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Making Faith Magnetic: Five Hidden Themes Our Culture Can't Stop Talking About... And How to Connect Them to Christ
As followers of Jesus, we know that the good news is deeply attractive. But we often fear that to those on the outside, it comes across as irrelevant or even repellent. Sometimes the Christian worldview feels so out of step with everything else going on that we don't know how to share our faith.
However, author Daniel Strange wants to show you that the connections are there--in fact, the longings that our culture cannot help but express are the very ones that Jesus fulfils.
Building on the work of theologian J.H. Bavinck, Dan reveals five recurring themes that our culture can't stop talking about, or, as he puts it, the "five permanent 'itches' that in our work, rest, and play, we have to vigorously scratch." From TV to books to social media, these are the questions we can't stop asking and the tensions we can't stop wrestling with--and Jesus speaks powerfully into each one.
This book will help you to spot these connections in our culture, excite you about how Jesus makes sense of humankind's deepest questions and longings, apply them to your own life first and then equip you to speak of him to others in a way that is truly magnetic.
Dan Strange has written another terrific, down-to-earth book to help believers engage in fruitful conversations with friends about faith. Dr. Timothy Keller, who has also written the foreword to this book.
However, author Daniel Strange wants to show you that the connections are there--in fact, the longings that our culture cannot help but express are the very ones that Jesus fulfils.
Building on the work of theologian J.H. Bavinck, Dan reveals five recurring themes that our culture can't stop talking about, or, as he puts it, the "five permanent 'itches' that in our work, rest, and play, we have to vigorously scratch." From TV to books to social media, these are the questions we can't stop asking and the tensions we can't stop wrestling with--and Jesus speaks powerfully into each one.
This book will help you to spot these connections in our culture, excite you about how Jesus makes sense of humankind's deepest questions and longings, apply them to your own life first and then equip you to speak of him to others in a way that is truly magnetic.
Dan Strange has written another terrific, down-to-earth book to help believers engage in fruitful conversations with friends about faith. Dr. Timothy Keller, who has also written the foreword to this book.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
77 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Strange
21 books13 followersDaniel Strange was born in 1974 to British and Guyanese parents. After studying theology and religious studies at Bristol University, he completed his doctoral work on the theology of religions under Prof. Gavin D'Costa. From 2000-2005 he was Co-ordinator for the Religious and Theological Studies Fellowship, part of UCCF. He joined the faculty of Oak Hill Theological College, London as Tutor in Culture, Religion and Public Theology in 2005. In 2018 he became the Director of Oak Hill. His book, Their Rock is Not Like Our Rock, received an Award of Merit for Theology/Ethics in Christianity Today's 2016 Book Awards. Dan is a Contributing Editor for Themelios. He is married to Elly, has seven children and serves an Elder at East Finchley Baptist Church. He regularly suffers as a season ticket holder at West Ham United.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 19, 2023
I don’t say this lightly…I loved this book. In contention for my top read of 2023.
November 1, 2023
Such an important book for the church at this time. I wish I had written it. It was so good.
July 14, 2025
I went into this (reread) hoping for some insights for an evangelistic talk. It was helpful in that way, though I think Strange's other book "Plugged In" is slightly clearer on Subversive Fulfilment and how to analyse artefacts and stories in culture.
However, that does not diminish the quality of this book. I found it really insightful in the themes that are prevalent all over modern culture (admittedly with a western focus, but relevant in other places too), and will no doubt keep coming back to it in future. Strange makes fantastic arguments for why we as Christians should not cloister ourselves off from the world, but continue engaging with culture, and using it to point people to Jesus.
The final chapters were a wonderful encouragement to me personally about how Christ is so much greater than anything our world can offer us. Strange's love for Jesus really comes through in some beautiful writing about the gospel and about means of grace.
However, that does not diminish the quality of this book. I found it really insightful in the themes that are prevalent all over modern culture (admittedly with a western focus, but relevant in other places too), and will no doubt keep coming back to it in future. Strange makes fantastic arguments for why we as Christians should not cloister ourselves off from the world, but continue engaging with culture, and using it to point people to Jesus.
The final chapters were a wonderful encouragement to me personally about how Christ is so much greater than anything our world can offer us. Strange's love for Jesus really comes through in some beautiful writing about the gospel and about means of grace.
