What do you think?
Rate this book
Jesus Manifesto
What is Christianity? It is Christ. Nothing more, nothing less. Christianity is not an ideology and not a philosophy. Christianity is the Good News that beauty, truth, and goodness are found in a Person. And conversion? It's more than a change in direction; it's a change in connection.
206 pages, Hardcover
First published May 30, 2010
178 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Leonard Sweet
158 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 13, 2016
Memoirs, short stories, thrillers and Faith themed books are very hard to rate. I felt that this book had great points about Jesus being the center of everything and how people try to devalue Christ by putting Him in a box. There were some great points about how nothing in the universe besides Jesus being full of Grace and mercy. I happen to agree with almost everything that the author stated. Why the three stars? Mainly cause it got very repetitive, he kept reinstating his points; I understand that he tried to clear up the misconceptions about who Jesus was but it never really made sense to me how he kept on saying the same thing over and over again.
Needless to say it was a solid three, it was touching and provoking.
Despite the three stars, I will recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a clear view on who Jesus is.
Needless to say it was a solid three, it was touching and provoking.
Despite the three stars, I will recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a clear view on who Jesus is.
March 11, 2012
Christianity seems at this time more than most to be going through something of an identity crisis within the United States. Institutional mainline denominations have been decreasing in membership while the demographics of them are waxing older. Evangelical churches have been closing on a large scale and consolidating into larger "mega-churches" that appear to have a greater presence and role in many communities. However, when pollsters, such as George Barna, examine the responses from members of these larger more "relevant" churches the findings are that there actually isn't much difference in the lifestyles and value systems inside those churches than there is outside.
So what is happening? What is at the core of many of these trends?
Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola believe they have some insight into what is taking place. So these two friends coming as they do from different contexts (Leonard is closely associated with the Emergent Church movement and Frank is a strong influence in the Organic Church movement) unite to present their joint conviction that it is Jesus who is the core of Christianity and it is the core that must be re-established.
The Jesus Manifesto as a book, is an extension of a document prepared by Sweet and Viola and dissseminated through their blogs and social network connections. The brief document (brief realtive to the book) provides an outline of the issues that are fleshed out here.
It's hard to imagine this book being controversial in the sense that anyone would take issue as Christians that Christ needs to be central to everything we are and do. Yet, for some, surprisingly it has been controversial. Some attempt through the use of guilt by association tactics to write off what Sweet and Viola have to say. Not surprisingly, many of these types of comments come from sectors within Christianity that take exception with both organic and emergent elements. Neither of these elements however is strongly present in this book. In fact the authors appear to deliberately avoid those elements, to keep their focus in the book upon Christ as well. Often these types of criticisms come in the context of those who haven't read the book and further are suggesting others not read it, lest anyone become "contaminated" by association with such "radical" proponents. Perhaps those making such claims are best seen as good examples of how Christianity as a movement has moved to elevating other elements and agendas over a primary focus upon Christ that cuts across everything else. At the very least, it's best not to accept generalizations from those who haven't bothered to read the book.
The tone of this book is primarily devotional and meditational. Yes there are elements of theology present but there appears to be an almost deliberate sense of restraint to avoid this book becoming a Christology in a theological sense. No, what is present here are plenty of anecdotal illustrations of a tradition of Christ-centeredness that can be traced throughout Christian history and in many cases from sources or traditions that the authors might not necessarily endorse. True to their own premise they focus upon Christ and in turn focus upon the Christ-centeredness of many who have grapsed that all the "isms" and "ologies" are secondary to the person of Christ Himself.
Every Chapter stands upon its own and can be read out of sequence as desired. The illustrations and anecdotes employed are relavent and to the point.
I found this book challenging and inspirational on a personal level that went beyond theological analysis and deep into the personal, emotional engagement of a personal relationship with Christ. Regardless of the direction one starts or emphasizes in one's own culture, traditions and convictions on important issues, surely there's room for this declaration of Christ centeredness.
5 stars
bart breen
So what is happening? What is at the core of many of these trends?
Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola believe they have some insight into what is taking place. So these two friends coming as they do from different contexts (Leonard is closely associated with the Emergent Church movement and Frank is a strong influence in the Organic Church movement) unite to present their joint conviction that it is Jesus who is the core of Christianity and it is the core that must be re-established.
The Jesus Manifesto as a book, is an extension of a document prepared by Sweet and Viola and dissseminated through their blogs and social network connections. The brief document (brief realtive to the book) provides an outline of the issues that are fleshed out here.
