“Brad, Lauren, and Jarrod sit around a table at Common Grounds, enjoying their weekly Sunday evening get-together. The three are old college friends and, like many of their classmates, they started their careers in Houston . . . they make time on Sunday evenings to catch up, laugh, and compare notes on life . . . ” Three friends all at different places in the journey. A Southern Baptist, a nonpracticing Catholic, and a non-believer all meet a retired seminary professor who becomes their Socratic guide to explore Christ’s teachings.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
A friend sent me a copy of this book. Even though I wasn't really interested in Christian doctrine or even "things that matter," I did pick up the book. It immediately captured my attention. I really liked how engaging the writing was and how interesting and real the characters seemed to be. That Professor MacGregor fellow seemed like a truly intellectual and compassionate person, so the conversations he has with the other characters kept me turning the pages. I think lots of folks would be surprised at how fascinating they find the book if they pick it up. Mr. Glenn Lucke really has a gift, and I hope he keeps using it.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It seems that "theological novels" are becoming increasingly popular. Of course English literature began with a theological novel in the form of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. In more recent years we have seen a series by Richard Belcher that has been quite popular in Reformed circles and Brian McLaren's somewhat notorious series, popular in Emerging Church circles, that began with A New Kind of Christian. A recent addition to this list is Common Grounds written by Glenn Lucke and Ben Young.
Ben Young is a Southern Baptist who is associate pastor of worship at the inconceivably huge Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Glenn Lucke is a graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary and leads Docent Communications Group. Their relationship and a common concern about the lack of theological understanding in the young people they interacted with, led them to write a book presenting the basics of the faith. As they began to write the book evolved into its current narrative format.
Common Grounds is the story of three friends who are all at different places in life. Brad is a nominally Baptist investment banker; Lauren is an unbelieving former Catholic corporate attorney; Jarrod is a Charismatic graduate student in philosophy. These three friends gather each Sunday evening to talk and share their lives with each other. One day Brad meets a new friend, a semi-retired professor of theology. He invites this man to join their group and the professor begins to mentor them in the faith, presenting to them the foundations of Christian doctrine. These weekly conversations address critical doctrines such as sin, evil, revelation (both natural and special), sovereignty, and more.
This book is notable for at least two reasons. First, the doctrine presented is Scripturally-sound and consistent with Reformed theology. Second, the authors present a way of evangelizing people that is geared to a postmodern generation. They employ the twin concepts of narrative and story to present sound doctrine in a way that will appear to postmoderns more than the traditional abstract propositions one might find in a classic book like Evidence that Demands a Verdict. Today's generation is less-likely to be persuaded by a cold, rationalist presentation of the facts, and more likely to be persuaded by the presentation of a person's own testimony or story. Common Grounds will help believers understand how this can be effective.
My only concern with the book was that there was no clear presentation of the gospel. This postmodern method of evangelism can be effective, but only if it includes the gospel! My concern was alleviated, though, when Glenn Lucke sent me the following in an email. "The 3 key missing words on the last page are 'To Be Continued.' Book 2 is largely done but needs revision as MacGregor continues to teach Brad and Jarrod more deeply about the Christian faith and to explain it to skeptic Lauren." Common Grounds is only the first chapter of the story. I look forward to reading the continuation of this fascinating dialogue. I echo Al Mohler's endorsement where he writes, "If you want to reach the postmodern generation, read this book and give it to your friends."
Ben Young is a Southern Baptist who is associate pastor of worship at the inconceivably huge Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Glenn Lucke is a graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary and leads Docent Communications Group. Their relationship and a common concern about the lack of theological understanding in the young people they interacted with, led them to write a book presenting the basics of the faith. As they began to write the book evolved into its current narrative format.