January 1, 2026
A popular-level, post-COVID application of JH Bavinck’s five magnetic points. Very compelling.
July 16, 2024
Profound analysis of what the human heart is drawn to with a bunch of practical examples. Brings to light that these desires are actually incredibly close to the surface. I’m interested to think about which of these themes resonates most with me and how Jesus fulfills it fully but unexpectedly.
December 2, 2025
J. H. Bavinck is known for writing on the theology of missions. He argues that man is a religious animal; man can’t help but be religious because man was made to worship God. If man does not choose to worship the true God, man will look to other things to worship. Examining other world religions, Bavinck draws out five fundamental human needs that are inescapable.
In this book, Making Faith Magnetic, Dan Strange assesses late modern “secular” culture and applies Bavinck’s five categories, naming them as follows: totality, norm, deliverance, destiny, and higher power.
Subversive fulfillment, a term which I believe was coined by Strange, is the method used in engaging these “five itches that we’re always scratching.” Subversive fulfillment goes something like this: it confronts our idolatrous substitutes for God, showing them for what they truly are, broken cisterns. Similar to Schaefer’s “taking the roof off.” It then shows how our heart’s deepest longings are actually fulfilled in Jesus Christ, rather than the ways we seek to fulfill them. The method is twofold; you must expose the cheap substitutes and then provide the better story of the gospel. The classic biblical passages for this are 1 Corinthians 1, Romans 1, Acts 17, and probably several others. This book is divided into a similar twofold manner. The book begins with the five magnetic points, providing examples of the ways in which they manifest themselves in our culture, and then ends with the subversive fulfillment of them.
Some simple ideas/sentences that will stick with me:
The illustration of the cosmic game of hide and seek was very helpful.
“We can’t escape our human-being-ness” will definitely be a phrase I come back to.
The Christ-centered approach was a helpful reminded that all of apologetics is aimed at offering Jesus.
In evangelization there is a simultaneous growing appeal of Jesus and appall of idolatry; we must magnify this tension.
Just as a frame prepares the viewer to engage in a work of art, so too does our discipleship prepare a heart to see Jesus.
I thought the second half of the book was strongest, though could’ve been more confrontational in “taking the roof off.” I also felt that the cultural manifestations of the five magnetic points were difficult to connect to, though this may simply be a result of me not being a Londoner like Dan Strange. Nonetheless, these magnetic points are undeniable and I am sure after further reflection, which the author repeatedly recommends, I would be able to come up with a long list of examples in my own world.
In this book, Making Faith Magnetic, Dan Strange assesses late modern “secular” culture and applies Bavinck’s five categories, naming them as follows: totality, norm, deliverance, destiny, and higher power.
Subversive fulfillment, a term which I believe was coined by Strange, is the method used in engaging these “five itches that we’re always scratching.” Subversive fulfillment goes something like this: it confronts our idolatrous substitutes for God, showing them for what they truly are, broken cisterns. Similar to Schaefer’s “taking the roof off.” It then shows how our heart’s deepest longings are actually fulfilled in Jesus Christ, rather than the ways we seek to fulfill them. The method is twofold; you must expose the cheap substitutes and then provide the better story of the gospel. The classic biblical passages for this are 1 Corinthians 1, Romans 1, Acts 17, and probably several others. This book is divided into a similar twofold manner. The book begins with the five magnetic points, providing examples of the ways in which they manifest themselves in our culture, and then ends with the subversive fulfillment of them.
Some simple ideas/sentences that will stick with me:
The illustration of the cosmic game of hide and seek was very helpful.
“We can’t escape our human-being-ness” will definitely be a phrase I come back to.
The Christ-centered approach was a helpful reminded that all of apologetics is aimed at offering Jesus.
In evangelization there is a simultaneous growing appeal of Jesus and appall of idolatry; we must magnify this tension.
Just as a frame prepares the viewer to engage in a work of art, so too does our discipleship prepare a heart to see Jesus.
I thought the second half of the book was strongest, though could’ve been more confrontational in “taking the roof off.” I also felt that the cultural manifestations of the five magnetic points were difficult to connect to, though this may simply be a result of me not being a Londoner like Dan Strange. Nonetheless, these magnetic points are undeniable and I am sure after further reflection, which the author repeatedly recommends, I would be able to come up with a long list of examples in my own world.
