Self-Esteem: The New Reformation

Again, I am always astonished by those who throw blanket critiques at Robert Schuller without actually reading the book. Unlike many of Schullers books that contain numerous testimonies, "Self Esteem-The New Reformation" outlines the heart of Schuller's possibility thinking, and boldly calls for a Gospel that heals the soul. The indictment on sin as interpreted by the church at large is a great starting point for this thesis. Schuller is well researched in his claim that many churches call us to repentence without any kind of concern for human dignity or self worth. You've heard it a million times, "I'm a sinner saved by grace". But Jesus never called anyone that. The point Schuller is making is that the individual craves for value. And the church in it's attempt to minister has left out the healing value of lifting up the individual-THE WAY JESUS DID! It's this notion that the Gospel is a series of condemnations that will somehow transform the individual into this great person. The portrait of the wretched sinner is always at the forefront of today's Gospel message. What Schuller effectively argues is that this was never the intent of a loving, involved Creator. This is not I'm okay, you're okay theology. This is really what Jesus was all about. He always lifted the individual out of the mire. Schuller acknowledges sin and Satan, but does not dwell on their power. He says something so true, in that many Christians attribute too much power to Satan. And that the energy expended in worry is a misguided focus. We create devils to mask our own insecurities and to mimick the teachings of Christian leaders who rub our noses in our sins. This teaching is groundbreaking. It's liberating. And it's totally in line with Scripture. I know there are a myriad of verses in the new and old testament that would affirm the existence of our helplessness apart from Christ. You would intrepret them to mean we have little standing before God. But Jesus took sin upon Himself to unburden us from the impossibilities of the law. Those outside the church constantly hear of their sin and their depravity. These proclamations are not magnets to the church. Schuller believes in a Gospel that heals the hurts, injects hope, while not ignoring sin. This Gospel lifts up and affirms the individual which gives God glory and honor through his people. Why would God continue to smack us around even after we follow Him? This debate has shaken the church to it's core. What Schuller has rightly understood is that people already feel bad about their sin. Jesus should be there to give us something to feel good about. And the joy we have in Christ should not be trampled on each week by pastors who want to theologically say "gotcha" by ratcheting up the guilt, shame and wretchedness of us all. God through his son Jesus wants to pull us up out of the sin we're in without killing the God given dreams and ideas that he gives us as we pray and read the Bible. This is a remarkable breakthrough.

Everyone should read this book! It will mend broken lives. It will help you to realize your dreams !It will enable you to let God help you become what He dreamed you would become !