Customer Reviews

The Jesus Proposal: A Theological Framework for Maintaining the Unity of the Body of Christ

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Rubel and John have written a superb book calling us back to a theology centered on the mindset and heart of Jesus. The book also calls us to leave our common institutional theology that produces a sectarian mindset. The "proposal" is that RELATIONSHIPS will become the filter and lens for our discipleship, not institutions. They do a superb job of showing the reader how scripture calls us to this relational theology over and over again. They equally do a great job communicating HOW and WHY we evolved into a people that became
institutional motivated in our discipleship.

Not everyone will have ears to hear this call to become more Christ centered as opposed to institutional centered. Not everyone had ears 2,000 years ago either.

I could not put this book down. I kept saying to myself, "He is saying what I have been thinking for years." I am tired of the competitiveness all too often in Christianity. "I am right and you are wrong, therefore we cannot worship together." Or, "I have it figured out." "You have love and happiness, but I have truth." This "superior" thinking drives me crazy and Satan loves it. He loves a divided Jesus following.

This book demonstrates how we should all be working together to learn God's will and truth. We do this best together. When we disagree theologically we should continue as brothers and sisters.

Can a man striving to know God's will be incorrect and still saved? Well, let's see. Not according to some. But then, what about Jesus' apostles? Were they not wrong in some of their beliefs about Jesus and His coming? Were they lost? God is their judge and our judge. This books formulates a new thinking of peace and unity so we can fight the real enemy, Satan.

I've enjoyed hearing in person the many sermons on which this book was based. It's high time - not, it's past time - we Christians united on that which unites us, a shared faith in the saving grace of the crucified and resurrected Christ, rather than on the human traditions and failings that separate us. I no longer care if you worship in church where the service is like a rock concert or where they sing nothing written after 1950, and sing it with only a piano or even a capella. You and I are worshiping the same Father and the same Son.

I would also recommend Tod Bolsinger's excellent book, It Takes a Church to Raise a Christian.