I recently read the book Unleashed by Erwin McManus. Unleashed strongly encourages the modern day Christian to be a barbaric Christian as Christ and his followers were. The author places a huge emphasis on following the spirit and acting like a barbaric Christian in today's society...not an easy task since so much has changed. The author achieves this through Biblical examples and personal stories, particularly from his and his children's life. There is a great emphasis on doing and acting and going out into the world to spread and live out the Gospel.
I've often struggled with this thought myself....that modern day Christians are not acting like Jesus' followers, the disciples. The author does a good job challenging the reader and making the reader uncomfortable with his/her present lifestyle. I always think it is good to be challenged in this way.
I did not particularly care for the writing style of the book. It didn't flow and felt a bit choppy at times. He also gave a lot of personal family stories which were interesting but I felt not always relevant. I also wish he would have focused also on God's grace and that is by grace we are saved, not works (in my prayful understanding of the Bible). I agree its good to be challenged to be more barbaric in my faith and life but I also think God's calling can look different in situations. Not everyone may be called to lead such a barbaric way and can serve Jesus just as faithfully and spiritually in quiet, unnoticed ways.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