It's hard to imagine this book being controversial in the sense that anyone would take issue as Christians that Christ needs to be central to everything we are and do. Yet, for some, surprisingly it has been controversial. Some attempt through the use of guilt by association tactics to write off what Sweet and Viola have to say. Not surprisingly, many of these types of comments come from sectors within Christianity that take exception with both organic and emergent elements. Neither of these elements however is strongly present in this book. In fact the authors appear to deliberately avoid those elements, to keep their focus in the book upon Christ as well. Often these types of criticisms come in the context of those who haven't read the book and further are suggesting others not read it, lest anyone become "contaminated" by association with such "radical" proponents. Perhaps those making such claims are best seen as good examples of how Christianity as a movement has moved to elevating other elements and agendas over a primary focus upon Christ that cuts across everything else. At the very least, it's best not to accept generalizations from those who haven't bothered to read the book.
The tone of this book is primarily devotional and meditational. Yes there are elements of theology present but there appears to be an almost deliberate sense of restraint to avoid this book becoming a Christology in a theological sense. No, what is present here are plenty of anecdotal illustrations of a tradition of Christ-centeredness that can be traced throughout Christian history and in many cases from sources or traditions that the authors might not necessarily endorse. True to their own premise they focus upon Christ and in turn focus upon the Christ-centeredness of many who have grapsed that all the "isms" and "ologies" are secondary to the person of Christ Himself.
Every Chapter stands upon its own and can be read out of sequence as desired. The illustrations and anecdotes employed are relavent and to the point.
I found this book challenging and inspirational on a personal level that went beyond theological analysis and deep into the personal, emotional engagement of a personal relationship with Christ. Regardless of the direction one starts or emphasizes in one's own culture, traditions and convictions on important issues, surely there's room for this declaration of Christ centeredness.
5 stars
bart breen
May 31, 2010
When I was offered the opportunity to preview “Jesus Manifesto” by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola, the subtitle immediately caught my eye. A passion for Christ’s supremacy and sovereignty in all things appears to me to be sadly lacking in much of the church today. In the introduction, Sweet and Viola claim to present “razor-sharp, cut-glass clarity of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Alpha and Omega”. So, do they deliver?
To a large extent, they do. “Jesus Manifesto” presents a much larger, exalted view of Christ than what we hear in most modern Christianity. It’s not unlike John Piper’s “Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ” in subject matter. In fact, more than a few times, I had the thought that Sweet and Viola were sounding almost “John Piper-esque” with their statements! I really appreciated the emphasis throughout the book on the truth that we are not supposed to “live a Christian life”, rather we are supposed to completely yield ourselves, completely lose ourselves in Him, and let Christ live THROUGH us! Chapters 8 through 10 were the most powerful in the book, in my opinion.
And yet, I did feel that the book had one flaw...an emphasis on the PERSON of Christ to the detriment of the WORK of Christ in salvation. The two go hand in hand. When Jesus’ work on the cross was discussed in the earlier chapters of the book, the authors seemed to make some pretty sweeping statements. Personal accountability for sin was somewhat glossed over with statements like, “by His death, He slew all negative things” and, “where there was hostility, He brought peace” or “by that horrible death, He reconciled a fallen cosmos to God”. None of these statements are untrue, but when made without qualification they can come dangerously close to sounding like universalism. I didn’t see anything about what is personally required of us in order to become a member of the body of Christ. The assumption seems to be made that all the readers are already members. That seems to me to be a somewhat dangerous assumption to make. I understand that evangelizing isn’t the intent of the book, and yet without laying the proper foundation many who aren’t part of the body are likely to read the book and not understand what’s necessary in order for it’s message to apply to them. So, in order to set the foundation for all the wonderful truths that are presented (and presented very eloquently!), I would have liked to see a clearer presentation of WHY we need Christ in the first place and HOW to be a part of His visible body here on earth.
Despite this issue, I enjoyed the book. More emphasis on Jesus’ complete and total supremacy and sovereignty is greatly needed in today’s church, and Sweet and Viola are to be applauded for daring to add their voices and attempting to raise awareness on this vital issue. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for graciously providing a copy for me to preview and allowing me to express my honest opinion.
To a large extent, they do. “Jesus Manifesto” presents a much larger, exalted view of Christ than what we hear in most modern Christianity. It’s not unlike John Piper’s “Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ” in subject matter. In fact, more than a few times, I had the thought that Sweet and Viola were sounding almost “John Piper-esque” with their statements! I really appreciated the emphasis throughout the book on the truth that we are not supposed to “live a Christian life”, rather we are supposed to completely yield ourselves, completely lose ourselves in Him, and let Christ live THROUGH us! Chapters 8 through 10 were the most powerful in the book, in my opinion.
