Cazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless Godby Francis Chan
Francis and Lisa Chan founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, CA in 1994. He writes some about his biography in the book but otherwise I did not find a lot about him from the web.
There is a web site for the book, too: crazylovebook.com.
Chan talks about how many Christians become so without really having a clear understanding of God's character and the resulting, "crazy" love that He displays towards us.
Moreover he says that if we really grasp God's character and love that there is really only one valid response on our part. That is our unrestrained, "crazy" love for God.
He goes on to discuss this idea in several different ways. The chapters are relatively short and easy to read and appreciate. He uses a good many Scripture references and intersperses them clearly and artfully. On my Kindle the default font size was rather large but easily changed.
There were for me several notable and memorable places in the book.
One chapter discusses the parable of the soils and Chan writes "Don't assume you are good soil." I smiled when I read that for several reasons. We do often find it easier to associate ourselves with the hero than the villain.
Another chapter discusses what it means to be lukewarm and Chan declares that a lukewarm Christian is simply an oxymoron -- not possible.
Yet another place he says that a Christian life really should not make sense to non-believers. I smiled again.
I think I most enjoyed the little examples of actual people who have sold out entirely to the Lord. I think Chan does those particularly well.
In thinking about the book now that I have finished I realize that I did not really enjoy it as much as I had expected before I began reading. Partly I think that's because of high expectations.
I do agree with so much of what Chan says though and much of what he does is well done I think.
When I read something like this though I always worry that some might feel a need for greater human works than greater faith. Chan does not say this by any stretch. But I do worry about it.
It is a worthwhile read I think.
3 comments:
I find myself intrigued by your statement about works and faith. That in itself would be a great discussion.
Understanding real love is never easy for any of us, I fear. Thanks for the review.
I think I might find this book very interesting. I've been in a pre-Catholic class for quite some time now and the different reasons that people express for being interested in Catholicism are really thought-provoking. I think I'll have to look for this one.
Thanks!
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