Hole in Our Gospel - Review












Kara said...

Cory finished this book not long ago and I have sent this to him to read. I know he found some good stuff in there, so I can't wait to hear his take on it too!

chloeadele said...

thank you for this. i was one of those left confused.

Cory said...

Chris, I really liked this book and didn't pick up on the hints of "confusing the gospel" as you did. I can understand that someone who is passionate about a topic or issue will want to stess that belief with the strongest words possible, and I felt that was what Sterns was doing.

You did point out a few passages where if not read in context could be questionable, but I'm reminded of the strong language in the second half of James 2 that could also be confusing if not taken in context with the rest of the book and the Bible.

Is it just my eyes being opened recently or are more and more Christians not starting to agree with Sterns...that Christianity really requires some action to the poor and needy of this world? More than just giving a Christmas ham, but really showing the love of God to those who are desperate (financially and/or spiritually).

P.S. Please excuse all spelling errors

Chris Freeland said...

Hey Cory,

For me, the difference between the confusion Stearns introduces and the confusion around James 2 is that when you read the rest of James, the meaning of James 2 becomes more clear. To me, Stearns' book doesn't do that. To assert that "living lives that are characterized by Christ's concern for the poor" is "needed for our salvation" (p. 59) is a much different statement than James saying "faith without works is dead" when it comes to demonstrating our faith to others.

I think you're right that the tide seems to be turning outward from evangelical churches these days. That's a really good thing. My contention is that it should not be because people are trying to earn favor with God, but because they are so moved by the gratitude of what Jesus did for us that we can't help demonstrate that sacrifice to others.