The Mystery of Christ . . . and Why We Don't Get It

Among countless commentaries on the Bible and Christianity in general, this one deserves this highest praise. Like a skilled surgeon, Capon gently moves his reader through the maze of misrepresentations many of us heard and read in church or on t.v. toward the most convincing array of facts concerning not only the many sayings attributed to Jesus, but also to how we can confidently and safely live into the Way that He promised to us. I found so many useful interpretations and questions in this little volume that I will continue to study and admire it for decades to come. I urge anyone serious about Bible study and living Christianity to read this, one of Capon's best in my opinion.

I am not a Christian, and certainly not well read on the subject. But after living around strongly Christian influences my whole life, I feel safe in saying this book is the healthiest, most responsible expression of Christianity I've ever encountered. Anyone overwhelmed by guilt or anxiety over their salvation or what God wants from them will find this a tremendous lift. And anyone who puts themselves on a sanctimonious pedestal would do well to give it a go too!

This book was one of the most thought provoking books I've ever read on Christian theology. I read it my freshman year in college, shortly after I had renounced religion. Capon attacked all the elements of religion that I attacked but he answered all of the arguments. I may not have rediscovered religion from Capon's book, but it helped me to rediscover God.

If such concepts as "Both heaven and hell are populated with forgiven sinners", "God isn't in the sin-prevention business....He is in the sin-forgiving business", and "the argument between Cheap Grace and Costly Grace is ridiculous, because Grace is FREE", are intriguing to you, then get and read this book. It is a thought provoking delight!