Rating: 3 Stars
Release Date: 18 July 2023
Format: E-Book
Publisher: InterVarsity Press,IVP
From the Publisher:
Have you lost your footing in church? Or has the church lost its footing? Many of us feel unsteady, disoriented, even crushed after an endless string of scandals within the walls of a place meant to offer compassion and safety. Others feel forced to draw back or distance ourselves from the church. All the while, our instincts tell us this is not what Jesus wanted for his people. But what did he intend? After four decades of ministry, Anglican bishop Todd Hunter is no stranger to betrayal and pain in the church. Still, he has hope. He believes more than ever that Jesus is who the world needs and that Jesus has plans for his followers. In What Jesus Intended, Hunter offers a vision for emerging from the rubble of bad religion and rebuilding faith among a community of sincere believers. By unpacking the purposes of Jesus, we can expose twisted, toxic religion for what it is and embrace the true aims of the gospel. Come for a fresh hearing of Jesus—one that offers us the healing and goodness we've always longed for.
Personal Review:
"What Jesus Intended: Finding True Faith in the Rubble of Bad Religion" by Todd D. Hunter attempts to shed light on the essence of true faith in the midst of religious chaos.
While the book does offer some commendable aspects, such as well-researched citations and references and being Bible inspired, I feel that it falls short of understanding who its intended audience is.
One of the book's strengths is its extensive use of citations and references, which adds credibility to the author's arguments. Todd D. Hunter supports his claims with well-documented evidence from various religious texts and notable scholars, giving readers an opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter. The thoroughness of his research is evident and provides readers with a solid foundation for further exploration.
However, I felt the book's biggest flaw is its failure to understand its audience. Hunter assumes a level of knowledge and familiarity with religious concepts that may alienate or confuse readers who are new to Christianity. The assumptions about readers' prior experiences with the church hinder the accessibility and engagement of the book.
"What Jesus Intended" lacks a cohesive structure and clear direction. The book meanders between personal anecdotes, theological discussions, and historical analyses without a consistent thread to tie them together. As a result, readers may find it challenging to follow the author's train of thought and discern the main points he intends to convey.
Despite its shortcomings, "What Jesus Intended" does contain valuable insights and thought-provoking ideas. Hunter's emphasis on the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ rather than mere adherence to religious practices is commendable. Additionally, the book raises valid criticisms of institutionalized religion and challenges readers to reexamine their faith in light of Jesus' teachings.
Final Thoughts: While the book excels in providing well-researched citations and references, its lack of clarity about the intended audience hampers its effectiveness. It may still be of value to readers well-versed in religious discourse, but those seeking a more accessible exploration of faith might find themselves lost amidst the rubble of this book.
Disclaimer: Thank you Netgalley and InterVarsity Press,IVP for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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