And yet, I did feel that the book had one flaw...an emphasis on the PERSON of Christ to the detriment of the WORK of Christ in salvation. The two go hand in hand. When Jesus’ work on the cross was discussed in the earlier chapters of the book, the authors seemed to make some pretty sweeping statements. Personal accountability for sin was somewhat glossed over with statements like, “by His death, He slew all negative things” and, “where there was hostility, He brought peace” or “by that horrible death, He reconciled a fallen cosmos to God”. None of these statements are untrue, but when made without qualification they can come dangerously close to sounding like universalism. I didn’t see anything about what is personally required of us in order to become a member of the body of Christ. The assumption seems to be made that all the readers are already members. That seems to me to be a somewhat dangerous assumption to make. I understand that evangelizing isn’t the intent of the book, and yet without laying the proper foundation many who aren’t part of the body are likely to read the book and not understand what’s necessary in order for it’s message to apply to them. So, in order to set the foundation for all the wonderful truths that are presented (and presented very eloquently!), I would have liked to see a clearer presentation of WHY we need Christ in the first place and HOW to be a part of His visible body here on earth.
Despite this issue, I enjoyed the book. More emphasis on Jesus’ complete and total supremacy and sovereignty is greatly needed in today’s church, and Sweet and Viola are to be applauded for daring to add their voices and attempting to raise awareness on this vital issue. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for graciously providing a copy for me to preview and allowing me to express my honest opinion.
September 3, 2010
The theme of this book is not really anything fancy, it is simply a call for Christians and the church to return to the supremacy of Jesus Christ. It is a much needed call for the church is often distracted by so many other things. Sweet and Viola's book is a refreshing reminder that Christianity at its core is and needs to be about the person and work of Jesus Christ.
There are a few minor qualms one could have with this book. We could ask whether Colossians truly is the "high-water mark of divine revelation in all the New Testament" (I mean, says who? Just because it is these authors favorite book?). We could also question the authors on points they do not write about (for example, what about those who reject Jesus? This book does hint at a sort of universalism). But it is not wise to review a book based on things not mentioned when it was never in the author's purpose to mention them. The purpose of this book is to magnify Jesus Christ and in that the author succeed.
Their writing style works to drive the reader to worship, I found myself having to pause simply to pray and praise God. The authors remind us of the uniqueness of Christ; other religions follow the teachings of a great person but Christians follow Christ who is alive. I especially appreciated, and was challenged by, the caution the authors give against making Christ into a cause. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in causes or even in serving Christ that ironically the person of Christ gets pushed to the side.
Another important reminder the authors give is that Christians are more about grace and mercy than justice. At times we may speak about justice and work for justice, but in the end it is not justice that any of us need or get, it is grace and mercy. Finally, their writings on the relationship of Jesus to the Father and the Holy Spirit (the Trinity) in chapter ten (and in chapter eight) are well-done.
Overall this is a needed book that could be read by many people. It is certainly approachable for any Christian and can be read in small doses. At the same time, it would be a good read for pastors and leaders who if nothing else will be challenged to refocus their lives and ministry on Jesus Christ.
There are a few minor qualms one could have with this book. We could ask whether Colossians truly is the "high-water mark of divine revelation in all the New Testament" (I mean, says who? Just because it is these authors favorite book?). We could also question the authors on points they do not write about (for example, what about those who reject Jesus? This book does hint at a sort of universalism). But it is not wise to review a book based on things not mentioned when it was never in the author's purpose to mention them. The purpose of this book is to magnify Jesus Christ and in that the author succeed.
Their writing style works to drive the reader to worship, I found myself having to pause simply to pray and praise God. The authors remind us of the uniqueness of Christ; other religions follow the teachings of a great person but Christians follow Christ who is alive. I especially appreciated, and was challenged by, the caution the authors give against making Christ into a cause. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in causes or even in serving Christ that ironically the person of Christ gets pushed to the side.
Another important reminder the authors give is that Christians are more about grace and mercy than justice. At times we may speak about justice and work for justice, but in the end it is not justice that any of us need or get, it is grace and mercy. Finally, their writings on the relationship of Jesus to the Father and the Holy Spirit (the Trinity) in chapter ten (and in chapter eight) are well-done.
Overall this is a needed book that could be read by many people. It is certainly approachable for any Christian and can be read in small doses. At the same time, it would be a good read for pastors and leaders who if nothing else will be challenged to refocus their lives and ministry on Jesus Christ.
