Where's Your Jesus Now?: Examining How Fear Erodes Our Faith

This is an extraordinary book in so many ways. The edginess of the writing combined with the humor and honesty is reason alone to read it but the way Karen directs us back to God - the Author and Finisher of our faith is what did it for me. Faith does not mean we don't question, wonder or doubt sometimes. It means we are confident that God is Who he says He is and He is not threatened by such doubts and questions. We are called to always be ready to give a reason for our hope. Even in the face of our imperfections; we are wonderfully reminded that THE GREAT I AM IS!!! This book will comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Good writing may do that sometimes. Excellent writing does that oftenn and this is an excellent book everyone should read - especially those who claim Him as Lord.

I was privileged to meet Karen recently at a writer's conference, where she gave a compassionate keynote luncheon address (not a dry eye in the house!) and a thought-provoking workshop session, in which she elaborated on several of the essays in this book. If you're from the South, you understand her bravery in speaking about how the churches in our neighborhoods are so inhuman with their stand on homosexuality, not to mention our soldiers in Iraq and other political issues. She has enough faith to stand firm in her beliefs, and I admire her for doing so. The book has a great, Southern voice; it's like having Karen call on you for an inspiring afternoon of faith and fellowship. I also loved her book "After the Flag Is Folded" - the story of her family's trials after her father was killed in Vietnam. I hope to read more of Karen's "conversations" in the future!

In a series of essays, many pulled from the author's days as a crime reporter, she delves into the mystery of faith and the grip of fear that many American Christians have allowed into their lives. Her first essay answers her question (Where's Your Jesus Now?) with chilling honesty. Other essays tackle controversial subjects not often discussed in today's church culture: the demonization of Muslims, the Iraq War; homosexuality in the church. The tone is conversational and tolerant; her answers surprising. Nice to see American Christians entertaining new notions of faith and discussing them with such frankness.

Where's Your Jesus Now is a must read for all people of all faiths. Karen Spears Zacharias draws from experience as she takes the reader through her own journey from fear to faith. Zacharias will have you crying one minute and laughing the next as she addresses serious issues from cancer to terrorism. She is an honest and clever writer, who will without a doubt challenge your beliefs and make you think twice about your own fears.

Karen Spears Zacharias's WHERE'S YOUR JESUS NOW? is like a hot summer porch of faith, love, and friendship. Told with candor and courage, Zacharias shares stories of faith and joy - both her own and the people she meets. She does it with tremendous grace and humor and makes us all feel a little more connected along the way.