What If It's True? by Charles Martin

What If It's True? by Charles Martin ISBN-13: 9780785221326 Hardcover: 320 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Released: Jan. 29, 2019

Source: Review copy from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Years ago, Martin cracked open his Bible and began wrestling with a few fundamental questions. He asked, “What if every single word of Scripture is absolutely true and I can trust it? How do I respond? Something in me should change, but what? How?” This book is the result of that exploration.

Writing as our guide, he uses a storyteller’s imagination to illuminate key moments from the Scriptures, primarily from the life and ministry of Jesus. In addition, Martin shares key moments from his own journey as a disciple—and bondservant—of Christ and a mentor to others. The result is a striking exploration of truth that helps us to live differently.


My Review:
What If It's True? was part story format and part commentary. The author started the chapters with a scene from Scripture in which he filled out the details with speculation. He was pretty clear about what was directly from the Bible, what was his speculation, and what he based that speculation on. Many of the scenes were about the crucifixion or events leading up to the crucifixion, but one was based on a parable and another on an experience he had. After the scene, the author talked about what impresses him about how Jesus acted in that moment. He drew in Old Testament references and cultural background information that provided insight into the events. He ended each chapter with a long prayer about the theme he talked about in that chapter, like forgiveness.

While I liked the first half of the book, I had some problems starting in chapter 8. He's earnest and means well, but the focus of the book started to shift at that point. He urged Christians to repent for your ancestor's sins. While I can see confessing (stating what is true, like "I and my ancestors have sinned against you, God"), I don't agree that people can repent (turn away from) sins committed by your ancestors unless you are also committing them. This is a very long chapter as he tries to convince people that his view is true, but I was not convinced. The next chapter centered around a semi-fictionalized conversation between him and God. Happily, he did get back to focusing on scenes from the Bible before the end.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.