Sensual Orthodoxy

We've just begun reading this in a church study group, so no review for content. However, the seller was efficient and timely in getting the book to me.

Debbie's sermons breathe new life into Biblical texts that for many, have become rote, lifeless, even unpalatable. Of the hundreds of sermons that I've heard/read, Debbie's stay imprinted on my psyche. I am inspired to let Jesus break the bondage of old and ugly ways in my life, because of the truly Good News that Debbie describes. Debbie's writing style is colorful, captivating and most importantly, honest.

When I read (or listen to) Debbie Blue's sermons, I find that my own thoughts and ideas about biblical interpretation and sermon crafting begin to fire like never before. Blue's insights are original and relevant; still, there is an ever-present sense that she is tapping into an ancient and well-grounded stream of consciousness. I read this book as a companion to Fred Craddock's Preaching, double-dutching Craddock's incredible insights into sermon-crafting methods and Blue's unbelievable application. No matter how you preach, or whether you preach, Blue's insights into these biblical passages offer a richness far beyond most.

As a former Bible-thumper, I know that most Bible-thumpers don't read the Bible, or don't read it very carefully. If they did, they just might leave their right-wing churches and find another way. Debbie Blue does read the Bible, and she brings a unique perspective to it, especially the Jesus parts. She's like someone who stumbled on it in a used bookstore and read it without all the cultural and religious baggage attached to it. The result is colorful, funny, and thought-provoking. Everybody in the church talks about that "fully God and fully man" business, but almost nobody really makes Jesus seem human. Debbie Blue is fully human herself: irreverant, obsessive, a little bit crazy. That allows her to see Jesus' humanity in a new way. This book will change the way you see the Bible, and possibly the Christian faith. If you have any interst in such matters, read it.

What a fantastic collection of fresh, creative, engaging sermons! Debbie has engaged many episodes from Jesus' life as well as a few parables and given them new life. She reminds us anew of how startling Jesus' life and ministry truly is. Occultists at the manger, the bloody mess of being born again, the gruesome sight of human beings being caught as fish, and the sexually charged and olfactory-overloaded foot-washing episode are some of the shocks that Debbie brings to our attention. The preface alone is worth the price of the book. Great book!