August 4, 2010
I recently received a copy of the Jesus Manifesto. It seemed like a great book to really grasp what Jesus is all about. I anticipated a work that would outlines many relevant Scriptures all pointing to Jesus being the center of the Christian faith. In theory the book does just that. The authors present all sorts of Scripture to declare that Jesus should be the focus of the church body and how the church has lost sight of this. But in practice, it was incredibly difficult to swallow the context in which they portrayed Jesus.
I found it a challenge to finish this book, mostly willing my way to the end after a few stops and starts. With each page I found myself questioning the authors and the lack of context in the Scripture they presented. The upsides is I was constantly pulling out my Bible to read the passages to make sure I wasn't missing something. Not to say there were egregious claims since I do believe that often the focus is shifting away from Jesus and put on other things (i.e. church "programs", how much "I" can do or church politics). But their point that doctrine gets in the way of the Supremacy of who Christ is is hard to swallow. Without doctrinal truths about Christ how can they make the claims they make? I think the book was well-intentioned it just misses the mark of a quality read about who Jesus is.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I’d like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing me this Book free as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
I found it a challenge to finish this book, mostly willing my way to the end after a few stops and starts. With each page I found myself questioning the authors and the lack of context in the Scripture they presented. The upsides is I was constantly pulling out my Bible to read the passages to make sure I wasn't missing something. Not to say there were egregious claims since I do believe that often the focus is shifting away from Jesus and put on other things (i.e. church "programs", how much "I" can do or church politics). But their point that doctrine gets in the way of the Supremacy of who Christ is is hard to swallow. Without doctrinal truths about Christ how can they make the claims they make? I think the book was well-intentioned it just misses the mark of a quality read about who Jesus is.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I’d like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing me this Book free as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
July 24, 2010
Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola is a message of revolution to the Western church. The authors, well known for their many books, want to change the focus of our faith. As a church, we often pick and choose the aspects of Jesus we want to focus on like social justice or loving shepherd, and we forget about his more difficult sides, but in doing so, we lose the truth of who he is and what it means to follow him. We've turned faith into an being all about ourselves. Being better people, being successful or wealthy, being nicer to others, but all of those things are irrelevant if our focus isn't directly on Christ. The authors do their best to remind readers who Jesus really is, and that's not an easy task, but by using his relationship to the village of Bethany as well as other examples, they do a wonderful job of redirecting our focus to him. Christianity has become very vain and prideful, but Sweet and Viola dispel that illusion. It's not an easy book to read, but it's a necessary one for our times. If you are sick and tired of rudderless faith and watered down churches, this book will inspire you to worship the man in whom and for whom all things were created: Jesus. That alone is our purpose.
September 25, 2010
I wasn't really impressed with the title of the book but a friend gave it to me so I read it.
And I am glad I did. The theme is all about Jesus Christ and not a religion or even theology but the person of Christ living in and through us.
I need to read it a few more times to more fully grasp some of their thoughts (like don't pray to be like Christ-its impossible...) and its kinda a train of thought, jumpy, all over the place book. After the first chapter I was wondering how they were going to write a whole book on the subject but by covering lots of topics with the same theme, they were able to.
I recommend this to anyone who wants a fresh (in many ways different) look at what our Christian life should entail.
One complaint-the scriptures they used, and it was full of scripture, was foot noted instead of the reference there. It make it more like normal reading but it kinda bothered me.
And I am glad I did. The theme is all about Jesus Christ and not a religion or even theology but the person of Christ living in and through us.
I need to read it a few more times to more fully grasp some of their thoughts (like don't pray to be like Christ-its impossible...) and its kinda a train of thought, jumpy, all over the place book. After the first chapter I was wondering how they were going to write a whole book on the subject but by covering lots of topics with the same theme, they were able to.
I recommend this to anyone who wants a fresh (in many ways different) look at what our Christian life should entail.
One complaint-the scriptures they used, and it was full of scripture, was foot noted instead of the reference there. It make it more like normal reading but it kinda bothered me.
May 27, 2011
I'm only halfway through this book so far but I keep remembering something from seminary. I know one of the authors personally, Leonard Sweet. I took as many classes with him as I could while at Drew University and read everything of his that came out. When The Gospel According to Starbucks was published, another of my professors commented that Len never says anything new in his books. He's been saying the same thing in book after book for years. And she was absolutely right. The Jesus Manifesto explains exactly why he does that: there is only one thing that matters so much that we have to continue repeating it: Jesus!
Thank you Len and Frank for a timely reminder!
Thank you Len and Frank for a timely reminder!
April 5, 2018
The authors make a great point about how Christ needs to be the center of everything and not on the periphery or abandoned. Unfortunately, there are many places the same statements are made and the repetition was unnecessary.