June 25, 2024
After reading this book, I'm not sure who it is written for. I assumed it would be more practical in nature, giving believers tools to communicate with non-believers. I found it to be more theoretical in nature and not adding much to my understanding of how the Biblical worldview answers basic (psychological) human needs. If someone is new to that topic, it is an easy read to get familiar with it.
January 12, 2022
A really helpful book about five “magnetic points” all humans are drawn too and how they are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. Very helpful for thinking through how to share the good news with your friends/family etc.
September 3, 2023
Daniel Strange’s insight on how we can communicate the gospel in our cultural moment is very good. Really easy to grasp concepts and rooted in scripture. Lots to think about in terms of practical application, would’ve appreciated some more examples of how to do that well though.
August 15, 2025
I think hes bang on. So applicable to this generation.
May 2, 2024
Helpful church planting prep!
October 4, 2021
Strong little handbook demonstrating how Jesus subversively fulfils five 'magnetic points' - deep desires common to humanity. I felt that the first half (demonstrating the secular itch for these desires) was especially good. The section showing their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus is clear and compelling but could perhaps have been more imaginative. I think this would help those still wavering over the theological warrant for Dan Strange's evangelistic approach.
October 18, 2021
What are the realities that shape and connect us together? In Making Faith Magnetic, Daniel Strange shares five hidden themes our culture can’t stop talking about... and shows how to connect them to Christ.
Magnetic Points
By building off the work of Dutch Calvinist theologian Herman Bavinck, Strange makes the case that there are five magnetic points that draw our attention. They are the things that we are all searching for in this life. They are totality (a way to connect), norm (a way to live), deliverance (a way out), destiny (a way we control), and higher power (a way beyond).
The book is fascinating, and Strange writes at a personal level. After explaining the points, he shows us how they connect to the ultimately magnetic person of Jesus Christ. He is the one that connects all of the dots together. He is the one that scratches the itch of our human existence. At a fundamental level, the gospel of Jesus Christ does not bypass the magnetic points, but is the subversive fulfillment of the magnetic points.
Fulfillment and Satisfaction
Interestingly, Strange says that when we are not pulled toward Jesus as the answer to our longings in life - this is what leads us to idolatry. Christ must be the critical answer in whole. Strange says that we must “stick” to Jesus - an excellent analogy for what it means for us to abide in Christ. Loving him, loving our identity in him, and loving his body (the church) will bring us fulfillment and satisfaction.
This book is for those of us who want to help our friends and family connect with the Christian message. It will benefit preachers as we seek to speak to the hearts of our people. Students of apologetics will get a better defense of the Christian worldview. And this book will draw all of us more towards Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.
I received a media copy of Making Faith Magnetic and this is my honest review.
Magnetic Points
By building off the work of Dutch Calvinist theologian Herman Bavinck, Strange makes the case that there are five magnetic points that draw our attention. They are the things that we are all searching for in this life. They are totality (a way to connect), norm (a way to live), deliverance (a way out), destiny (a way we control), and higher power (a way beyond).
The book is fascinating, and Strange writes at a personal level. After explaining the points, he shows us how they connect to the ultimately magnetic person of Jesus Christ. He is the one that connects all of the dots together. He is the one that scratches the itch of our human existence. At a fundamental level, the gospel of Jesus Christ does not bypass the magnetic points, but is the subversive fulfillment of the magnetic points.
Fulfillment and Satisfaction
Interestingly, Strange says that when we are not pulled toward Jesus as the answer to our longings in life - this is what leads us to idolatry. Christ must be the critical answer in whole. Strange says that we must “stick” to Jesus - an excellent analogy for what it means for us to abide in Christ. Loving him, loving our identity in him, and loving his body (the church) will bring us fulfillment and satisfaction.
This book is for those of us who want to help our friends and family connect with the Christian message. It will benefit preachers as we seek to speak to the hearts of our people. Students of apologetics will get a better defense of the Christian worldview. And this book will draw all of us more towards Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.
I received a media copy of Making Faith Magnetic and this is my honest review.
