Sarah's Reviews > Jesus > Religion: Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough

I read this book not primarily for myself, but with an eye toward the students I teach. I often want to point them to books that are wise and Jesus-centered, but most of those [that have meat] are at a reading level that is too complex for them, or just aren't engaging to them [particularly if they don't know Jesus]. I was very pleased after finishing this book - it covers most of the bases of things I'd want them to know and understand. I read a section of it in class the other day and they really were engaged.

Bethke has some good quotes in here, except that as a pretty well-read Christian I see where he steals most of his ideas. I don't feel like this book is anything groundbreaking in terms of theology or application, but just solid repackaging of truth for a younger generation. His bibliography in the back is helpful, as it points the reader toward the thinkers, pastors, and authors who very clearly influenced him.

I didn't give it 5 stars because the book as a whole doesn't quite flow as nicely as it could, and because the chapter on art and music seems a bit heavy-handed and harsh. It reminds me of Romans 14-15 in that I think he'll look back and realize that as one who enjoys Christian freedom he shouldn't impose that on everyone. Some people enjoy the art he deems cheesy. It's strange, too, because that chapter is the only one in which there seems to be a less than conciliatory tone.

Overall, really good book.