Common Grounds: Conversations about the Things That Matter Most

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

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.

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.

We all know what we believe. Common Grounds asks us why and challenges the foundation of those beliefs. I saw aspects of myself in all of the characters, forcing me to introspectively challenge myself. "Does my belief paradigm withstand Dr. MacGregor's tough but loving questions?" "Am I inconsistent in my beliefs out of pure selfishness?" "Am I making God who I want him to be, or am I allowing myself to understand who God is and to be shaped by his qualities?"Common Grounds discusses common but yet deep and important theological questions in a systematic, understandable, and non-threatening way. It is not a book for the Christian only. Any thoughtful person will appreciate it and be altered by it in some beneficial way. It is perfect for group discussion. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel.

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 about 9/11...was God in control that day? If everyone has a different story they live by, how do we figure out which story we should live by? Isn't everything religious people know or believe just personal opionion or tradition? This book is filled with good thinking that takes these types of questions seriously.I found myself frequently talking back to the characters, which is a sign of a compelling story: "Shut up, Brad. You don't know everything!"..."Jarrod, you're great guy, but you're kind of good sometimes"..."Good question, Lauren. That's exactly what I was thinking"..."Oh, good point, Dr. MacGregor. Why couldn't you be my grandfather?"I recommend it highly...and I'm buying copies for my friends.