January 7, 2023
Dan strange always write in an easy to read yet challenging style. Through taking J H Bavinck five points of totality, norms, deliverance, destiny and higher power shows how the western secular world still is driving for all these and shows how Jesus not only subverts these ideas but fulfils them. This is cultural apologetics done as it should be.
One story that fascinated me was in the deliverance chapter of this concept of superstition around the phrase quiet.
Highly recommend you read this book and plugged in if you want to fight for the lordship of Christ in our current culture.
One story that fascinated me was in the deliverance chapter of this concept of superstition around the phrase quiet.
Highly recommend you read this book and plugged in if you want to fight for the lordship of Christ in our current culture.
October 21, 2023
A primer for simple evangelism and for speaking on the Christian faith to engage non-believers in the modern culture. Drawing on J. H Bavinck's (nephew of Herman Bavinck, missiologist to Indonesia) previous works, Dr Strange posits 5 "magnetic points" that are persistently present in all worldviews and cultures. These 5 magnetic points are 1) totality (a way to connect), 2 ) norm (a way to live), 3) deliverance (a way out), 4) destiny (a way to control), and 5) higher power (a way beyond). By engaging the culture through these magnetic points which are inherently religious in nature, Dr Strange helpfully suggests a way to engage and demonstrate how Jesus is the "subversive fulfilment" of these magnetic points and that He is the only satisfactory Person who can address these deep-seated, inherent longings that are built within the design of each human.
The illustrations to identify these magnetic points were enlightening, many of which are really amusing and fun to read because they are true and evidently seen around us in many spheres of human life. The method of "subversive fulfilment" is not an entirely new paradigm, as Dr Strange stated upfront that he built on J. H. Bavinck's framework, which in turn seems to correspond to the presupposition/covenantal school of apologetics based on the apologetics framework of Cornelius Van Til (Van Til himself steep in the Dutch Reformed tradition) and those of the WTS school (which also seems to have a lot of correspondence to the way Tim Keller, who studied in WTS under Harvie Conn, engaged with sceptics through speaking to culture as well). Dr Strange in his other works also alluded to the influence of Van Til and his school of apologetics that have shaped and influenced his work, and one can see the sensus/suppression dynamics in what Dr Strange presents as "magnetic points." However, Dr Strange's small book provides an easy entry point and helpful paradigm for every Christian to think about the many creative ways that they can engage non-believers and speak about their faith through the everyday normalcy of life by speaking through these magnetic points that are found everywhere and in everyone.
The illustrations to identify these magnetic points were enlightening, many of which are really amusing and fun to read because they are true and evidently seen around us in many spheres of human life. The method of "subversive fulfilment" is not an entirely new paradigm, as Dr Strange stated upfront that he built on J. H. Bavinck's framework, which in turn seems to correspond to the presupposition/covenantal school of apologetics based on the apologetics framework of Cornelius Van Til (Van Til himself steep in the Dutch Reformed tradition) and those of the WTS school (which also seems to have a lot of correspondence to the way Tim Keller, who studied in WTS under Harvie Conn, engaged with sceptics through speaking to culture as well). Dr Strange in his other works also alluded to the influence of Van Til and his school of apologetics that have shaped and influenced his work, and one can see the sensus/suppression dynamics in what Dr Strange presents as "magnetic points." However, Dr Strange's small book provides an easy entry point and helpful paradigm for every Christian to think about the many creative ways that they can engage non-believers and speak about their faith through the everyday normalcy of life by speaking through these magnetic points that are found everywhere and in everyone.
December 13, 2021
I wanted to like this book more than I did, and there are indeed a few parts I really appreciated.
First, I do like the posture that Strange takes towards apologetics. Looking for the positive - what to affirm - in culture, rather than a pugilistic/confrontational approach, is always refreshing for me, and is actually a reason I grabbed a copy. Second, I really like the five "magnetic" themes that he surveys, and think he does a great job highlighting how they show up in unexpected places. I resonate deeply with the themes he identified, and I think they are right-on. Honestly, if the book were simply that first section, but expanded and made a bit more academically rigorous, I probably would have loved it.