April 7, 2020
A priceless book by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola!
December 28, 2017
“If Christ is in you, then the Christian life isn’t about striving to be something you are not. It’s becoming what you already are.”
I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t think a book just talking about how good Jesus is would be that engaging. “He’s good. Ok. Then what?” But putting “self” to death (when I have myself so built up in my head) took a whole book of goodness about Jesus!
I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t think a book just talking about how good Jesus is would be that engaging. “He’s good. Ok. Then what?” But putting “self” to death (when I have myself so built up in my head) took a whole book of goodness about Jesus!
July 11, 2013
There were definitely some good points made throughout this book, but there was something about the tone of it that really turned me off. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator sounded like a father giving his son a stern, shame-inducing talking to. Much of the book felt like one long guilt trip; chapter after chapter of all we're doing wrong, leaving one feeling hopelessly in a hole that no one could get out of. Of course they then mention what we're suppose to be, do and believe which is Christ, Christ and Christ, sometimes I felt though that I was being yelled at to smell the color nine. What does it mean for Christ to truly be first, for him to live his life in us fully, and for the truth, way and life to be a Person? Instead of being preached at, I rather be taught. Of course what else should I have expect from a book titled "Jesus Manifesto". But yeah, I feel they raise the bar so high, that I have no hope of living according to the standard they set and no clue on how to even try to go about it.
The book can make you feel bad for ever saying, teaching or doing anything that isn't Christ. Yeah, yeah, I know Jesus needs to be all in all, but author's didn't present Jesus in such a way that resulted in my wanting to make Him my all in all, whatever that even means in actuality. They just seemed far to grim and serious. The one chapter that is actually about Jesus (and not just on how we must make Him supreme), primarily presents Jesus as POWERFUL, hungry for glory, super-duper supreme and borderline self-centered; wanting to be FIRST and foremost. It seemed to neglect the sacrificial, kind, other-centered, humble-servant and loving aspects of Christ. Is Leonard Sweet a Calvinist? If so, that would explain everything.
I started "Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus" by John Eldredge, and so far it's life to my soul and has embodied all that I felt this book sorely lacked. Maybe I should have read these in reverse order, first experiencing the playful, disruptive and extravagant personality of Jesus, and then get lectured on how I better make Jesus supreme in every aspect of life.
The book can make you feel bad for ever saying, teaching or doing anything that isn't Christ. Yeah, yeah, I know Jesus needs to be all in all, but author's didn't present Jesus in such a way that resulted in my wanting to make Him my all in all, whatever that even means in actuality. They just seemed far to grim and serious. The one chapter that is actually about Jesus (and not just on how we must make Him supreme), primarily presents Jesus as POWERFUL, hungry for glory, super-duper supreme and borderline self-centered; wanting to be FIRST and foremost. It seemed to neglect the sacrificial, kind, other-centered, humble-servant and loving aspects of Christ. Is Leonard Sweet a Calvinist? If so, that would explain everything.
I started "Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus" by John Eldredge, and so far it's life to my soul and has embodied all that I felt this book sorely lacked. Maybe I should have read these in reverse order, first experiencing the playful, disruptive and extravagant personality of Jesus, and then get lectured on how I better make Jesus supreme in every aspect of life.
February 21, 2011
I just finished up this book and I have to say it is one of the best Religion based books I have read in a long time. I read a lot of books in this genre because I work at a church so I like to keep up with what's coming out.
I think the greatest thing about this book is the simplicity of it. The message, at least as I read it, was short and sweet: keep Christ as the center of your life and let Him live through you and in you. Now, that may sound stupid to many of you because we know that that is what we are supposed to be doing with our lives. But, how many of us are actually doing it. This book is a great wakeup call for Christians to examine their lives and take stock as to whether or not they are truly doing this.
The authors do a great job of keeping it moving and not trying to over explain everything. They pull in great quotes from some really well known sources and also from some obscure and surprising sources. There is not an overwhelming amount of deep theological discussion either. You can run into that sometimes in this genre.
This book was a homerun in my opinion. It is written well, gets to the point, and keeps you engaged. Plus, it has a great subject matter...Christ. This book is easily in my top 3 of this genre.
I would give this book a 5/5.
I think the greatest thing about this book is the simplicity of it. The message, at least as I read it, was short and sweet: keep Christ as the center of your life and let Him live through you and in you. Now, that may sound stupid to many of you because we know that that is what we are supposed to be doing with our lives. But, how many of us are actually doing it. This book is a great wakeup call for Christians to examine their lives and take stock as to whether or not they are truly doing this.
