Cover

Bob Dutko
by MDM4M Staff

FLINT
Interviewed
by MDM4M Staff

Transforming
a Man's Emotions
by Warwick Cooper

Review:
Rock Stars on God
by Ryan Richardson

The Addiction
by David Chipp-Smith

Health & Fitness
by Jeff Consiglio

Review:
Following Jesus
by Stephen Barkley

God's Promises
Part II
by Colin Michael

Review: Welcome
To Diverse City
by Ryan Richardson



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Following Jesus:

A Non-religious Guidebook For The Spiritually Hungry

By Dave Roberts, Lake Mary: Relevant Books, 2004
A Review by Stephen Barkley

Have you ever heard this expression: "You've got a firm grasp of the obvious"? It's often used with contempt, but I need to use it sincerely to complement Roberts' insight in Following Jesus. Christians have a tendency to become spiritual pack-rats. We collect traditions and teachings from the diverse religious experiences we have. Eventually it becomes difficult to discern the truth from the trivial. Anyone who has ever heard, "cleanliness is next to godliness," quoted as scripture will understand what I'm saying.

Roberts manages to cut through the baggage straight to the core of Christianity: following Christ! His message is simple. Jesus was a rebel who acted in ways that made religious people uncomfortable. Scripture's call to Christ likeness demands that we do the same.

The centre of Roberts' book is a description of the way we learn to follow Christ. He lists seven main "Learning Paths":

1. We learn by telling stories
2. We learn by doing
3. We learn by reflecting upon our faith-roots
4. We learn by remembering God's work in our lives
5. We learn by watching others
6. We learn by God's revelation
7. We learn with all of our senses

There is nothing but solid biblical teaching here. The more interesting and controversial material comes in the ten chapters of material before and after the learning paths.

One of the best moments in this book comes with chapter 13 entitled, "Living in Graceland." Here Roberts manages to describe growing up in a traditional evangelical church perfectly. "Your faith was hemmed in by extra-biblical boundaries that helped you remain on the straight and narrow" (127). This enforced legalism has produced ineffective Christians who are paralyzed by guilt. This is not to say that guilt is wrong-when properly applied: "It's a good handbrake, but a poor steering wheel" (125).

At times, this book can be controversial. It is refreshing to hear someone deride the standard views of Christian subculture. In his last chapter Roberts talks about the need for more grass-roots Christianity. Instead of focusing on electing Christian figures to influence government, we should all take personal responsibility to influence society where we are. Roberts ultimately resists the desire to legally impose Christian morality on others: "Christians will not seek to legislate against the everyday practices of others or use the power of the state to enforce a specific religion as the national state religion" (184).

This is a book for daring Christians. If you feel unsatisfied with your current Christian life, and are willing to radically rethink what following Christ means, this book is for you. Whether you agree with Roberts on every detail or not, he will make you think.

Unfortunately, the logical structure of this book is somewhat hard to follow, and he can be repetitive at times. (You will hear about the 24-7 prayer movement more than once!) Still, reading this book is like mining for gold-the payoff far outweighs the difficulty. Take the time to renew your grasp of the obvious and follow Jesus.