Christianity isn’t free.
That’s not a financial statement. It’s an assessment of the state of the movement started almost 2000 years ago by Jesus and how it seems to have been turned on its head. Christianity is no longer about freedom.
Brian Tome, pastor of Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, doesn’t like it one bit. He doesn’t like the “un-free” version of of Christianity, that is. He doesn’t think that Jesus likes it, either. In place of what was meant to be he sees a religion of fear, guilt, legalism and oppression masquerading as Jesus’ teachings. He takes on the way things are in Free Book.
Tome works to clear up the misconceptions as he explores a Jesus-centered path that leads to freedom based on what God does for us, not what we do for God. This path is solely about our response to the gift of a new identity made possible by forgiveness.
Lest you think that Tome’s position is “can’t we all just love God and each other,” he explores the struggles that are common to many who are committed to the path of freedom. Yes…struggle is a part of that journey. As Tome coins the phrase, there are “blahs, blues, breaks and blessings.” That’s an interesting expression of the tension between Grace and Truth. Yep, he takes on that seemingly oil-water mix.
You may not enjoy Tome’s un-helmeted motorcycle rides, brash attitude and unpolished grammar. This book is not written or edited well, nor is it polite. In spite of its rough edges, unless you enjoy judgmentalism-as-sport during Sunday school or in small group, this book has something important for you…a fresh look at freedom.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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