be a quick read and was admittedly disappointed when the introduction shared that Sweet wrote the book in 6 weeks. Now, don't get me wrong, he is a talented writer, but I do believe had he taken longer on this project there would have been more meat to chew on while reading it. It is a good read and I think the general theme of it will stick with me longer than any particular takeaway. The concept that Jesus did not behave the way we'd likely expect our church leaders, friends, or even missionaries to is fascinating and calls for some reflection on how I view my own "Christian" life. I will stash it away on my bookshelf for my sons to read when they are in middle or high school.
This book had several quotes which would be excellent conversation starters. I'll share some of the ones I gleaned here:
The most creative acts in history are God-generated acts. It shouldn't surprise us that creative people are often chronic procrastinators. Creatives generate more ideas than they can pursue, which is one reason they are not the risk takers they are often made out to be. They tend to be cautious about the ideas on which they expend their energy. (pg. 18)
Jesus' prayer time was not alone time but Father time. He was always escaping into boats, up mountains, to the water, into the desert- anywhere to grab a moment with God. These were not retreats. These were advances. (pg. 47)
The tenor of culture has moved from the idea that everyone has a right to their own opinion to the idea that everyone's opinion is equally right. Jesus would not have made many friends with his claims and assertive manner- and he didn't. When Jesus begins citing Scripture, you know he's going to nail someone for something. (pg. 58)
The Greatest Story Ever Told was made to resonate God int he echoes of our souls. Faith is not "to live as if the Story is true." Faith is to stake your whole life on the knowledge that the Story is true. (pg. 78)
I would recommend this to anyone wanting to take a fresh look at Jesus as the Bible portrays Him. It can be easy to get caught up in what we think a Christian "walk" should look like or bogged down in guilt for areas we feel we don't measure up. This book opens the door for freedom to be who God called you to be rather than to try fit some type of cookie cutter mold created by the current church, the current culture, or perhaps most accurately, the current church culture.
In the interest of full-disclosure, I received a copy of this book courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to give a positive review, my opinions are genuine.
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