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Designer Jesus: The Lifestory of a Disciple

by Leonard Sweet (Goodreads Author)

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Rick Bartlett said: " Leonard Sweet's Designer Jesus offers a fresh perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. By focusing on specific aspects of his physicality, Sweet invites readers to explore the human side of Jesus and to consider the practical implications of h Leonard Sweet's Designer Jesus offers a fresh perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. By focusing on specific aspects of his physicality, Sweet invites readers to explore the human side of Jesus and to consider the practical implications of his example for their own lives. This innovative approach is both thought-provoking and inspiring. As a former student of Dr. Sweet, I have had the privilege of witnessing first hand his ability to inspire and challenge his readers. His latest work continues this tradition of thought-provoking and transformative theology.

Sweet offers a fresh perspective on Jesus by focusing on specific aspects of his physicality. By examining Jesus's walk, touch, face, mouth, and nose, Sweet invites readers to explore an untapped side of Jesus and to consider the practical implications of his example. This innovative approach creatively refocuses our thoughts and challenges us to evaluate our own lives in a new and meaningful way.

I especially appreciated the first chapter on Jesus “walk.” As someone who has walked for exercise all of my adult life, I found the image and challenge especially moving for my own life of discipleship. In this chapter, Sweet says the best definition for a Christian is “walker-with-God” (page 58). He goes on to say that Paraclete, a Greek word John uses for the Holy Spirit in John 14, translates literally as “one who walks alongside.”

This image of walking as a metaphor for a life of faith has been picked up by other authors like John Bunyon, Kosuke Koyama, and Charles Foster. Sweet takes it one step further by weaving Jesus walk/gait/stride into a challenge for those of us who wish to follow the author of our faith. I found this chapter applicable in numerous ways.

A valuable feature of Designer Jesus is the "Studio Live" section at the end of each chapter. This section offers thought-provoking questions and reflections that encourage deeper engagement with the material. As a former pastor, I can envision Designer Jesus being used effectively in a book club or small group setting, thanks to its built-in discussion guide.

The book is easily accessible to all, the reader doesn’t need a theological degree to understand the concepts. Sweet also provides an extensive set of footnotes for further study or to satisfy the curious.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deeping their life of discipleship and to grow in new ways. ...more "

Sep 20, 2024 09:37AM · see review