The authors do a great job of keeping it moving and not trying to over explain everything. They pull in great quotes from some really well known sources and also from some obscure and surprising sources. There is not an overwhelming amount of deep theological discussion either. You can run into that sometimes in this genre.
This book was a homerun in my opinion. It is written well, gets to the point, and keeps you engaged. Plus, it has a great subject matter...Christ. This book is easily in my top 3 of this genre.
I would give this book a 5/5.
December 2, 2011
Wow what an book!! This is so much more than just another audio book about Jesus. This is encounter with Jesus that I really need everyday. This is not a devotional, although it could be used as such, this is a wonderful uncovering of who I should be worshipping and living for.
I don’t know what I was expecting from this audio, but it has certainly got me thinking and meditating about Jesus so much more, something I’ve been unsuccessful at for years.
The narrator, Sean Runette was very clear and easy to understand, but I did find that his delivery is too theatrical at times. He came across as trying to be mystical and it didn’t work for me. Maybe this was a good thing as it made me really concerntrate on the content instead of just the listening experience.
Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewers Program for this copy.
I don’t know what I was expecting from this audio, but it has certainly got me thinking and meditating about Jesus so much more, something I’ve been unsuccessful at for years.
The narrator, Sean Runette was very clear and easy to understand, but I did find that his delivery is too theatrical at times. He came across as trying to be mystical and it didn’t work for me. Maybe this was a good thing as it made me really concerntrate on the content instead of just the listening experience.
Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewers Program for this copy.
May 5, 2011
Leonard does an great job of pointing out a hidden reality.
We love to be religious, not His.
We love to follow a list of good behaviors, not follow Him.
We love to have others think we are Christian, not be Christian!
Will the church ever quit trying to be a church, and simply follow Him?
We love to be religious, not His.
We love to follow a list of good behaviors, not follow Him.
We love to have others think we are Christian, not be Christian!
Will the church ever quit trying to be a church, and simply follow Him?
August 9, 2010
Pretty basic, but good. A handful of profound nuggets are worth the entire read.
April 1, 2012
good book. Christ centered. I really like the first few chapters but felt the book lost some steam from the middle on, could have just been my interest waning. Great topic.
March 3, 2020
Says the same thing over and over again. Basically, Jesus is the most important. That's all it says
January 12, 2011
Worthy project, passable content, weak delivery.
August 31, 2019
This book. I must admit, it was a challenge to get through. As a huge fan of E. Stanley Jones (whom Sweet is heavily associated with) and someone who has enjoyed Viola in the past, I expected something much better. I found myself getting constantly annoyed with another hyper spiritual book, full of loaded phrases which sounded pleasing to the ear, but didn't result in much substance. I think books with such language can be dangerous, leading Christians down paths of constant seeking for more "spirituality;" of more experiences and a sense they are just missing something.
Of course I agree with the authors' overarching principle: we need to refocus on the supremacy of Jesus in all areas, but the first three quarters of the book mostly offered spiritualized fluff, like the crunchy white things in a P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps: they are kinda cool but definitely don’t satisfy.
Misunderstandings like, "It is a Christian's fatal conceit to think he can bring in the kingdom. A careful reading of the Scriptures reveals that the kingdom is not something that we bring, or build, or cause, or create." Matthew 25 seems to imply otherwise.
Suggesting the recognition of evil and good is actually something bad: "You see, "good" is a form of life. Any only God is good. Here are the two choices before you today: 1. The choice to intellectually know good from evil and to try to do good = the tree of the knowledge of good and evil 2. Living by the life of God, which is goodness itself = the tree of life." What about the moral law written on our hearts discussed in Romans? What about church discipline? What about our calling to do the good works God has prepared ahead of time for us to accomplish and for Him to see us through? Clearly God is the source of all that is good, but to imply we just somehow exist in this spiritual pool of all things Jesus and somehow don’t recognize good and evil is nonsense.
Or absurdities like, "At the same time, the mystery of our faith opens the door for embracing paradox and even logical contradictions." Seriously?
Or set up straw men arguments by implying the purpose of trying to understand our Lord by reading Scriptures critically is for the purpose to define and contain him instead of trying to understand Him by His own word: "It is for this reason that every theological system breaks down somewhere. Every systematic theology, no matter how coherent or logical, eventually meets some passage of Scripture or passage of life that refuses to fit into it...following Jesus doesn't mean trying to create a weapons-grade theological system to analyze, explain, and contain him..."
