AUTHOR: Rebecca McLaughlin
PUBLISHER: Wheaton, IL: Crossway Publishers, 2022, (208 pages).
If you have enjoyed the author's first book, "Confronting Christianity," this is essentially the sequel. Her first book provides credible arguments to deal with 12 roadblocks. This sequel deals with 9 encounters with Jesus. Recognizing how so many people in society reject Jesus without even knowing the content of the gospels, McLaughlin does the heavy lifting to summarize the life of Jesus from nine angles. Taking inspiration from all four gospels, she tells the story of Jesus in a manner like a stage musical. The nine encounters are in seeing:
- Jesus the Jew
- Jesus the Son
- Jesus the King
- Jesus the Healer
- Jesus the Teacher
- Jesus the Lover
- Jesus the Servant
- Jesus the Sacrifice
- Jesus the Lord
In "Jesus the Jew," McLaughlin defends the trustworthiness of the gospels and the reliability of the ancient manuscripts. She spends time comparing and contrasting the gospels with other extra-biblical texts before affirming the need to see Jesus as He is: That he was born a Jew. In "Jesus the Son," she explains the significance of Jesus becoming fully human. At the same time, Jesus is also "Jesus the King" which means there is a kingdom that has come and there is to come. For people who come to respect mere power, Jesus shows us that any power today is nothing compared to the Rule of Jesus. In "Jesus the Healer," McLaughlin reflects on the health crisis both personally as well as in general society. Only the sick need healing. Jesus heals us in ways that the world can never do. We then encounter "Jesus the Teacher," giving us a basis for moral truth. Just like the biblical injunction to speak the Truth in love, McLaughlin follows up with "Jesus the Lover" to show us the meaning of freedom and love. Jesus freely loves even when it means giving up his life. "Jesus the Servant" teaches us humility. "Jesus the Sacrifice" compels us to face the question of why would Jesus die for us. The final chapter summarizes Jesus as Lord. The author deals with the classic resurrection truth.
My Thoughts
Compared to her first book "Confronting Christianity," this book focuses more on the Person of Jesus Christ, and how we need to re-examine any doubts, questions, or skepticism about the Truth of the historical Jesus. Every chapter looks at a specific aspect of Jesus whose very character contrasts against the expectations of the world. Though himself a Jew, he did not limit his ministry only to Jews. He demonstrates inclusiveness. As a healer, he seeks out those who need healing and shows them something more eternal. Though he is king, he presents himself as a servant. At the end of the day, what readers will get is that no matter which way we look, the Person of Christ is already quite compelling. We can argue all the ideas or concepts our minds can think of. How do we argue against a person who came, who lived, who ministered, who died, and who rose from the dead? Unless we try to avoid Jesus altogether, the simple answer is we cannot. With multiple examples drawn from modern musicals, plays, movies, and the arts, McLaughlin skillfully guides the reader to face up to the reality of Jesus. I appreciate the "So What?" features in each chapter which crystallize the author's key points.
Compared to her first book "Confronting Christianity," this book focuses more on the Person of Jesus Christ, and how we need to re-examine any doubts, questions, or skepticism about the Truth of the historical Jesus. Every chapter looks at a specific aspect of Jesus whose very character contrasts against the expectations of the world. Though himself a Jew, he did not limit his ministry only to Jews. He demonstrates inclusiveness. As a healer, he seeks out those who need healing and shows them something more eternal. Though he is king, he presents himself as a servant. At the end of the day, what readers will get is that no matter which way we look, the Person of Christ is already quite compelling. We can argue all the ideas or concepts our minds can think of. How do we argue against a person who came, who lived, who ministered, who died, and who rose from the dead? Unless we try to avoid Jesus altogether, the simple answer is we cannot. With multiple examples drawn from modern musicals, plays, movies, and the arts, McLaughlin skillfully guides the reader to face up to the reality of Jesus. I appreciate the "So What?" features in each chapter which crystallize the author's key points.
The author deals with specific objections to the truth of Jesus throughout the book. From textual variants to the reliability of the Bible, the truth of the historical Jesus to teaching to love even our enemies, the truth of the gospel itself should challenge the world at large. The key point is this. Anyone serious about life must face up to the reality of Jesus Christ. This applies to both Christians as well as non-Christians. For the latter, it is an invitation to encounter Jesus as the gospels have recorded. For the former, it is a challenge to learn more and to increase our obedience to his teachings. The gospels tell the story of Jesus in a way that is impactful for daily living. Having given us nine routes to encounter Jesus, perhaps, the creative reader might find out more ways to learn of Jesus and to love him for who he is.
Rebecca McLaughlin (PhD, Cambridge University) is the author of Confronting Christianity, named Christianity Today’s 2020 Beautiful Orthodoxy Book of the Year. Her subsequent works include 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity; The Secular Creed; and Jesus through the Eyes of Women.
Rating: 4 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Crossway Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
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