tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433903114291815498.post4106054863044647544..comments2023-11-03T07:25:07.168-05:00Comments on ChristFocus Book Club: Book Review: ExtraordinaryDebbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898393424567867155noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433903114291815498.post-22700274151096131932009-10-07T10:47:33.419-05:002009-10-07T10:47:33.419-05:00Kevin Sorensen,
Thank you for dropping by and sta...Kevin Sorensen,<br /><br />Thank you for dropping by and starting a discussion about this book. I always enjoy discussing a book or theological view. :)<br /><br />I stated I was okay with chapter two because at that point I was still trying to give Bevere the benefit of the doubt and decided to let his "esteem" argument pass without comment.<br /><br />I agree that if we use the usual definition of esteem (to regard highly or favorably; regard with respect or admiration) that Bevere's statements about God esteeming us more than Himself are wrong. God doesn't view anyone as more worthy of respect or admiration than Himself (and very rightly so).<br /><br />However, I thought from the context that Bevere was using a less common definition of esteem (to set a value on). It sounds odd to say that Jesus set a higher value on us than Himself because it seems to say Jesus saw Himself as having less value than us. However, I gave Bevere the benefit of the doubt and decided he was trying to say that God/Jesus knew His own matchless value but still set such a high value on us that He was willing to save us at great pain and cost to Himself.<br /><br />But that section could be understood the way you did, so I'll willingly say that the "esteem" arguments are questionable. Also note that I wouldn't give this book to anyone or use his arguments.Debbie of ChristFocusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3433903114291815498.post-58054303204941646552009-10-07T09:59:00.014-05:002009-10-07T09:59:00.014-05:00Debbie, I thank you for your review and your hones...Debbie, I thank you for your review and your honesty. I too, was asked to review this book. I opened it with some trepidation and sadly, I wasn't disappointed. Bevere's moving from grace being that unmerited gift from God to a power, not unlike the "Force" from Star Wars, that we can draw upon to wield great power on earth was very troubling. I think the bible teaches that this is God's Holy Spirit in us, not His grace (not that grace isn't there; Scriptures just never speak of grace working in this way).<br /><br />I'm wondering, however, about your agreement with chapter 2. I found this chapter the most disturbing of all. In fact, when I read it, I nearly tore the pages out and threw the book away. I think I know what Bevere's trying to say: God created us and God "don't make no junk!" so therefore, finding us so special, He seeks to show His love for us and thus sends His Son to die for us. It's bad theology saturated with modern pop psychology, but I can live with that since it might be excused as having never been taught any better. But to say flat out, as Bevere does, that God esteems us more than Himself is, at the least blasphemous, and at the worst, heretical. God tells us in Isaiah 48.11 that He will share His glory with no one. Esteeming us more than Himself means that there is someone more lovely and worthy of love than God, thus rendering God somewhat less lovely and therefore, no longer God.<br /><br />I could get past Bevere's muddled view of grace in the latter chapters. While not quite the Health, Wealth and Prosperity Gospel's mantra, it certainly has had strong influence from that camp. But chapter two did me in. I only hope, my strong reaction hasn't offended you (I only wanted your thoughts on this again) and doesn't get me shut out from WaterBrook and reviewing further books!<br /><br />Thanks.Kevin Sorensenhttp://www.aclutteredmind.orgnoreply@blogger.com