Common Grounds is the story of three friends who are all at different places in life. Brad is a nominally Baptist investment banker; Lauren is an unbelieving former Catholic corporate attorney; Jarrod is a Charismatic graduate student in philosophy. These three friends gather each Sunday evening to talk and share their lives with each other. One day Brad meets a new friend, a semi-retired professor of theology. He invites this man to join their group and the professor begins to mentor them in the faith, presenting to them the foundations of Christian doctrine. These weekly conversations address critical doctrines such as sin, evil, revelation (both natural and special), sovereignty, and more.
This book is notable for at least two reasons. First, the doctrine presented is Scripturally-sound and consistent with Reformed theology. Second, the authors present a way of evangelizing people that is geared to a postmodern generation. They employ the twin concepts of narrative and story to present sound doctrine in a way that will appear to postmoderns more than the traditional abstract propositions one might find in a classic book like Evidence that Demands a Verdict. Today's generation is less-likely to be persuaded by a cold, rationalist presentation of the facts, and more likely to be persuaded by the presentation of a person's own testimony or story. Common Grounds will help believers understand how this can be effective.
My only concern with the book was that there was no clear presentation of the gospel. This postmodern method of evangelism can be effective, but only if it includes the gospel! My concern was alleviated, though, when Glenn Lucke sent me the following in an email. "The 3 key missing words on the last page are 'To Be Continued.' Book 2 is largely done but needs revision as MacGregor continues to teach Brad and Jarrod more deeply about the Christian faith and to explain it to skeptic Lauren." Common Grounds is only the first chapter of the story. I look forward to reading the continuation of this fascinating dialogue. I echo Al Mohler's endorsement where he writes, "If you want to reach the postmodern generation, read this book and give it to your friends."
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Katie Rooney
Format:Paperback
From the first paragraph this book captivated my attention as it became a true page-turner. The theology is understandable for anyone - Christian or not - and some of the faith's most difficult questions are clearly explained. At the same time, the simple frame of the story doesn't detract from the messages being conveyed. I found this book to be cleverly written and hope another book will follow the first.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
interesting
i believe there are certain topics that you need to discuss with a potential mate/significant other, and this book seems to be the middle ground between where you are now and where... Read more
Published on June 9, 2009 by Holly C. Cooper
5.0 out of 5 stars
Common Grounds: worthwhile read
I've read this book twice, the first time in one sitting. It's a great book for taking a look at Christian doctrines without having to crack an intimidating theology textbook. Read more
Published on May 3, 2008 by J. T. Rothman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining and Thought-provoking
What Mr. Lucke has done with this novel has provided threads through which I can converse with close friends regarding topics I might otherwise avoid. Read more
Published on February 20, 2006 by J. Broyles
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thought provoking and fun
A good friend of mine gave me this book as I was looking for a deeper understanding of my faith and what I believe in. Read more
Published on June 4, 2005 by Karen Sottosanti
5.0 out of 5 stars
Take and Read
Reading "Common Grounds" is like overhearing any conversation in your local java hut--where people reflect on life and how to live it. Read more
Published on April 27, 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fresh...Clear...Today!
I am amazed at this book. As I continually ask the questions, " How is the gospel pertinent to me...a believer for 15 years?' this book answered that question. Read more
Published on April 21, 2004 by Amanda L Raska
5.0 out of 5 stars
Putting Your Beliefs to the Test
We all know what we believe. Common Grounds asks us why and challenges the foundation of those beliefs. Read more
Published on December 17, 2003 by Steve Dollinger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Is there a 2nd volume?....I want more.
Not only does Common Grounds deal with "the things that matter most" but it also offers thoughtful answers to some of the toughest questions: If God is on control, what... Read more
Published on October 25, 2003 by Justin Holcomb
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful!
This is a terrific book for students graduating high school and those attending university for it addresses key theological and apologetic issues that they will encounter. Read more
Published on October 20, 2003 by John
5.0 out of 5 stars
Theology made real
This book is one of the best ways I've seen theology communicated in applicable and understandable means. Read more
Published on October 19, 2003 by Rusty Kelley Jr.
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