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brittishliterature's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I liked this one. I think audiobook is a great format for engaging with Rob Bell's books - the writing style works great with it and he makes for a great narrator.
mloadholdt's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
christie_esau's review
3.0
As with the other Rob Bell books I've read (or started reading), I really struggled with his style of writing. I find that it can be useful in short spurts, but is otherwise distracting.
The ideas presented in the book, however, are something I am a big fan of, and thus am happy that I read this book. I'll need to pick up a copy for myself so I can transfer the end notes into footnotes.
The ideas presented in the book, however, are something I am a big fan of, and thus am happy that I read this book. I'll need to pick up a copy for myself so I can transfer the end notes into footnotes.
theremightbecupcakes's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
juliasilge's review
4.0
I didn't plan my reading this way, but this turned out to be the perfect book for me to read during Passover. The authors make the argument that the story of Exodus is central to our understanding of who Jesus is and what He is doing, and provides spiritual insight into our circumstances as Christians, with particular applications for rich American Christians who meet in air-conditioned churches and never miss a meal.
The Israelites were enslaved and oppressed but God brought them out to freedom, rescue, and redemption. After they were liberated, blessing and peace eventually gave way to misuse of power and wealth and a mistaken sense of favoritism. This wrongheadedness is indicated most clearly in how they treated the marginalized and oppressed. These failures eventually result in exile, a new oppression, and leave the Jewish nation (and us) in need of a New Exodus (as Rob Bell styles it) that eventually finds its fulfillment in the person of Jesus. I found this book's reflections on this story really fresh and thought-provoking-- Example 1: what an interesting perspective on the 10 commandments... Example 2: the thoughts on empire (both political and religious) are insightful and cautionary. The main lesson that is laid out here for Christians is that Jesus wants to save us from the mire of comfort, self-preservation, and irrelevance through the Church using its resources to address bondage, poverty, and all that is broken in the world. So... Happy Pesach!
The Israelites were enslaved and oppressed but God brought them out to freedom, rescue, and redemption. After they were liberated, blessing and peace eventually gave way to misuse of power and wealth and a mistaken sense of favoritism. This wrongheadedness is indicated most clearly in how they treated the marginalized and oppressed. These failures eventually result in exile, a new oppression, and leave the Jewish nation (and us) in need of a New Exodus (as Rob Bell styles it) that eventually finds its fulfillment in the person of Jesus. I found this book's reflections on this story really fresh and thought-provoking-- Example 1: what an interesting perspective on the 10 commandments... Example 2: the thoughts on empire (both political and religious) are insightful and cautionary. The main lesson that is laid out here for Christians is that Jesus wants to save us from the mire of comfort, self-preservation, and irrelevance through the Church using its resources to address bondage, poverty, and all that is broken in the world. So... Happy Pesach!
rachelfsreads's review
5.0
One of my fave Rob Bell books. An honest, although sometimes painful, look at Christianity in America.
misfitmoxie's review
3.0
I think this is probably a lower rating than it deserves, but I read it directly after another book of his which was positively impacting. Also, I am reading this many years and deep revelations (for Mr. Bell) after having written it. Good insights,though. I just think both he and I have moved farther down the path. I do wish I would have found this earlier in my journey - I would have known I wasn't alone.
chrisbaker1981's review
5.0
A very challenging book. Written a few years ago--still just as relevant today.
Also makes for an interesting read during a political season. Highly recommended.
Also makes for an interesting read during a political season. Highly recommended.