“In fact, we were both captivated by an idea that was brand-new to us. God’s strategy for redemption on the earth was to be carried out by the church.” (p. 7) The authors of Rumors of God liken the present state of the Church in the United States to the moments before the sinking of the Titanic, with the saddened quartet playing amidst the chaotic seaboard travelers. On the contrary, as the quote above suggests, they do not believe that it needs to remain that way. The authors, Darren and Jon, believe that the People of God can be renewed in the present day. Do not sit around saddened, but stand up out of your grave! What a powerful message to the heartbroken church members who fill the pews today. Let’s be honest, things have been and currently are pretty ugly. After all, Churches are run by humans — what can you expect? Maybe there in lies the problem. The Great Sculptor is not allotted His own space to work, and too many other’s elbows are getting in His way. The first couple of chapters address this very notion. The present state of the Church needs addressed and tailored. It is out of shape and where do the authors go to for guidance? The Gospels. As Jesus’ redeeming work transformed/transforms the world, so to much it act within the walls of the Church. And it must penetrate your heart and my heart. Faith is not to be heard as a faint reverberating idea, lost in the ancient past. For the authors of Rumors of God, it starts with a reassessment of the Gospel.
*This book was free with my promise to post an unbiased review.