Alas, for me, the remainder of the book fell quite flat. The turn towards presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of the five magnetic themes felt simplistic and borderline biblicist. In my opinion and experience, pointing at scriptures as ways to "prove" that Jesus is the fulfillment of various cultural longings is simply not going to cut it today, and I wanted more than that, especially in a book that has such a promising outlook. Similarly, and this falls much more into personal taste/preference category, I found the overly casual/conversational style a bit frustrating. Again, that might be a "plus" for more people, especially if you are thinking of taking a small group through this, or recommending it to someone who doesn't read much. But for those of us immersed in more philosophical/academic cultural studies books, it comes off a little thin.
So, I appreciated this book's diagnosis of certain cultural themes, and the posture of the author, if I ultimately found it a bit lackluster in final application and delivery. I can imagine this is a great recommendation for some folks, however, it just wasn't exactly for me.
First, I do like the posture that Strange takes towards apologetics. Looking for the positive - what to affirm - in culture, rather than a pugilistic/confrontational approach, is always refreshing for me, and is actually a reason I grabbed a copy. Second, I really like the five "magnetic" themes that he surveys, and think he does a great job highlighting how they show up in unexpected places. I resonate deeply with the themes he identified, and I think they are right-on. Honestly, if the book were simply that first section, but expanded and made a bit more academically rigorous, I probably would have loved it.
Alas, for me, the remainder of the book fell quite flat. The turn towards presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of the five magnetic themes felt simplistic and borderline biblicist. In my opinion and experience, pointing at scriptures as ways to "prove" that Jesus is the fulfillment of various cultural longings is simply not going to cut it today, and I wanted more than that, especially in a book that has such a promising outlook. Similarly, and this falls much more into personal taste/preference category, I found the overly casual/conversational style a bit frustrating. Again, that might be a "plus" for more people, especially if you are thinking of taking a small group through this, or recommending it to someone who doesn't read much. But for those of us immersed in more philosophical/academic cultural studies books, it comes off a little thin.
So, I appreciated this book's diagnosis of certain cultural themes, and the posture of the author, if I ultimately found it a bit lackluster in final application and delivery. I can imagine this is a great recommendation for some folks, however, it just wasn't exactly for me.
January 28, 2025
Thoughts:
• This one felt a bit like eating popcorn. It's light, pretty casual, and also a bit fun.
• It reads like a long blog post. It's also very British.
• The author draws on J.H. Bavinck's ideas about recurring cultural themes across various world religions, but argues that they also apply broadly in the present day, including to those who consider themselves to be secular or irreligious. These themes are framed as the "magnetic points" of Totality, Norm, Deliverance, Destiny, and Higher Power.
• The author brings in lots of interesting and unexpected examples of these magnetic points and argues that Christianity answers these human desires through "subversive fulfillment." It doesn't dig too deep, but it's rather decent given its brevity.
• Personally didn't glean much new info from this one. I've read a few similar books in recent years and I've gotten quite used to thinking and talking about my faith from the angle of cultural analysis, so at this point this is familiar territory. But I reckon I would have found both the tone and content of this book helpful in late high school or early uni.
• This one felt a bit like eating popcorn. It's light, pretty casual, and also a bit fun.
• It reads like a long blog post. It's also very British.
• The author draws on J.H. Bavinck's ideas about recurring cultural themes across various world religions, but argues that they also apply broadly in the present day, including to those who consider themselves to be secular or irreligious. These themes are framed as the "magnetic points" of Totality, Norm, Deliverance, Destiny, and Higher Power.
• The author brings in lots of interesting and unexpected examples of these magnetic points and argues that Christianity answers these human desires through "subversive fulfillment." It doesn't dig too deep, but it's rather decent given its brevity.
• Personally didn't glean much new info from this one. I've read a few similar books in recent years and I've gotten quite used to thinking and talking about my faith from the angle of cultural analysis, so at this point this is familiar territory. But I reckon I would have found both the tone and content of this book helpful in late high school or early uni.
July 6, 2024
4.5/5. Really helpful culture analysis on five ‘magnetic points’ that every fallen human is drawn too and tries to fulfill in everything but God: totality (a way to connect and belong), Norm (a way to live/morality), deliverance (a way out/rescue), destiny (a way to control your life) and higher power (a way beyond the material).
