Jesus Mean and Wild: The Unexpected Love of an Untamable God

I read constantly, but am embarrassed to admit that I seldom take the time to review one I have read. This is the first book I have felt genuinely driven to do this for. I even listed this book in our family's Christmas Letter this year as THE book to read if you only read one. I have not read any of the other reviews for this same book and had not heard anything about it prior to reading it. The angle that the author comes from will disturb some I am sure because he doesn't dwell on the mushy gushy, loves you like crazy no matter what you do, and talks sweet to everyone Jesus that many of us were raised relating to. Although Galli does not follow those character traits throughout the Bible, the ones (Mean and Wild as opposed to Meek and Mild) that he does emphasize, he backs up with Scripture. The topics covered in this book are so relevant today. The chapter called Good Warnings especially hit home with me. I have several family members who are not only not saved, but also believe that people who attempt to share the Gospel with them are "shoving their beliefs down their throat". This chapter explains very well why we are to continue to share and why not sharing is not a loving way to act. The chapter on High Demand Religion compares the mega churches of today with smaller more community based churches. It is not necessary to read the book from start to finish. In fact my 16 yo daughter gave me the book saying - Mom, just read the chapter titled It's Not Nice to be Nice and see what you think. I was hooked immediately! Read the rest of the book in order of which chapters intrigued me the most and then went out and bought my own copy so I could read it again and make notes and underline and highlight - not allowed to do that to her books. Galli uses many analogies to make his points clear so that this is not a tough read even for those not well versed in the Bible. I wish there were a way to make every one of my family members read it. I have to admit I can't afford to buy new copies of the book over and over again, but this is the number one book I look for at Half-Price books when I am there. I have purchased and given away several copies already and will continue to do so.

After 25 years as a Christian, it's unusual to pick up a book about Jesus that's totally fresh. This book was on my pastor's recommended reading list, and now I see why. Galli's insights and perspective are "unexpected" but welcome jolts out of my culturally saturated world-view. I'm actually only on chapter five, but have been blown away so far, not only by the content of Galli's thinking but also by the skill of his writing and story weaving. I highly recommend this book to any believer, or non-believer for that matter. It's as though Galli helps the reader peek into another side of Jesus and Christianity to see beyond many of the stereotypical interpretations of certain Biblical events.

Galli's book is a refreshing counterbalance to the watered-down pseudo-Jesus of our narcissistic, overly therapeutic culture. This is a "must-read' item for anyone who takes Jesus seriously!

The modern church has long portrayed Jesus as meek and nice - but Mark Galli, editor of Christianity Today, offers up a new interpretation of Jesus as he's presented in Mark's Gospel, revealing a militant Christ. Biblical history, stories of saints, and discussions portray a deeper personality and purpose: one which may not be as safe and smooth, but which is ultimately more challenging and revealing. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Awesome book. This work is "simply profound". It is full of truth and gives a view of Jesus that is truely lacking in the American church today. Everyone needs to meet this Jesus. Prepare to be stirred, challenged, and perhaps a bit frightened. After reading this, introduce this Jesus to your congregations, your families, your friends and most of all "the lost".