The Trouble with Jesus

This is one of those books that gives you a pinch to find out if you're really staying awake as a Christian, and not falling into the current trend into a world of many religions all being acceptable. It very carefully points out the signs of this happening all around us, and then arms the reader with the many scriptures that point to the exclusivity of Christ that should be our standard, and we shouldn't be embarrassed by representing that in our lives. This book contains much good advice of whose we are as well as what we should do in this world as we represent Him. Very uplifting and strengthening.

My sister-in-law loaned me this book. At first, the first three chapters grabbed me by the throat ~~ then it winds down to a theology book that just serves to remind me of what it is like to be a Christian in today's world. It starts out with the author's regret that we cannot mention Jesus' name in today's society ~~ and the fact that America is now a paganized country. That alone is controversial but the entire book is controversial as well. After talking about how America is now a paganized country, he mentions on how to be the "Light and Salt" of the earth to minister to today's society. Stowell has some very good points in that Christians today need to stop preaching and start practicing the acts of Jesus in order to bring light to the world. It is a very short and very interesting book ~~ I wish it had more information on the early Christians and how it impacted the Roman Empire. It could use more substance to its stories and ideas and theories. But as a small book, this is a great start for those who are interested in knowing more about Christianity. 12-1-04

Mr. Stowell has excellent observations on the condition of today's society and the fact that Christians face something worse than persecution - today's committed Christian is unpopular. The good news, he points out, is that we have a roadmap in the New Testament for dealing with today's world. Early Christians were plagued with people misunderstanding and mislabeling them. They stood out because they would not pledge themselves to Cesar over Jesus.The book is small but full of challenging wisdom and advice. I read it once and immediately started reading it again to fully grasp the concepts presented. It helps focus the reader on what it means to be "salt" and "light" to the world.

In "The Trouble With Jesus" author Joseph Stowell examines how having a Jesus-centric belief system has become an unpopular position since the events of 9-11. Before the several years prior to 9-11 people were losing interest in religion at an increasing rate. However, the calamity of that day brought many back seeking answers and seeking God. But something is very different with Christianity since the Twin Towers attacks. With the Islamic extremists claiming responsibility many have balked at the idea of Jesus as the one and only way to heaven. Instead everywhere we turn everyone is singing the same refrain that we all worship the same God but in different ways. Joseph Stowell uses several Bible verses to point out that this is not consistent with traditional Christianity and flies in direct contradiction with what the Bible has to say about Jesus. "The Trouble with Jesus" is a book that conservative Christians will enjoy and find motivating. Among liberals some will find it encouraging and others will find it a fine example of the trouble with Jesus.