The only thing keeping this from five stars is I believe the author could have spent a little more time unpacking how Jesus is the subversive fulfillment of all five of these ‘magnetic points.’ While the basic outline is here, this is the area that could have been more deeply fleshed out and thought through, in my opinion. However his exploration of each of these magnetic points or ‘itches’ that every human has to scratch due to being created in God’s Image is very illuminating and helpful. This is also a very accessible read, and a great one to give to someone to show them that cultural analysis does not have to be dry or boring, and instead can give names to things we sense but haven’t been able to express!
The only thing keeping this from five stars is I believe the author could have spent a little more time unpacking how Jesus is the subversive fulfillment of all five of these ‘magnetic points.’ While the basic outline is here, this is the area that could have been more deeply fleshed out and thought through, in my opinion. However his exploration of each of these magnetic points or ‘itches’ that every human has to scratch due to being created in God’s Image is very illuminating and helpful. This is also a very accessible read, and a great one to give to someone to show them that cultural analysis does not have to be dry or boring, and instead can give names to things we sense but haven’t been able to express!
April 20, 2025
Daniel Strange provides a really helpful analysis of how our culture reveals that all people are searching for something. He boils it down to 5 ‘magnetic points’:
1) ‘Totality’ — searching for togetherness and connection.
2) ‘Norm’ — searching for rules/guidance on how to live.
3) ‘Deliverance’ — searching for a way out of our problems.
4) ‘Destiny’ — searching for control of our lives.
5) ‘Higher power’ — searching for a higher power/meaning beyond our lives.
Strange gives many good examples in our culture that reveal how people are consciously or subconsciously searching for these things. Then he helps us to see how Jesus is the solution to all of these. This is a great book for getting you to think about the question that lies behind people’s words, life goals and choices. I’m looking forward to having these 5 ‘magnetic points’ in the back of my mind learn to recognise them as I listen to people, and then, I pray, use that to guide people to consider Jesus.
1) ‘Totality’ — searching for togetherness and connection.
2) ‘Norm’ — searching for rules/guidance on how to live.
3) ‘Deliverance’ — searching for a way out of our problems.
4) ‘Destiny’ — searching for control of our lives.
5) ‘Higher power’ — searching for a higher power/meaning beyond our lives.
Strange gives many good examples in our culture that reveal how people are consciously or subconsciously searching for these things. Then he helps us to see how Jesus is the solution to all of these. This is a great book for getting you to think about the question that lies behind people’s words, life goals and choices. I’m looking forward to having these 5 ‘magnetic points’ in the back of my mind learn to recognise them as I listen to people, and then, I pray, use that to guide people to consider Jesus.
June 26, 2025
Dan Strange has produced another excellent aid for apologetics and made it accessible to a wide audience. He highlights (borrowing from Herman Bavinck) 5 themes in Western Culture (and others) that prove we are searching for God. These themes emerge as a result of our broken relationship with God and Jesus challenges our heart towards them and fulfils the desires in a way that nothing in this world can. The first half of the book is really strong, especially the 5 chapters on the themes. He is perceptive in his reading of Western Culture and packs these chapters full of helpful examples and illustrations. The chapters which work to apply Jesus to the themes are faithful to the biblical text, however, I feel they could help us more by explaining how we could engage in conversations when these themes emerge. This book requires much meditation and, as Dan encourages us, we must take out time in working out how to engage our friends and loved ones on these matters.
March 2, 2023
very good book . similar to another i read recently .. *a good and true story* by paul gould .. (though that book is better) ... the idea here is there are themes/beliefs that our culture (and all humans over time) hold .. the christian story is the explanation / fullest expression of these .. the thing that this book does that's cool is to break this idea into two parts : 1 . how the themes manifest in culture 2. how Jesus is the fullest fulfillment of them ... i think this is the right apologetic approach for sure .. not giving this 5/5 because i think it kind of rehashes some ideas here/there a bit and has some general overlap in the themes .. but def the strongest aspect is to allow Jesus himself to come to the forefront as the ultimate explanation/embodiment of what it means to be human in the fullest sense .. right on
December 2, 2025
This book shows 5 things all humans long for and how the Bible explains the source and fulfillment of the longing. It also touches on how knowing these longings can help with evangelism. Good to keep in mind.