And stating the church thinks the Gospel is about trying to be like Christ, when I've never heard a single Christian express that as his or her understanding of the Gospel which is: Jesus defeated the enemy and now we are reconciled to God! The authors set up this straw man and then knock him down by concluding we aren't supposed to try and be like Christ, but instead embody Him (though they use much more colorful language). Of course we are indwelt by the Spirit, but the reality remains we were called to love Him with not just all of our hearts, souls, and bodies, but with our minds as well! We are called to emulate our King in all ways, and that means we have a role to play once we are brought into the body!
While the above might tickle the ears, once the chapter is finished and we go about our lives, the fact remains we must interact with a real world. We must use our God-given five senses—granted, redeemed once in Christ--to navigate it. We must use our heads, hearts, and guts to understand it. Of course it all must be filtered through our new Christian world view, with an understanding we are fallen and dependent on the grace of God obtained through the death and resurrection of Christ; and yes we need to be more submitted to such a process. But offering spiritualized quips and tripes, which in my opinion made up the majority of this book, are not helpful.
I powered through it though, and must admit the last two chapters helped save this book from a mere one star review and in fact offered some encouragement and spiritual refreshment. The authors finally seemed to settle on what they were trying to do the previous eight chapters by offering rubber-meets-the-road examples and truth. I wish they would have just written an essay consisting of those two chapters and called it a day.
Take a look at E. Stanley Jones’ The Unchanging Person and the Unshakable Kingdom as a wildly more helpful book than this one.
Of course I agree with the authors' overarching principle: we need to refocus on the supremacy of Jesus in all areas, but the first three quarters of the book mostly offered spiritualized fluff, like the crunchy white things in a P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps: they are kinda cool but definitely don’t satisfy.
Misunderstandings like, "It is a Christian's fatal conceit to think he can bring in the kingdom. A careful reading of the Scriptures reveals that the kingdom is not something that we bring, or build, or cause, or create." Matthew 25 seems to imply otherwise.
Suggesting the recognition of evil and good is actually something bad: "You see, "good" is a form of life. Any only God is good. Here are the two choices before you today: 1. The choice to intellectually know good from evil and to try to do good = the tree of the knowledge of good and evil 2. Living by the life of God, which is goodness itself = the tree of life." What about the moral law written on our hearts discussed in Romans? What about church discipline? What about our calling to do the good works God has prepared ahead of time for us to accomplish and for Him to see us through? Clearly God is the source of all that is good, but to imply we just somehow exist in this spiritual pool of all things Jesus and somehow don’t recognize good and evil is nonsense.
Or absurdities like, "At the same time, the mystery of our faith opens the door for embracing paradox and even logical contradictions." Seriously?
Or set up straw men arguments by implying the purpose of trying to understand our Lord by reading Scriptures critically is for the purpose to define and contain him instead of trying to understand Him by His own word: "It is for this reason that every theological system breaks down somewhere. Every systematic theology, no matter how coherent or logical, eventually meets some passage of Scripture or passage of life that refuses to fit into it...following Jesus doesn't mean trying to create a weapons-grade theological system to analyze, explain, and contain him..."
And stating the church thinks the Gospel is about trying to be like Christ, when I've never heard a single Christian express that as his or her understanding of the Gospel which is: Jesus defeated the enemy and now we are reconciled to God! The authors set up this straw man and then knock him down by concluding we aren't supposed to try and be like Christ, but instead embody Him (though they use much more colorful language). Of course we are indwelt by the Spirit, but the reality remains we were called to love Him with not just all of our hearts, souls, and bodies, but with our minds as well! We are called to emulate our King in all ways, and that means we have a role to play once we are brought into the body!
While the above might tickle the ears, once the chapter is finished and we go about our lives, the fact remains we must interact with a real world. We must use our God-given five senses—granted, redeemed once in Christ--to navigate it. We must use our heads, hearts, and guts to understand it. Of course it all must be filtered through our new Christian world view, with an understanding we are fallen and dependent on the grace of God obtained through the death and resurrection of Christ; and yes we need to be more submitted to such a process. But offering spiritualized quips and tripes, which in my opinion made up the majority of this book, are not helpful.
I powered through it though, and must admit the last two chapters helped save this book from a mere one star review and in fact offered some encouragement and spiritual refreshment. The authors finally seemed to settle on what they were trying to do the previous eight chapters by offering rubber-meets-the-road examples and truth. I wish they would have just written an essay consisting of those two chapters and called it a day.
Take a look at E. Stanley Jones’ The Unchanging Person and the Unshakable Kingdom as a wildly more helpful book than this one.
September 5, 2023
Three out of ten.
I was really disappointed by this book. I'm all for a Christocentric view of the faith, but this was a bait-and-switch. Rather than focusing deeply on who Jesus was and is, this book went to great lengths to detail what our position and identity are in Christ. (Disclaimer: I am uncomfortable with the language of "identity", which is rarely if ever found in scripture.)