The meat isn't until the last third and the rest of it felt like set up. It was presented to me as an option for an apologetic or evangelism book for my apologetics group. After reading it, I decided this isn't a "read and discuss a little at a time" book, it's a "read it all and discuss" book. Also, there is little in the way of practical help on how to use these points in evangelism. Just that the connections are there. It felt more like a Christian living book than an evangelism book.
Solid theology, interesting content, not my type of presentation.
The meat isn't until the last third and the rest of it felt like set up. It was presented to me as an option for an apologetic or evangelism book for my apologetics group. After reading it, I decided this isn't a "read and discuss a little at a time" book, it's a "read it all and discuss" book. Also, there is little in the way of practical help on how to use these points in evangelism. Just that the connections are there. It felt more like a Christian living book than an evangelism book.
Solid theology, interesting content, not my type of presentation.
July 26, 2023
This got me thinking hard about presuppositional apologetics - a phrase I didn’t know before, and which doesn’t appear in the book. But that’s what this is - the idea that certain big ideas like ‘destiny’ and ‘deliverance’ resonate with all human beings and that they’re simultaneously unmasked AND fulfilled by Christ. So, you can use them like magnets to draw people to him.
The big question for me is whether that’s effective and how far that the way the Bible really works. How far so we need to package the message to slip frictionlessly, tastily down the lines of cultural connection; and how far does The Word itself have power when presented almost verbatim, the unglossed gospel?
The big question for me is whether that’s effective and how far that the way the Bible really works. How far so we need to package the message to slip frictionlessly, tastily down the lines of cultural connection; and how far does The Word itself have power when presented almost verbatim, the unglossed gospel?
July 14, 2023
Some very interesting insights, but overwritten. Clarity obscured by author's focus on quotable bits. May have suffered in translation as written in Britain. I think it would be more memorable as a podcast or lesson than a book. Would have appreciated more research in non-Western cultures to make point more universal, and would have more weight if drawn from author's personal experiences and interviews of others, rather than being more of a gloss of other's research. The five "hidden themes" need stronger and more distinct identifiers.
September 8, 2022
Daniel Strange is becoming a favorite author of mine. This book has overlap with Tim Keller's book Making Sense of God. Looking at emotional and existential points of contact between the believer and unbeliever, showing the superiority of the Gospel.
The difference is this book is briefer and less academic in tone. But I also think this book draws out a lot more pop culture examples than the Keller book did. And Strange utilizes the work of J.H. Bavinck a lot, which is an interesting wrinkle.
The difference is this book is briefer and less academic in tone. But I also think this book draws out a lot more pop culture examples than the Keller book did. And Strange utilizes the work of J.H. Bavinck a lot, which is an interesting wrinkle.
December 17, 2023
Brilliant! As the Brits say. And even as a Brit, Daniel Strange does a great job exegeting American culture - really all human culture everywhere - by identifying five God given points of human need. Through these points he teaches us how to cross the secular divide to preach Christ.
This book is very helpful to Christian who want to reach those who don’t know Christ - which should be every Christian.
This book is very helpful to Christian who want to reach those who don’t know Christ - which should be every Christian.
November 11, 2021
Another book I wanted to vet for our discipleship program. Lots of good content here written in a very engaging way. The author is British so some of the examples might not be familiar to American readers (although I appreciated the extended quote concerning the manager of my Liverpool FC). Recommend!
December 11, 2021
Daniel Strange did it agin! I read his first book on technology & culture and loved it so I was eager to read this. I love the humor he sprinkles throughout his culture diagnosis.
Honestly this is a 3.5 that I bumped up to a 4. Not because I didn’t like the book but because I had high hopes after his previous book. This book is practical and readable.
Honestly this is a 3.5 that I bumped up to a 4. Not because I didn’t like the book but because I had high hopes after his previous book. This book is practical and readable.
November 12, 2023
Used this book to help with a sermon series on world religions.
Dr. Strange uses J.H. Bavinck’s 5 magnetic points (see “The Church Between Temple and Mosque”) and applies them to current culture. It was very helpful for our series since we used these five questions to examine different religions in comparison to the gospel.
Dr. Strange uses J.H. Bavinck’s 5 magnetic points (see “The Church Between Temple and Mosque”) and applies them to current culture. It was very helpful for our series since we used these five questions to examine different religions in comparison to the gospel.
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