The authors use Jesus as a catch-all argument against positions they dislike. They fail to realize how Jesus can be the centre of other theological systems than their own.
By the authors' own admission, the writing style of this book is somewhat put on. But rather than producing the ponderous eloquence they were aiming for, it is unwieldy, inconsistent, repetitive, and distracting.
I don't know of anyone who should read this book as opposed to others that communicate similar points more effectively.
I was really disappointed by this book. I'm all for a Christocentric view of the faith, but this was a bait-and-switch. Rather than focusing deeply on who Jesus was and is, this book went to great lengths to detail what our position and identity are in Christ. (Disclaimer: I am uncomfortable with the language of "identity", which is rarely if ever found in scripture.)
The authors use Jesus as a catch-all argument against positions they dislike. They fail to realize how Jesus can be the centre of other theological systems than their own.
By the authors' own admission, the writing style of this book is somewhat put on. But rather than producing the ponderous eloquence they were aiming for, it is unwieldy, inconsistent, repetitive, and distracting.
I don't know of anyone who should read this book as opposed to others that communicate similar points more effectively.
September 23, 2024
This book has a great premise, and I agree with the central idea that we are to allow Jesus to inhabit us as a person rather than to simply see Him as a path/pattern/plan to follow. For me, this point was clearly made and then made again and again. I think the emphasis on the personal rather than programatic is a good and needed one, but the lines blur in how this is actually to be done or put in practice. Don't do what Jesus did- be who Jesus was- actually let Jesus be Jesus in you and through you. Great idea, but how can I be Jesus without following/imitating Him in His words and actions? I circled around this again and again, and in the end, I think much of the idea is sound and well-meant, but the implication seems to become more an exercising in being/doing many of the same things and just employing different vocabulary. This breakdown in communication could very well be more in my failure to think abstractly than the author's ability to convey the idea clearly.
December 31, 2025
This is a must read for those of us who are always preaching Jesus and red letter theology. There are some comments made that are a little more absolute than they need to be, but they are provocative enough to make you think.
With my master’s being in theology and social justice, I would have written their chapter on justice differently and I think I can make good arguments as to why. But even so, the heart of their point on Jesus-justice is solid and it offers a good critique on those who lose Jesus in the details once they dive into justice issues.
Great book. Would recommend.
With my master’s being in theology and social justice, I would have written their chapter on justice differently and I think I can make good arguments as to why. But even so, the heart of their point on Jesus-justice is solid and it offers a good critique on those who lose Jesus in the details once they dive into justice issues.
Great book. Would recommend.
January 30, 2022
Christ as our guide
I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. We are seeking the seeker, exiting a maze, discovering that Christ has been our guide to the in dwelling Presence we have been seeking. The chosen before time discovering the Eternal.
I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. We are seeking the seeker, exiting a maze, discovering that Christ has been our guide to the in dwelling Presence we have been seeking. The chosen before time discovering the Eternal.
October 11, 2019
Very good book about focusing on Christ. We would do much better not worrying about what everyone thinks or what pastors say, but looking to Jesus and following Him. He is to be our all in all, and followimg Him and loving others are the only commands of Christ under the New Covenant.
January 22, 2021
This book is a clear and profound revelation of Jesus Christ. It removes scales from your eyes to see Him and restores the closeness you once had with Him as a child. If amidst so much confusion you cannot find the Lord, this book will bring Him to you.
June 30, 2021
The Supremacy of Christ
This book serves as a great reminder of who Jesus is and of the fact that He dwells in us. It is reminder that we do not follow a religion but a person. He truly is all in all!
This book serves as a great reminder of who Jesus is and of the fact that He dwells in us. It is reminder that we do not follow a religion but a person. He truly is all in all!
January 1, 2022
I recommend this book to everyone who desires to draw closer to Almighty. You can’t do that without turning your eyes upon Jesus. The authors thoroughly explain the way how to become His loyal follower and gain His friendship. Beautifully done!
March 2, 2022
Beautiful book, which is a must read for everyone who follows Christ. This book changed my life back in 2014. It reset me.
Jesus Christ is so much more massive and all consuming than we can possibly comprehend or convey.
Jesus Christ is so much more massive and all consuming than we can possibly comprehend or convey.
December 2, 2022
This book opens by claiming it will be “Christ-Centered” and from start to finish, it never fails to deliver on that promise. I found myself highlighting paragraphs not sentences, stopping to pray, repent, & worship. A great and compelling read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews